The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has launched a new English textbook for Class 8 called ‘Poorvi’. This book is part of the efforts to align school education with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023. The textbook aims to move away from Eurocentric content and instead focus on Indian stories and values.
‘Poorvi’ is designed to encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and compassion in students. It features notable Indian figures such as Major Somnath Sharma, India’s first Param Vir Chakra awardee; Verghese Kurien, the leader of the White Revolution; and Bibha Chowdhuri, the first woman particle physicist in India.
The book is organised into five thematic units. These include stories, poems, dialogues, and descriptive texts that relate to real-life situations. The themes are:
1. Wit and Wisdom
2. Values and Dispositions
3. Mystery and Magic
4. Environment
5. Science and Curiosity
The first unit focuses on folk tales of Tenali Rama, encouraging students to think critically and solve problems. The second unit highlights bravery and service through a chapter about Major Sharma’s actions during the Battle of Badgam and an excerpt from Kurien’s autobiography, ‘I Too Had a Dream’.
The third unit on Mystery and Magic explores creativity through fictional and poetic texts. The Environment section features writings by authors like Ruskin Bond and Sarojini Naidu, aiming to raise awareness about environmental issues. Finally, the Science and Curiosity unit celebrates Indian contributions to science, including a chapter on Bibha Chowdhuri to inspire girls in STEM fields.
NCERT emphasises that the textbook also covers broader educational values, such as Indian knowledge systems, cultural heritage, gender sensitivity, and inclusion. The introductory note states, “Language education is essential for effective communication, aesthetic expression, and appreciation.” This suggests that reasoning and critical thinking are closely linked to language use, which are important skills for students to develop.
The title ‘Poorvi’ is inspired by an Indian raga of the same name. The textbook explains that this raga promotes harmony and serenity. Each raga in Indian music has emotional significance and evokes a sense of calmness, symbolising a blend of traditional and modern learning.
The release of ‘Poorvi’ is part of NCERT’s phased implementation of curriculum reforms. Textbooks for Classes 1 and 2 were introduced in 2023, followed by updated editions for Classes 3 and 6 in 2024. This phase expands to include revised textbooks for Classes 4, 5, 7, and 8.
Overall, ‘Poorvi’ represents a significant step in reshaping Indian school education. By focusing on local stories and values, it aims to create a more relatable and enriching learning experience for students. With its emphasis on critical thinking and cultural awareness, this textbook could play a vital role in shaping the future of education in India.