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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Stalin urges Centre to rollback commercial LPG price hike
Chennai (PTI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Friday demanded that the Centre immediately rollback the hike in commercial LPG cylinder prices. The price of commercial LPG was hiked by the steepest ever Rs 993 per 19-kg cylinder on May 1, marking the third straight monthly increase due to rising global energy prices linked to the West Asia conflict.
In his social media X platform, the DMK chief alleged that as predicted before the polls, the BJP-led union government has raised LPG prices immediately after the elections concluded.
"When global crude oil prices fell, the benefits were not passed on to the people, " he said, accusing the Centre of "using the West Asia war crisis as an excuse to raise the prices without regard for public welfare".
Calling for protection of the livelihood of the people, Stalin demanded an immediate rollback of the LPG price hike.
He asked the Centre to consider the people's suffering and find solutions.
