It is correct to erase parts of history: Kolkata students share their opinions

YES

Wise decision

NCERT’s decision to drop some parts of Mughal history from textbooks is a wise and compassionate choice. The Covid pandemic has left students grappling with immense stress and trauma. By streamlining the curriculum, the education council is prioritising their mental well-being. What we forget is that the omitted portions can still be learned through other means, ensuring a comprehensive education without overwhelming students.

Diptangsu Parbat, Class X, South Point High School, Calcutta

Unnecessary info

History comprises many things which are not important to us. Nowadays people are living in a technological world. Thus, it is not needed to know about the people and their characters who are already dead, what clothes they wore and so on. Therefore, some parts of history can be done away with.

Archita Dhara, Class X, Salt Lake School, Calcutta

NO

Monuments persist

The present government’s education policy has decided to delete the Mughal era from the pages of history taught in school. But will that be able to remove the existence of the Mughal period? How can we forget the great architecture the Mughals left behind — the Taj Mahal, the Mughal Gardens in Kashmir and other places or Tansen’s tomb?

Srijak Chakraborty, Class VII, Delhi Public School Joka, Calcutta

Teaches morals

History is nothing but the story ofour past. Thus, records of historic events should be kept and should be taught in schools as history also teaches us moral values. It is essential to study the stories of the past to better understand our present.

Aditya Roy, Class VIII, St. Judes High School, Madhyamgram

Repeats itself

It is not okay to erase parts of history. Even if the event which occurred was wrong, people have a right to know about it. History is taught so that it is not repeated but if we are unaware of it, it is doomed to repeat itself.

Varsha Lakhotia, Class XI, Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum, Calcutta

Learn from mistakes

Erasing parts of history deprives us of the opportunity to learn from our past mistakes and take better decisions in the present for an improved future. Every bit of history is significant and teaches us something. Ignoring our history may lead us to repeat the same mistakes.

Shreejayee Basak, Class XII Humanities, Loreto House, Calcutta