The Hindu
Special Correspondent
Thursday, Feb 15, 2007
http://www.hindu.com/2007/02/15/stories/2007021516470400.htm
JAIPUR: Undeterred by criticism of the content
of its school textbooks, the Rajasthan Government
on Wednesday instituted three prizes named after
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) ideologue
M.S. Golwalkar, to be given every year to students
winning a State-level debate competition on
"cultural nationalism''.
State Education Minister Ghanshyam Tiwari,
making the announcement at a prize distribution
ceremony of Rajasthan Rajya Pathyapustak Mandal
here, said the debates and exchange of views
on cultural nationalism would promote "constructive
talent'' among young students. The first prize
will be of Rs. 11,000, while two second prizes
would comprise Rs. 5,000 each.
Calling upon the students to get inspiration
from the life and works of Guru Golwalkar, Mr.
Tiwari said the greatness of the RSS leader
was reflected in the condolence on his death
offered in both Houses of Parliament, even though
he was not a member of Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha.
The Minister affirmed that the prizes instituted
to commemorate Guru Golwalkar in his centenary
year would help promote moral values and improve
the character of students in addition to their
educational development.
The textbooks of secondary classes in the Government
schools of the State have come under attack
by educational experts, who have alleged that
they were promoting hatred and prejudices against
Dalits and minorities. The experts have demanded
withdrawal of such textbooks.
Referring to the massive history writing exercise
under the "Aapni Dharti, Aapna Log'' (our
land, our people) project, Mr. Tiwari said its
draft had been prepared and a workshop on "fundamental
elements'' of collection of historical facts
would be held shortly in Jaipur before launching
the work.
"History is nothing but knowledge of the
past with its true facts. We can enrich our
present only if we know of our rich culture,
religion, traditions and political thought of
yore,'' said Mr. Tiwari.
Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication
or redissemination of the contents of this screen
are expressly prohibited without the written
consent of The Hindu
[Non-text portions of this message have been
removed]
