Madhya Pradesh Introduces 88 Books Of Indian Traditional Knowledge In Colleges, Includes Works Of RSS Leaders

The Madhya Pradesh government has instructed colleges across the state to procure a list of 88 books as part of an initiative to incorporate Indian traditional knowledge into academic curricula.

The recommended books include works by prominent RSS leaders such as Suresh Soni, Dinanath Batra, D Atul Kothari, and Devendra Rao Deshmukh, all associated with Vidya Bharti, the educational wing of the RSS as per a report by The Indian Express.

The Higher Education Department has also suggested the formation of a ‘Bharatiya Gyan Parampara Prakoshtha’ (Indian Knowledge Tradition Cell) in each college to support the introduction of these books in various undergraduate courses.

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The order has drawn criticism from the opposition parties such as Congress, which has argued that only “relevant subjects” should be taught, warning against fostering conflicts over “political ideology” in educational institutions.

In response, the BJP defended the move, stating that the books would promote “nation-building and patriotism.”

Dr. Dhirendra Shukla stated, “We are continuously issuing orders to include new books that will be taught in all the colleges of the state, including the PM Excellence colleges. So far, we have recommended around 400 books. It is unfair to say that the books are only by RSS leaders.”

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 encourages the inclusion of Indian knowledge traditions in academic curricula.

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