Latest news with #AcharyaKanad
NDTV
23-07-2025
- Science
- NDTV
NCERT Launches New Mathematics Textbook For Class 8. Here's What Makes It Special
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has launched a new mathematics textbook for Class 8, titled Ganit Prakash. The textbook, now available on the NCERT web portal, aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023. Ganit Prakash offers an engaging and holistic approach to mathematics by incorporating puzzles, stories, and elements from India's mathematical heritage. It adopts a play-based and activity-driven learning model, encouraging students to explore, think critically, and connect mathematical concepts with real-life situations. Designed to make mathematics easy and enjoyable, the textbook aims to build confidence through step-by-step reasoning. NCERT describes it as a resource not just for students, but also for teachers and parents, helping to create a joyful and meaningful learning environment. NCERT has also released new textbooks for subjects including Science, Social Science, English, and Hindi, with a focus on experiential, inclusive, and heritage-based learning. Science Textbook Integrates Ancient Wisdom With Modern Concepts The new Science textbook moves beyond rote learning by highlighting India's scientific legacy alongside modern principles. It features historical references such as Acharya Kanad's atomic theory, Bhaskara II's astronomical water clocks, and early medical practices like variolation. Sections like "Ever Heard Of?" and "Our Scientific Heritage" aim to spark curiosity and connect students with centuries of Indian scientific thought. Social Science Textbook Offers Inclusive, Diverse Perspectives The revised Social Science textbook, Exploring Society: India and Beyond - Part 1, presents a more inclusive view of Indian history. It includes extensive coverage of regional powers, including: A 22-page section on Maratha history, from Shivaji to the rise of the confederacy Detailed accounts of Sikh governance under Guru Gobind Singh and Maharaja Ranjit Singh Narratives of regional leaders like Rani Abbakka and Narasimhadeva I, with a focus on cultural contributions The textbook also critically examines the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal periods. Unlike earlier editions, it offers more nuanced portrayals of emperors: Babur is described as a "brutal and ruthless conqueror," Akbar's reign is characterised by both "tolerance and brutality," and Aurangzeb's rule is noted for the destruction of temples and gurdwaras. The aim is to help students understand the complexities of medieval Indian history through a candid and balanced lens. English, Hindi, Art Textbooks Embrace Diversity, Inclusion The new English textbooks, Santoor for Class 5 and Poorvi for Class 8, feature real-life achievers, women leaders, and cultural narratives. The Class 8 Art textbook Kriti and the Class 5 Hindi textbook Veena have been designed to promote creative expression and integrated language learning. These textbooks aim to nurture critical thinking, cultural awareness, and a deeper sense of identity.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
From Isro missions to atoms, new NCERT standard 8 textbook maps India's scientific legacy
Representative image NEW DELHI: From Isro missions to concept of atoms ('parmanu'), the NCERT's new Class 8 Science textbook called 'Curiosity' is trying to amalgamate traditional Indian knowledge with contemporary science in order to make students aware about India's scientific legacy. In the chapter 'Particulate Nature of Matter', the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) textbook talks about 'Acharya Kanad, an ancient Indian philosopher, (who) first spoke about the idea of a Parmanu (atom)'. The book has also incorporated different missions of Isro like Chandrayaan 1, 2 and 3 to study the Moon, Aditya L1 to study the Sun and Mangalyaan to study Mars. In the chapter 'Light: Mirrors and Lenses', the textbook says over 800 years ago, during Bhaskara II's time, Indian astronomers used shallow water bowls and angled tubes to observe and 'measure the positions of stars and planets in the sky' via reflections, suggesting a practical understanding of reflection laws despite their absence in literature. 'This integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific education is intended to develop curiosity, environmental awareness, ethical values and critical thinking,' the foreword of the book said. Another chapter titled 'Nature of Matter: Elements, Compounds and Mixtures' mentions that ancient Indian texts have mentioned the use of alloys for medicinal purposes. The chapter also features an 'Ever Heard Of?' section spotlighting India's recent contributions to global health. 'Long before modern vaccines, India had a traditional method called variolation to protect against smallpox,' reads a section titled 'Our Scientific Heritage' in the chapter 'Health: The Ultimate Treasure'. 'Indian vaccine companies played a key role during the Covid-19 pandemic and continue to support the global health efforts,' it said, linking ancient practices to modern advancements.
Hindustan Times
16-07-2025
- Science
- Hindustan Times
Kanad's 'Parmanu' to ISRO missions, new NCERT textbook maps India's scientific legacy
From ancient philosopher Acharya Kanad's concept of atoms ('parmanu') to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) missions, the new Class 8 Science textbook called 'Curiosity' by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has mapped legacy of bridging traditional Indian knowledge with contemporary science. Kanad's 'Parmanu' to ISRO missions, what new NCERT textbook offers (HT PHOTO)(HT_PRINT) Also read: NCERT Class 8 textbook revision features 'brutality' of Delhi Sultanate, 'intolerance' of Mughals with a disclaimer "This integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific education is intended to develop curiosity, environmental awareness, ethical values and critical thinking," the foreword of the book notes. "Long before modern vaccines, India had a traditional method called variolation to protect against smallpox," reads a section titled 'Our Scientific Heritage' in the chapter 'Health: The Ultimate Treasure'. Variolation is a practice that predates Edward Jenner's work on vaccination. The chapter also features an 'Ever Heard Of?' section spotlighting India's recent contributions to global health. "Indian vaccine companies played a key role during the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to support the global health efforts," it says, linking ancient practices to modern advancements. Also read: NCERT book links modern science to early Indian discoveries In the chapter 'Particulate Nature of Matter', the textbook mentions that "Acharya Kanad, an ancient Indian philosopher, first spoke about the idea of a Parmanu (atom)". Another chapter titled 'Nature of Matter: Elements, Compounds and Mixtures" mentions that ancient Indian texts have mentioned the use of alloys for medicinal purposes. The book also includes different missions of ISRO such as Chandrayaan 1, 2 and 3 to study the Moon, Aditya L1 to study the Sun and Mangalyaan to study Mars. In the chapter 'Light: Mirrors and Lenses', the textbook says over 800 years ago, during Bhaskara II's time, Indian astronomers used shallow water bowls and angled tubes to observe and "measure the positions of stars and planets in the sky" via reflections, suggesting a practical understanding of reflection laws despite their absence in literature. Also read: Vedic Mathematics to be integrated into NCERT textbooks Class 8 students will now read about the valour of Major Somnath Sharma, the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, and the historic Battle of Budgam in their updated NCERT English textbook. In 'Santoor', the Class 5 English textbook, the 'Let us explore' section poses a query to students. Asking them which vocation they would pursue, it has numerous illustrations including that of a woman pilot and photographer juxtaposed along a male chef and florist. A chapter 'Panchayat' has a woman panchayat head. The 33 per cent reservation in the local bodies implemented by a few state governments has ensured a strong presence of women in this decision-making body in villages. The book also teaches kids the greatness of water conservation and makes learning fun with lessons on 'Gilli Danda' and hockey too.
NDTV
15-07-2025
- Science
- NDTV
Acharya Kanad To ISRO: NCERT Class 8 Book Maps India's Scientific Legacy
Grounding modern scientific concepts in the rich heritage of ancient Indian discoveries, the new NCERT Class 8 science textbook titled 'Curiosity' has taken a fresh turn. The 228-page textbook brings to the forefront Acharya Kanad's atomic theory, Bhaskara II's astronomical experiments with water bowls, bridging traditional Indian knowledge with contemporary science. Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023, the book not only focuses on experiential and inquiry-based learning but also highlights India's long-standing scientific temper. "This integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific education is intended to develop curiosity, environmental awareness, ethical values, and critical thinking," the foreword notes. "Long before modern vaccines, India had a traditional method called variolation to protect against smallpox," reads a section titled 'Our Scientific Heritage' in the chapter 'Health: The Ultimate Treasure'. Variolation is a practice that predates Edward Jenner's work on vaccination. The chapter also features an 'Ever Heard Of?' section spotlighting India's recent contributions to global health. "Indian vaccine companies played a key role during the Covid-19 pandemic and continue to support the global health efforts," it says, linking ancient practices to modern advancements. The book recalls the work of Acharya Kanad, an ancient Indian philosopher, in chapter titled 'Particulate Nature of Matter'. It is this philosopher who proposed the concept of Parmanu (atom). "He believed that matter is made up of tiny, eternal particles called Parmanu," the textbook notes, referencing his work 'Vaisheshika Sutras'. Moving to the world of metals and mixtures, the chapter 'Nature of Matter: Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures' explores how ancient Indian texts referred to alloys like Bronze which is known as 'Kamsya', "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. Astronomy gets a historical lens in 'Light: Mirrors and Lenses', where the book notes that Indian astronomers during Bhaskara II's time used shallow water bowls and angled tubes over 800 years ago to study celestial reflections to "measure the positions of stars and planets in the sky", demonstrating practical knowledge of reflection before the laws were formally recorded. Verses from the ancient text 'Taittirīya Saṃhitā' have been included in chapter titled 'Keeping Time with the Skies', illustrating the Sun's six-month journey in its northern and southern directions. It also includes ISRO's space missions, from Chandrayaan 1, 2 and 3, to Aditya L1 and Mangalyaan, portraying a continuum of Indian exploration from ancient texts to interplanetary missions. The book is designed not just to inform, but to inspire. Sections like 'Be a Scientist' elaborate the role of Indian scientists including Vikram Sarabhai, Meghnad Saha, Asima Chatterjee, Kamal Ranadive, and Maharaj Kishan Bhan. NCERT is rolling out these updated textbooks in a phased manner. After launching new books for Classes 1 and 2 in 2023, and Classes 3 and 6 in 2024, textbooks for Classes 4, 5, 7, and 8 are being released this year.
Hindustan Times
15-07-2025
- Science
- Hindustan Times
NCERT book links modern science to early Indian discoveries
From ancient philosopher Acharya Kanad's concept of 'Parmanu' (atoms) to mathematician Bhaskara II's water bowl astronomy techniques, the new National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) science textbook for Class 8 has sections dedicated to Indian scientific knowledge and discoveries. NCERT book links modern science to early Indian discoveries It also mentions the medicinal use 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. The book has sections titled 'Ever heard of?' and 'Our scientific heritage' linking modern scientific concepts to early Indian discoveries. The former is aimed at sustaining students' interests through fascinating facts and observations from ancient Indian texts, while the latter offers information about institutions and persons that have contributed to the progress of scientific temper. 'In a report titled 'Learning: The Treasure Within' released on October 2, 1996, UNESCO said that 'education in 21st century in every country must be rooted to culture and committed to the progress'. This was in accordance with Mahatma Gandhi's thinking who said that 'I will keep my windows and doors open for fresh air but will not allow my house to be blown off.' This means integrating cultural values and perspectives into learning while also focusing on developing skills and knowledge that drive positive change. 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,' said JS Rajput, educationist and former NCERT director. The new 228-page textbook, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023, has 13 chapters. In the chapter titled 'Health: The Ultimate Treasure', the 'Our scientific heritage' segment mentions that 'Long before modern vaccines, India had a traditional method called variolation to protect against smallpox. It involved using material from a smallpox spore to scratch the skin and create a mild infection and build immunity.' Under the 'Ever heard of' segment in the same chapter, the textbook highlights that 'Indian vaccine companies played a key role during the Covid-19 pandemic and continue to support the global health efforts.' In the chapter 'Particulate Nature of Matter', the textbook mentions that 'Acharya Kanad, an ancient Indian philosopher, first spoke about the idea of a Parmanu (atom). He believed that matter is made up of tiny, eternal particles called Parmanu. This idea was written in his work called Vaisheshika Sutras.' In the chapter titled 'Nature of Matter: Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures', the textbook says 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. In the chapter 'Light: Mirrors and Lenses', the textbook states that over 800 years ago, during Bhaskara II's time, Indian astronomers used shallow water bowls and angled tubes to observe and 'measure the positions of stars and planets in the sky' via reflections, suggesting a practical understanding of reflection laws despite their absence in literature. Another chapter 'Keeping Time with the Skies', provides a verse from ancient text Taittirīya Saṁhita' that describes the Sun's six-month journey southward and six-month journey northward. The book also includes different missions of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) such as Chandrayaan 1, 2 and 3 to study the Moon, Aditya L1 to study the Sun and Mangalyaan to study Mars. 'Aligned with the NEP 2020 and the NCF-SE 2023, the textbook promotes experiential and inquiry-based learning. It encourages students to ask questions, think critically, and understand scientific concepts through real-world contexts. Integrating physics, chemistry, biology, and earth science, the textbook also highlights environmental awareness, ethical values, and insight from India's rich tradition of knowledge,' reads the foreword. 'NEP 2020 says that we need to create Indian citizens for the 21st century who have all the required knowledge for today's world and are proud of their cultural roots. Students learn best when they understand things in their own contexts. By including Indian scientific discoveries, NCERT is enabling students to take pride in rich and glorious works of Indian scientists,' said Sushma Yadav, vice chancellor of Central University of Haryana. The book also features a segment 'Be a scientist' that details contributions of Indian scientists, including Vikram Ambalal 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, and for Classes 3 and 6 in 2024. It is releasing new textbooks for Classes 4, 5, 7, and 8 this year.
