Why the Leftist Government in Kerala Alleges Hindutva Bias in the Draft UGC Curriculum?

Draft UGC curriculum puts focus on ‘ancient wisdom’. But, Leftist Kerala Govt alleges Hindutva bias.

B Upendran | HENB | Thiruvananthapuram | Aug 25, 2025:: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released a draft Learning Outcomes-based Curriculum Framework (LOCF) for nine undergraduate subjects, including anthropology, chemistry, commerce, economics, geography, home science, mathematics, physical education, and political science. The framework emphasizes the inclusion of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) in each subject, sparking controversy over alleged “saffronization” and Hindutva bias.

Key Features of the Draft Curriculum:

– Inclusion of Ancient Indian Knowledge: The curriculum includes topics like Mandala geometry, yantras, and algorithmic art forms in mathematics, as well as ancient Indian fermented beverages and knowledge of Parmanu in chemistry.
– Promotion of Holistic Learning: The curriculum emphasizes the importance of Bhartiya philosophy in commerce education, highlighting the value of all-round development and ethical decision-making.
– Contextualizing Indian Knowledge: The curriculum aims to contextualize Indian knowledge systems within the Indian framework, aligning with the National Education Policy’s emphasis on decolonizing education and promoting Indian knowledge systems.                                                                                             – Mathematics: Includes Mandala geometry, yantras, rangoli, and kolam as algorithmic art forms, and temple architecture. Students will explore the contributions of Indian mathematicians to arithmetic, geometry, algebra, and calculus.
– Commerce: Incorporates “Bhartiya philosophy” to promote holistic learning, emphasizing all-round development and ethical decision-making. Kautilya’s Arthashastra will be taught to provide insights into trade regulations and governance.
– Economics: Covers Indian concepts of wealth and prosperity in dharmic thought, ecological and agrarian values, and principles of dana and indigenous exchange systems.
– Chemistry: Includes traditional Indian fermented beverages and preparation methods, as well as ancient Indian knowledge of Parmanu (atom).
– Anthropology: Draws from ancient Indian thinkers like Charaka, Sushruta, Buddha, and Mahavira to offer indigenous perspectives on nature and culture.

Criticism and Concerns:

The Kerala government has objected to the draft, viewing it as a “deliberate attempt to impose Hindutva ideology on students”. Kerala’s Higher Education Minister, R. Bindu, has stated that the draft is “regressive, unscientific, and aligned with the ideological interests of the Sangh Parivar”. She expressed concern that the proposed curriculum contradicts the goals of multidisciplinary and holistic education, and that the inclusion of ancient texts and ideologues could erode academic freedom and quality of higher education.

Kerala Government’s Response:

The Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC) will frame the state’s response to the UGC’s draft LOCF. The Executive Body of the government’s policy think-tank will review the draft model curriculum and establish a committee for comprehensive evaluation.
– The Kerala government has decided to formally submit its objections to the UGC’s draft LOCF and explore legal options against the draft regulations.
– A five-member committee headed by economist Prabhat Patnaik has been appointed to analyze the draft regulations and submit recommendations.
– The state government has also convened a National Education Convention to protest against the draft and will seek a united resistance from other states.

Leftists’ Aversion to Indian Wisdom:

Habitually, the Leftist school of thought has contradicted ancient Bharatiya wisdom and created narratives to malign Hindu Dharma and Indian Culture, as well as its thought  process. The  Leftist Historians even attempted to glorify the Mughal onslaught on Hindus and described Hindu kings, warriors, and even Indian Freedom fighters in a bad light. The proposed UGC curriculum is set to end this communist trend of vilifying ancient India and Hindus.
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_Agency Inputs.