Archive · 2 Jun 2025
Kerala Textbook Sparks Debate Among Educators
The Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC) is introducing a new textbook about Kerala's knowledge systems for college students.
This book covers many topics, like art, traditions, and medicine in Kerala.
Some teachers, especially those with left-leaning views, are not happy.
They believe the council didn't ask for their input before deciding on the book.
These teachers also worry that the book focuses too much on some historical ideas and leaves out other important parts of Kerala's culture.
The council says the book is for a wide range of subjects, gives clear learning goals, and has resources to help teachers.
KSHEC introduced a new textbook, "Knowledge Systems of Kerala", as a mandatory course.
The book is intended for third-semester undergraduate students.
Left-leaning teacher bodies object to the textbook's introduction, citing lack of consultation.
The textbook covers Kerala's indigenous knowledge systems, including arts, traditions, and medicine.
KSHEC is organizing a faculty development program to train teachers in the new course material.
- Who
- Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC) and Left-leaning teacher bodies
- What
- A new textbook titled "Knowledge Systems of Kerala" is proposed for third-semester undergraduate students.
- When
- The textbook's introduction is planned for the third semester of the undergraduate program, and the news was published on June 02, 2025.
- Where
- Kerala
- Why
- To offer a new introductory framework on Kerala’s indigenous knowledge systems in the context of the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) directive to integrate Indian Knowledge Systems into higher education curricula.
Left-leaning Teacher Bodies
KSHEC
Curriculum Content
Left-leaning Teacher Bodies
The text neglects other significant dimensions of Kerala’s diverse traditions and legacy.
KSHEC
The textbook offers an introductory framework on Kerala’s indigenous knowledge systems.
Integration of Knowledge Systems
Left-leaning Teacher Bodies
The teacher bodies raise concerns over lack of consultation prior to the decision.
KSHEC
The KSHEC maintains that the textbook aligns with the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) directive to integrate Indian Knowledge Systems.
- Location
- Kerala
- Textbook Title
- Knowledge Systems of Kerala
- Target Audience
- Third-semester undergraduate students
- Languages
- English and Malayalam
- Proposing Body
- KSHEC