Kerala: Review committee suggessts changes to controversial lesson

A new committee formed to introspect the controversial school text book in Kerala, has suggested changes including the amending of the most opposed lesson.

The issue was taken in serious consideration after protest rallies and sit–ins were organised against the Communist ruling party, for introducing school textbooks that inculcate atheism and might lead to a spiritual downfall among youths.

The review committee suggested changes in the title of the disputatious chapter, "Mathamillatha Jeevan" (Jeevan without religion) in the social sciences textbook.

In one of the excerpts from the chapter, Jeevan's parents who come from two different religions suggests, their son has no caste or religion and can choose one when he grows up.

Church people have not only opposed these lessons, but have also exposed the Communalist ideologies, which they say is weakening the young society, spiritually and physically.

The State Council of Educational Research and Training has decided to do away with the names of the boy and his parents, and also suggested a new title called "Viswasa Swathantriyam" (freedom of religion).

The English version of the textbook will be republished and the revised lesson will also contain the sayings of Sree Narayana Guru on religion and harmony. This way it promotes equality, and love between religions.

The protests against the textbook that have been carried out since the month of June, has only entrenched its stand in discouraging ‘atheism’ and to encourage the young youths, to lead a God fearing life.

Recently, in a bid to counter the dwindling Christian population in the state, the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) reiterated, the Church would support families that have more children.

The letter signed by Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath and read in churches under the archdiocese restated the Church is against abortion and succinctly warned of the danger it causes to the religion. It urged the Christian “brethren to honour couples with more children."

In the last two national censuses, taken in 1991 and 2001, the Christian community in Kerala shrank slightly in terms of population percentage..