NCERT Class 8 book links modern science to early Indian discoveries: Report
New Delhi: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has reportedly introduced an updated Class 8 science textbook that links modern scientific concepts to ancient Indian knowledge and discoveries.
According to a report by Hindustan Times published on Tuesday, the new 228-page textbook includes dedicated segments such as “Ever heard of?” and “Our scientific heritage”, designed to connect students with India’s early scientific traditions while aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023.
Philosopher Acharya Kanad’s concept of “Parmanu” (atoms), mathematician Bhaskara II’s water bowl astronomy techniques, are some of the ancient figures featured in the book. It also discusses the medicinal applications of alloys, such as Kamsya (an alloy of copper and tin), the use of natural solvents such as water and oils in Ayurvedic drug formulations, and the traditional method of variolation used to combat smallpox before modern vaccines.
In the chapter “Health: The Ultimate Treasure”, the textbook suggests how India employed the method of variolation—an early form of inoculation against smallpox—long before modern vaccines were developed. The chapter also notes India’s major role in global vaccine distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The NEP 2020 also says that our students must know about our past traditions, histories, scientific discoveries and NCERT has done a good work by incorporating Indian scientific discoveries and techniques in their textbook,” HT quoted JS Rajput, educationist and former NCERT director, as saying.
The chapter “Nature of Matter: Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures” states that ancient Indian texts have mentioned the use of alloys for medicinal purposes. “For example, Bronze, also known as Kamsya, is an alloy made up of Copper (Tamra, 4 parts) and Tin (Vanga, 1 part), and was used to improve digestion and boost immunity,” the book reads.
Another segment, “Be a Scientist”, introduces students to pioneering Indian scientists such as Vikram Sarabhai, Meghnad Saha, Asima Chatterjee, Kamal Ranadive, and Maharaj Kishan Bhan.
NCERT has been developing new textbooks aligned with NEP 2020 and NCFSE 2023. It introduced new books for Classes 1 and 2 in 2023. The following year, NCERT released updated books for Classes 3 and 6. It is releasing new textbooks for Classes 4, 5, 7, and 8 this year.
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Rickelton's ton in vain as SRH beat MI by 6 wickets
Mumbai (PTI): Ryan Rickelton's whirlwind unbeaten ton was overshadowed by Heinrich Klaasen's unbeaten 65 as Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Mumbai Indians by six wickets in an IPL match here on Wednesday.
Chasing an imposing 244-run target, Travis Head (76 off 30) and Abhishek Sharma (45 off 24) shared 129 runs for the opening wicket to set the platform for SRH.
Klaasen (65 not out off 30 balls) then displayed his all-round hitting abilities to guide SRH home with the help of Nitish Kumar Reddy (21) and Salil Arora (30 not out off 10) in 18.4 overs.
Earlier, Rickelton's knock powered MI to 243 for five.
MI rode on a 93-run stand between Rickelton (123 not out off 55 balls) and Will Jacks (46 off 22) in 7.1 overs for the opening stand to power the side.
MI skipper Hardik Pandya scored a valuable 31 off 15 balls before being dismissed.
Praful Hinge (2/54), Eshan Malinga (1/29), Sakib Hasan (1/39) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (1/31) were the wicket-takers for SRH.
Brief Scores:
Mumbai Indian: 243 for 5 in 20 overs (Ryan Rickelton 123 not out; Praful Hinge 2/54).
Sunrisers Hyderabad: 249 for 4 in 18.4 overs (Travis Head 76, Heinrich Klaasen 65 not out; AM Ghazanfar 2/51).
