Political Cartoons in Textbooks Controversy

Cartoons and graphics in textbooks make it attractive and appealing to young minds, who are going to assimilate the knowledge from the textbooks. In 2005, National education policy mandated to make the textbooks more attractive and introduction of graphics and cartoons in school textbooks. Consequently, NCERT textbooks were improved keeping in sync with new education policy.

Recent furore over more than 60 year old Ambedkar-Nehru cartoon drawn by Shankar regarding slow pace of constitution making in parliament is uncalled. The said cartoon which is in class XIth Political Science NCERT textbook should be read in totality; we should understand the context and should not read it with narrow stubborn mind. The chapter in textbook discusses about the underlying message of cartoon in detail, which assuage the apprehensions of many about misrepresenting the facts. The said cartoon is not about Ambedkar-Nehru but it depicts the slow pace of constitution making and the challenges faced by our forefathers in making such a huge and just constitution.

Even Ambedkar and Nehru never objected to such cartoons in their lifetime. Nehru was the admirer of Shankar for his deep, witty political cartoons.  Even Britishers, who censured the Indian dailies during their reign never touched the political cartoons. The present controversy only tells how much intolerant we have become.

Textbooks should not be guided or coerced by extremist organisations or the whims and fancies of powerful people. Our future generation should have true knowledge of our past.  The stand taken by HRD minister on this row is disheartening. He should not have ordered for removal of cartoons before proper enquiry by experts on this subject. This could set in motion a dangerous trend where anyone in power or with threat can manipulate the textbooks. The purpose of education is to equip the student with all the facts and knowledge, challenge his inquisitive mind, develop curiosity to explore , he should not be forced feed an ideology or propaganda.  

Removal of cartoons and graphics from textbook will again make it dull and boring. It’s a regressive step and revert all the good things ushered by the 2005 National education policy.