By Agartala Correspondent | Tripura 24.in
AGARTALA | May 11, 2026
AGARTALA: A fresh debate over the intersection of culture and science has surfaced in Tripura’s educational circles. The Breakthrough Science Society (BSS), Tripura Chapter, has raised strong objections to the inclusion of the “Navagraha Yantra” and specific content in the “Magic Squares” chapter of the Class 7 Mathematics textbook.
The organization, known for promoting scientific temper, has submitted a formal deputation to the educational authorities, demanding the immediate removal of these sections, which they claim promote “unscientific and superstitious” ideas under the guise of mathematics.
The Core of the Controversy
The dispute centers on the new Class 7 Mathematics textbook (specifically the chapter Number Play or Ganita Prakash), which features an illustration of the Navagraha Yantra—a 3×3 grid traditionally used in astrology—both on its cover and within the text.
Points of Objection Raised by BSS:
- Misleading Astronomy: The organization points out that the “Navagraha” model includes the Sun (a star) and the Moon (a satellite) as planets, while also featuring non-existent entities like Rahu and Ketu.
- Astrological Influence: BSS argues that associating mathematical “Magic Squares” with astrological symbols might lead young students to believe that numbers possess mystical or supernatural powers.
- Scientific Accuracy: The society maintains that at a foundational level, students should be taught the solar system based on modern astronomical facts rather than ancient mythological representations.
Demands for Curricular Reform
In their deputation, representatives of the Breakthrough Science Society emphasized that while history and culture are important, they should not be conflated with objective scientific or mathematical truths in a way that confuses a child’s rational development.
”The inclusion of the Navagraha Yantra on a mathematics book cover is a step backward for scientific education. It encourages a superstitious mindset by validating astrological concepts through a textbook. We demand that NCERT and the state education board replace these portions with purely science-based examples of magic squares and mathematical logic,” a spokesperson for the BSS Tripura Chapter stated.
A Growing Dialogue on Scientific Temper
The BSS has also called upon teachers, parents, and the wider scientific community to support their movement for “Science-Based Education.” This protest follows similar concerns voiced by other rationalist groups in the state, such as the Tripura Yuktibad Bikash Mancha, who recently held awareness campaigns on the same issue.
While the Director of SCERT (State Council of Educational Research and Training) has reportedly acknowledged the concerns and assured a review, the BSS remains firm that a complete revision of the cover and the internal explanations is necessary to uphold the integrity of the curriculum.
