Cover of textbook knowledge systems Kerala established by the Council for Higher Education Keral
The new textbook proposed by the Council for Higher Education in Kerala (KSHEC) as a compulsory course for university students of the third semester raised objections from academic neighborhoods, especially left -wing teaching organizations.
The textbook entitled Knowledge Systems of Kerala is intended as a mandatory multidisciplinary course of the four -year university program. However, critics argue that the Council has crossed its limits by violating the power of statutory academic bodies at universities that are entrusted to the development of the curriculum.
KSHEC claims that the textbook offers an introductory framework in the area of indigenous knowledge systems of kera, developed for centuries.
According to the Vice -Chairman of the Council Rajan Gurukkal PM, the bilingual publication (in English and Malayalam) brings together a wide range of traditional Kerala knowledge and includes efficient art, cultural practices, oral narratives and documented literary resources.
The book includes nine chapters that include topics such as regional knowledge systems, traditional knowledge of ethnic communities, built -in knowledge in crafts and architecture, Ayurvedic practices, and new knowledge in the state. The chapters emphasizing the contributions of social reformers such as Sree Naryan Guru, Ayya Vaikundar and Poykayil Yohannan are among the key features of the textbook.
While the publication is in accordance with the University Grants Commission Commission (UGC) to integrate Indian knowledge systems into the curriculum of higher education, the Council insists that the proposed content is adapted to the regional context of Keraly and offers students locally stored perspectives in the national framework.
Vice -President of State University were asked to direct their relevant studies to consider the textbook to be a basic source for the design of the course and preparation of the curriculum. The Council also encouraged universities to accept this textbook instead of existing multidisciplinary courses, such as Keral’s studies and Keral culture.
However, the bodies of a teacher leaning on the left raised concern about what they describe as a lack of consultations before the decision. He claims that the proposed text will be heavily leaning on historical stories, while neglecting other important dimensions of various Keral traditions and heritage.
Prof. Grukkal, who faced such accusations, pointed out that the course was not limited to any academic discipline. He added that the book is structured as a complete course, with clearly defined learning results and reference materials that would reduce the burden of universities to the independent development of such content.
KSSHEC plans to organize the Faculty Development Program, which will train teachers when the new exchange rate material is delivered.
Published – 2 June 2025 20:03
