Newton and Pythagoras theorem are all fake, only the Vedas are true… Controversial Karnataka Education Committee Report !
After the implementation of the National Education Policy by the Union Government in 2020, despite various protests, this education policy has been implemented in many states. A task force was set up by the government to implement the National Education Policy in BJP-ruled Karnataka. The position paper submitted by the task force to the government has become controversial.
The Karnataka government task force has proposed teaching Sanskrit as a third language to all school children. Also, Manusmriti and ancient numerical systems like Bhutasankhya and Katapayadi-sankhya paddhati are introduced in the syllabus.
Apart from this, one of the proposals recommended by the task force to be included in the new National Education Policy states that “students should be encouraged to ask questions about how fake news stories like the Pythagoras theorem and the apple falling on Newton’s head are created and propagated”.
Each state has to upload its position papers on the NCERT website regarding the National Education Policy. Referring to Newton’s gravity and Pythagoras theorem as “fake news”, Madan Gopal, chairman of the Committee on Implementation of the National Education Policy in the state of Karnataka, told The Times of India, “This is the explanation of the committee. Gravity and Pythagoras have their roots in Vedic mathematics. It is an India centric approach. Google has a lot of information about this. For example, Baudhayan had laid down Pythagoras theorem in Vedic texts. This is a perception. You may or may not agree with it.”
”The Pythagoras Theorem is not a scientifically established theory. Many theories are discussed in all international forums. All these have their origin in the Vedic texts of India. For me it is not right to accept anything blindly. Let there be debates, let there be scientific evidence, let there be archaeological evidence,” Madan Gopal told India Today.
”This position paper is prepared under the leadership of a renowned IIT professor. It has been accepted by the state government. Ramanathan of IIT, Varanasi is heading the committee.”
Sanskrit as third language:
”In a country with thousands of languages, at least three languages should be taught, the regional language, English and an Indian language (preferably Sanskrit). Sanskrit is the language of the majority of Indian knowledge,” the report states.
To reduce parts of Greek mathematics:
”Sections on Greek mathematics should be reduced. In particular, it is proposed that depictions of Greek mathematicians such as Pythagoras and Heron should be minimized”, says the report.
Manusmriti Literature:
The paper pointed out that many of the Smrti literature “have been relegated to obscurity or being proscribed due to incomplete and poor understanding of their ethos and content”. It said: “For instance, even though Manusmirti contains lofty ideals of public and societal good, it has become controversial to the extent that its very name solicits unwarranted bemoan from a section of our society”, says the Times of India article.
Educationists in Karnataka are concerned about a report proposed by the Karnataka government with some recommendations on the curriculum under the National Education Policy (NEP).
Links
Pythagoras’ theorem has Vedic roots: Karnataka panel
