NEW DELHI: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced a groundbreaking new English language textbook for Class 6 students titled Poorvi. This textbook signifies a paradigm shift in the curriculum, prioritising Indian content and context to create a more culturally relevant learning experience. The release of Poorvi comes after a brief delay. NCERT had initially planned to launch new textbooks for both Class 3 and 6 in April and May respectively. While the Class 3 textbooks have already been released, Poorvi has been launched recently. Notably, the older version of the NCERT English textbook for Class 6 was named Honeysuckle. Read on to know about the nuances of the new English textbook, how it’s different from the older version and more.
Poorvi vs. Honeysuckle: A comparative analysis
Honeysuckle featured eight chapters, predominantly comprising stories by Western authors, alongside notable Indian works such as the English retelling of Munshi Premchand’s Fair Play and Ruskin Bond’s Banyan Tree. This older edition included eight poems, with seven by non-Indian authors, and eight prose pieces, five of which were set outside India featuring non-Indian characters like Patrick and Ms Beam.
In contrast, the new textbook, Poorvi, while retaining five poems by non-Indian authors, has shifted its focus significantly towards Indian settings and characters. It now includes nine prose pieces that are largely rooted in Indian culture, providing a more localised and relatable context for Indian students. This change reflects a deliberate effort to present literature that resonates more closely with the students’ own experiences and cultural background.
Following the guidelines of the National Education Policy 2020, which is focussed towards a curriculum ‘rooted in the Indian and local context and ethos’, Western authors’ works have been replaced by Indian authors such as Sudha Murthy and S.I. Farooqui. Poorvi includes Muthy’s story about Rama Natha, the son of a wealthy landlord fixated on finding a magic potion, and Farooqui’s tale of a child named Amber who loves conversing with a neem tree. Additionally, there is a chapter titled “Health and Wellness” that includes a three-page section on the benefits of yoga.
Poorvi, as stated by Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Director of NCERT, in the book’s Foreword – “comprises stories, poems and narratives that ensure a reflection of their social, cultural and geographical landscapes wherein they are sure to find traces of their lived experiences.” This focus on relatable narratives aims to foster “natural curiosity among students” and create a stronger connection with the English language.
Poorvi: Celebrating Heritage and Values Through Engaging Lessons on ‘Bharat’Poorvi goes beyond mere storytelling. It delves into the rich tapestry of Indian culture and heritage. Unit 5, titled “Culture and Tradition”, exemplifies this approach. As Kirti Kapur, Professor and Member Convener of the Curricular Area Group: Languages (English) at NCERT, explains, this unit “aims to reawaken the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat among the students,” a national initiative fostering unity and celebrating India’s diversity.
The textbook delves into diverse themes relevant to the Indian experience. A dedicated chapter titled Culture and Tradition prominently features the term ‘Bharat’ 19 times compared to ‘India’, which appears only seven times. This subtle yet deliberate distinction showcases a conscious effort to instil a sense of national identity in young minds. Furthermore, the chapter includes a section titled Hamara Bharat, Incredible India! highlighting India’s rich heritage and cultural tapestry.
Beyond Textbooks: Integrating Theoretical Knowledge with Practical ApplicationPoorvi goes beyond traditional textbook content by incorporating chapters that explore the practical applications of knowledge. For instance, one chapter delves into the uses of spices beyond culinary purposes, while another sheds light on the benefits of yoga. This approach encourages students to think critically and connect classroom learning to real-world scenarios.
Behind the Scenes: Who Brought Poorvi to Life?
The development of Poorvi involved a collaborative effort from various individuals. Kirti Kapur, Professor at the Department of Education in Languages at NCERT, served as the Member Convener, likely playing a central role in coordinating and overseeing the project. Additionally, the book benefitted from the guidance of Mahesh Chandra Pant and Manjul Bhargava, who co-chaired the National Steering Committee (NSTC) and oversaw the Curricular Area Group (CAG) for Languages. The final product also reflects the insights of reviewers Anurag Behar (CEO, Azim Premji Foundation) and Mira Bhargava (Professor Emeritus, Hofstra University), who provided valuable feedback as members of the National Curriculum Framework Oversight Committee.
Poorvi vs. Honeysuckle: A comparative analysis
Honeysuckle featured eight chapters, predominantly comprising stories by Western authors, alongside notable Indian works such as the English retelling of Munshi Premchand’s Fair Play and Ruskin Bond’s Banyan Tree. This older edition included eight poems, with seven by non-Indian authors, and eight prose pieces, five of which were set outside India featuring non-Indian characters like Patrick and Ms Beam.
In contrast, the new textbook, Poorvi, while retaining five poems by non-Indian authors, has shifted its focus significantly towards Indian settings and characters. It now includes nine prose pieces that are largely rooted in Indian culture, providing a more localised and relatable context for Indian students. This change reflects a deliberate effort to present literature that resonates more closely with the students’ own experiences and cultural background.
Following the guidelines of the National Education Policy 2020, which is focussed towards a curriculum ‘rooted in the Indian and local context and ethos’, Western authors’ works have been replaced by Indian authors such as Sudha Murthy and S.I. Farooqui. Poorvi includes Muthy’s story about Rama Natha, the son of a wealthy landlord fixated on finding a magic potion, and Farooqui’s tale of a child named Amber who loves conversing with a neem tree. Additionally, there is a chapter titled “Health and Wellness” that includes a three-page section on the benefits of yoga.
Poorvi, as stated by Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Director of NCERT, in the book’s Foreword – “comprises stories, poems and narratives that ensure a reflection of their social, cultural and geographical landscapes wherein they are sure to find traces of their lived experiences.” This focus on relatable narratives aims to foster “natural curiosity among students” and create a stronger connection with the English language.
Poorvi: Celebrating Heritage and Values Through Engaging Lessons on ‘Bharat’Poorvi goes beyond mere storytelling. It delves into the rich tapestry of Indian culture and heritage. Unit 5, titled “Culture and Tradition”, exemplifies this approach. As Kirti Kapur, Professor and Member Convener of the Curricular Area Group: Languages (English) at NCERT, explains, this unit “aims to reawaken the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat among the students,” a national initiative fostering unity and celebrating India’s diversity.
The textbook delves into diverse themes relevant to the Indian experience. A dedicated chapter titled Culture and Tradition prominently features the term ‘Bharat’ 19 times compared to ‘India’, which appears only seven times. This subtle yet deliberate distinction showcases a conscious effort to instil a sense of national identity in young minds. Furthermore, the chapter includes a section titled Hamara Bharat, Incredible India! highlighting India’s rich heritage and cultural tapestry.
Beyond Textbooks: Integrating Theoretical Knowledge with Practical ApplicationPoorvi goes beyond traditional textbook content by incorporating chapters that explore the practical applications of knowledge. For instance, one chapter delves into the uses of spices beyond culinary purposes, while another sheds light on the benefits of yoga. This approach encourages students to think critically and connect classroom learning to real-world scenarios.
Behind the Scenes: Who Brought Poorvi to Life?
The development of Poorvi involved a collaborative effort from various individuals. Kirti Kapur, Professor at the Department of Education in Languages at NCERT, served as the Member Convener, likely playing a central role in coordinating and overseeing the project. Additionally, the book benefitted from the guidance of Mahesh Chandra Pant and Manjul Bhargava, who co-chaired the National Steering Committee (NSTC) and oversaw the Curricular Area Group (CAG) for Languages. The final product also reflects the insights of reviewers Anurag Behar (CEO, Azim Premji Foundation) and Mira Bhargava (Professor Emeritus, Hofstra University), who provided valuable feedback as members of the National Curriculum Framework Oversight Committee.
