Have you come across NCERT’s latest textbooks with names like Mridang, Santoor, or Ganita Prakash? These unique titles have sparked discussions across schools in India. But there’s more to these names than just language—they are about celebrating India’s rich culture and heritage.

Let’s break it down simply for school principals, teachers, and everyone who shapes young minds.

What’s New with NCERT Textbook Names?

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced culturally rooted names for several textbooks. These include:

• Mridang (English textbook, Class 1 & 2) – Inspired by the classical Indian percussion instrument.
• Santoor (English textbook, Class 3) – A string instrument deeply tied to Indian music.
• Ganita Prakash (Maths, Class 6) – Celebrates India’s rich mathematical tradition.
• Kriti-I (Arts, Class 6) – Derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “creation”.
• Poorvi, Veena, Sitar – All rooted in Indian classical music and traditions.

Why This Matters for Educators

As school leaders and teachers, you're shaping both the knowledge and identity of students. These culturally-rooted names serve an important purpose:

✅ Connect Students with Indian Culture
Using names from Indian traditions makes learning more relatable and grounded in their roots.

✅ Foster Pride in Local Heritage
When children hear names like Mridang or Veena, they become curious about our music, languages, and history.

✅ Inclusive Pedagogy
NCERT clarified that names come from various Indian languages, not just Hindi. It’s about diversity, not dominance.

Addressing Concerns: Language vs Culture

Some leaders have raised concerns—especially from Tamil Nadu and Kerala—about possible Hindi bias in names like Ganita Prakash. But NCERT clarified:

“These names are not Hindi names, but culturally inspired Indian names with educational meaning.”

So while Ganita may sound like Hindi, it reflects India's ancient contribution to mathematics, not a specific language preference.

What About English Titles?

English textbook names like Honeydew (Class 8), Beehive (Class 9), and First Flight (Class 10) continue to remain. This shows NCERT is balancing global language with Indian culture—a step towards holistic education.

What This Means for Schools Using Class Saathi

If you're using Class Saathi, this shift aligns well with our mission:

To empower learning with local relevance and global readiness.

You can use these culturally named textbooks as a gateway for class discussions, cross-subject projects (like linking Santoor to music), and even parent engagement.

This is more than a naming change. It’s a movement to make learning culturally rich and emotionally relevant for every Indian child.

Let’s celebrate this shift by embracing our roots—inside and outside the classroom.