India is going through a hilariously tragic phase, thanks to the regular antics of the ruling party. And now I am seriously starting to lose count of such stunts.
In an attempt to create their own version of reality, the Indian government (or should I say the BJP?) has taken some truly mind-boggling steps, leading to the deletion of chapters on democracy and the periodic table from Class 10 textbooks.
Hello everyone, another week, another effort in making a readable editorial, where I use satire as the main ingredient.

For starters, NCERT is headed by a director appointed by the government. Therefore, any directive coming from them is, in essence, the choice of the ruling party.
The decision to erase the said chapters comes weeks after the punishment meted out to Rs. 2000 currency notes for failing to bring back black money.
Though the lessons on democracy have been withdrawn, just a friendly reminder that we are still the world’s largest democracy.
Also Read: Farewell to the Magical Rs. 2000 Notes
Not the First Such Step
Well, these changes are not the first. In 2022, NCERT dropped Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s statements against communal violence in Gujarat.
The chronology of Godhra violence was cut out. Quotes by Nehru and Ambedkar were chopped, while the history of Naxalite movements was trimmed.
NCERT has also deleted the discussion box on-farm laws. The blunders continue with the minimization of discussion on the history of caste oppression, justifications of caste in Vedas, and the dangers of communal politics.
Parts of Mughal rule were cut short and details about courts and administrative systems were omitted.
Moreover, the history of other Islamic rulers including Mamluks, Khaljis, and Delhi Sultanate was cut short by various pages.
It doesn’t stop there. Poems of Faiz Ahmed Faiz were dropped from the chapter on ‘Religion, Communalism, and Politics – Communalism, Secular State’ from NCERT Class 10 Political Science books.
Political cartoons about communal politics, a chapter on ‘Central Islamic Lands’, and the impact of globalization on agriculture were dropped from other senior secondary textbooks.
And these are just the changes from 2022 onwards.
Why? I cannot fathom why would one want to change history that is well documented, not just in India but also abroad.
It has to be political!
A Democracy Deletion Debacle
India, the world’s largest democracy, has always prided itself on its rich tapestry of diverse voices and vibrant debates.
But here’s a twist: the government decided to remove chapters related to democracy. Oh, the irony! It’s like teaching someone to ride a bike but removing the chapter on balancing.
How can we expect future generations to understand and appreciate the essence of democracy if we sweep it under the rug?
People’s rule is the cornerstone of our nation, and yet, the very chapters that elucidate its importance have been banished from the textbooks.
It’s akin to giving a rousing speech about the power of freedom while locking the audience in a soundproof room.

The absurdity of this decision is enough to make one question whether the government has accidentally stumbled upon a new form of governance.
And if it is so much worried about itself being called an Autocratic machine by the opposition, do the policymakers think such steps will change things?
I know the followers of the party in power would come back at me, maintaining the reasons put forward by the NCERT.
But when you pride yourself in being the largest democracy in the world, you must communicate the idea to kids to the last breath.
If they can carry a heftily thick Math book to school, I don’t think a few pages on democracy would bother them.
And the reasoning itself is absurd. There are more than many ways to reduce the workload on kids. You can start by rationalizing the currently ongoing test divisions.
Deleting genuinely important chapters is a backward step, seen from any angle.
The Periodic Table Paradox
Scrapping the chapters on democracy wasn’t enough. In a grand display of scientific ignorance, the government decided to drop the entire chapter on the Periodic Table from Class 10 chemistry textbooks.
Yes, you heard it right! They went ahead and atomized a fundamental pillar of scientific knowledge. Perhaps they thought the elements were too “elementary” for the young minds of our nation.
Who needs to know about the building blocks of matter when you can indulge in alternative versions of chemistry where helium makes things go squeaky?

The Periodic Table is not just a mere chart with symbols and numbers; it represents the culmination of centuries of scientific discovery and understanding.
It’s the passport that allows us to explore the vast realm of chemistry. By removing it from the syllabus, the government is essentially asking students to embark on a scientific journey without a compass.
Dear kids, good luck finding your way in this topsy-turvy world of atomic chaos!
Rewriting History, One Chapter at a Time
Ah, trust me, the ruling party’s obsession with rewriting history is not stopping any time soon. It seems they’ve taken on the role of self-appointed historians, armed with a permanent marker and an eraser.
They’ve selectively dropped chapters on Mughal history, conveniently forgetting the fact that history, like a stubborn stain, cannot be erased.
It’s like trying to fit an elephant into a matchbox and pretending it doesn’t exist. Sorry, dear government, but facts don’t disappear just because you choose to ignore them.
The erasure of Mughal history from textbooks is not just a deletion of chapters; it’s a deliberate attempt to manipulate narratives and shape public opinion.
The Mughal Empire, with all its complexities and contradictions, played a significant role in shaping India’s cultural, architectural, and political landscape.
To paint them entirely in a negative light is like scoring a self-goal in a game of historical football. It’s time for the government to realize that history cannot be rewritten to suit their preferences.
The Majoritarian Mania
As we delve deeper into the world of Indian politics, we encounter the enthralling concept of majoritarian politics.
It appears that the ruling party has a penchant for pleasing the majority, even if it means sidelining the principles of equality and secularism enshrined in our constitution.
Trust me, majoritarianism is not only religious. It is also social and economic. The rich are siding with the rich. People with authority are finding friends in the same group. Who’s left behind in this game?
It’s all about being on the same team as the powerful, leaving the weak to fend for themselves. Move over, compassion and inclusivity – there’s no room for you in this game.

Take for example the protests by Indian wrestlers. Who were they accusing? Was he from another community? Was there a religious angle? NO!
They accused a powerful politician and the entire government machinery stood by his side. Even if the investigation is ongoing, how can you let that man organize political rallies in the meantime?
The government’s decision to cater to the whims of the majority undermines the very essence of democracy.
A true democracy cherishes diversity and protects the rights of all its citizens, regardless of their beliefs or backgrounds.
By succumbing to majoritarian politics, the ruling party risks alienating and silencing the voices of weaker communities.
In the end, it’s not about who shouts the loudest; it’s about creating an inclusive society that embraces the beauty of differences.
Lost in Translation, and Deletion
In a stunning display of intellectual prowess, the government decided to drop significant portions from various textbooks without even bothering to mention it officially.
It’s like a magic trick, where knowledge disappears into thin air. Poof! Evolutionary theories vanish, historical accounts shrink, and discussions on crucial topics evaporate.
Who needs complete information when you can have fragmented narratives? It’s the literary equivalent of trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces.
The deletion of chapters and portions from textbooks without proper communication reflects a lack of transparency and accountability.

Students and teachers are left puzzled, trying to fill in the gaps left by these inexplicable changes. Education should be a pathway to enlightenment, not a maze of missing information.
We need a system that encourages critical thinking and a comprehensive understanding of subjects, rather than promoting ignorance in the name of efficiency.
Dear readers, as I conclude this blog, I implore you to reflect on the implications of these changes. Knowledge is a precious gift that should be cherished, nurtured, and shared with generations to come.
When we selectively alter or erase chapters, we risk distorting the truth and hindering our collective growth.
Let us advocate for an inclusive educational system that embraces diverse perspectives, encourages critical thinking, and fosters a deep understanding of our history.
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