By Agartala Correspondent | Tripura 24.in AGARTALA | May 7, 2026
AGARTALA: In a move to safeguard scientific education in the state, the Tripura Yuktibad Bikash Mancha (Tripura Forum for the Development of Rationalism) submitted a formal deputation to the Director of the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) today. The delegation raised serious objections to the inclusion of “unscientific” content in school textbooks and called for a curriculum based strictly on modern scientific logic.
The focal point of the protest was the recently published Class 7 Mathematics textbook, Ganita Prakash, which the organization claims promotes superstition.
Key Demands of the Rationalists
The forum presented a multi-point charter of demands, urging the state education authorities to rectify errors that could potentially mislead young minds.
- Removal of Rahu-Ketu Images: The organization demanded the immediate withdrawal of an image depicting the “Navagraha Yantra” (associated with Rahu and Ketu) from the cover and inner pages of the Class 7 Math book. They argued that these astrological concepts have no basis in astronomy or mathematics.
- Reinstatement of Darwinism: The delegation pressed for the re-inclusion of Darwin’s Theory of Evolution in the school curriculum, highlighting that its removal weakens the foundational understanding of biology.
- Science-Based Curriculum: A broader demand was made to eliminate all forms of non-scientific or mythological material from textbooks that are presented as historical or scientific facts.
“Math Should Not Be Mixed with Mythology”: Saikat Kumar Roy
Representing the Mancha, Saikat Kumar Roy briefed the media at the SCERT office, explaining that the controversial image was used to explain the history of 3×3 magic squares.
”While magic squares are a legitimate mathematical concept, linking them to ‘Rahu’ and ‘Ketu’—which do not exist as physical celestial bodies—is a disservice to science. We are teaching 12-year-olds astrology in the guise of mathematics. This is not just a mistake; it is an attempt to undermine the scientific temper of our students. We want our children to learn the periodic table and evolution, not superstition,” Roy stated.
Response from SCERT
Following the submission of the memorandum, senior SCERT officials reportedly met with the delegation. While the department maintained that the image was intended to show the historical and cultural context of magic squares, they acknowledged the concerns raised by the rationalist group.
Official Stance:
- Review Committee: The Director has reportedly assured the delegation that a technical committee will examine the textbook content.
- Corrective Measures: Officials hinted that if the content is found to be scientifically contradictory, corrections would be made in the next printing cycle.
Growing Debate Over Textbooks
This protest adds to the ongoing national debate regarding curriculum changes. The Tripura Yuktibad Bikash Mancha has vowed to continue its campaign by reaching out to parents and teachers across the state to build awareness against “unscientific” additions to the school syllabus.
As the day concluded, the forum warned that if the “Rahu-Ketu” illustrations are not removed and scientific topics like Darwinism are not restored, they will intensify their movement through street-corner meetings and public seminars.
