Bengaluru: There seems to be no end to controversies surrounding state syllabus textbooks. After glaring spelling errors, now teachers and readers allege that the textbook review committee has targeted all those who are against various schemes of the present state government.
The state syllabus textbooks were reviewed by the textbook review committee, headed by well-known writer Prof. Baraguru Ramachandrappa. After nearly a two-year exercise, the textbooks were introduced from this academic year.
The latest allegation is that the committee has left out the names of two renowned writers of contemporary Kannada literature deliberately. In the social science textbook of Standard VI, 26 well-known writers are listed, including Dr. Baraguru Ramachandrappa. But what is surprising is the omission of S.L. Bhyrappa and former chief minister M. Veerappa. “They are the only two writers who have won the prestigious Saraswati Samman award from Kannada literature. Bhyrappa is undoubtedly the most popular Kannada writer now and most of his novels have been translated into many Indian and foreign languages. Moily is the popular writer, who also happens to be a politician. It is sad that the committee has left out their names,” said a Kannada teacher from a BBMP school.
“In the lesson on Kannada artistes, the name of actor and former H.M. Ambareesh too is missing. He is one of the popular actors, probably next only to Dr Rajkumar and Vishnuvardhan. The committee has done a shoddy job. Instead of representing reality, they seem to be on a mission to take revenge against all those who are against the present ruling party and its leaders,” he said.
“Everyone was expecting the committee to do a fair job, as it was headed by a writer of repute. But it has only used the opportunity to settle scores,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Standard IX textbooks continue to face criticism as they have not included any lessons on Hinduism. The teachers said the textbook starts with lessons on all other religions, except Hinduism.
