They are perhaps not as glamorous as Sania Mirza, but their achievements are no less dazzling. And now their lives will be taught as part of NCERT curriculum. Take the example of Jangamma, a minor, who was married off at the age of 12 to a mentally challenged rickshaw-puller.
She would be physically abused by her husband and his brother for dowry. She ran away to her parents’ home, but was sent back each time. But when she finally refused to go back, her father committed suicide.
“When people blamed her for her father’s death, the girl said she knew her father had made a mistake and that she only wanted to study,” said Anita Rampal, education expert who is part of the NCERT’s textbook panel.
Her story will now be a part of the Class IV EVS book. Not just EVS, students will find social representations even in mathematics textbooks. In Class IV mathematics book, for instance, students will learn about different concepts of the subject in a context — the lives of brick-kiln workers.
Her story will now be a part of the Class IV EVS book. Not just EVS, students will find social representations even in mathematics textbooks. In Class IV mathematics book, for instance, students will learn about different concepts of the subject in a context — the lives of brick-kiln workers.
The idea is that children who lead sheltered lives, learn about the other Indian kids who battle odds every day.
Children leading difficult lives find themselves reflected in the textbooks, apart from getting the inspiration to overcome hurdles.