RSS textbooks instilling far-right ideology into students in form of Indian history, science

In recent years, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, concepts from the Vedic era (1500 BC to 500 BC) have been integrated into India’s formal education system.

This integration has raised concerns about the blurring of lines between religious beliefs and established history and science. The critics argue that the practice allows Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to use education to influence the minds of millions of young Indians, cultivating a mindset to vote in favor of the party’s agenda for generations.

Textbooks in Indian schools attribute scientific advancements to ancient scholars. For instance, Kanada is hailed as the world’s first atomic scientist, while Vedic sage Bharadwaja is credited as the ‘father of aviation.’ Additionally, ancient Indian physician Sushruta is referred to as ‘the inventor of plastic surgery.’

These teachings are prevalent in schools run by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), an ideological mentor of the BJP. Despite not being government-approved, these teachings have been included in the curriculum of state-run schools.

Critics argue that these teachings lack proper historical and scientific validation and are seen as promoting a Hindu nationalist agenda. The integration of such content into formal education has sparked debates among historians and educators about the accuracy and appropriateness of these teachings.