Soon, 'Father of the Nation' to be part of syllabus from primary level

Kolkata: The state School Education department is planning to introduce Mahatma Gandhi's life and his contribution to the freedom movement as part of the syllabus right from the primary level.

"Students of Class IV and V will now have to study Gandhi. Some aspects of his life and his contribution to India's freedom movement will be incorporated in three subjects - Bengali, English as well as Environment Studies. If everything goes as per plan, we will introduce this from the next academic year itself," a senior official of the department said.

The syllabus restructure committee will finalise the modalities on how the study on Gandhiji can be included in the syllabus of Class IV and V.

"We are now in the initial stage and are discussing with experts," said Avik Majumdar, chairman of the syllabus restructure committee.

It may be mentioned that the state government has made plans to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Gandhiji in a befitting manner. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has formed a high-powered committee, consisting of 46 members, including prominent academicians and intel-

lectuals.

As part of the celebrations leading up to Gandhiji's 150th birth anniversary in 2019, the committee will hold elocution tests, essay competitions for children and distribute booklets with Gandhiji's views on untouchability and patriotism among the city people.

The idea of introducing the study about Mahatma Gandhi was floated by Banerjee herself in one of the meetings.

"We have plans to celebrate the birthday of the Father of the Nation in all schools and colleges in the state on October 2 this year," an official of the state Education department said.

It may be mentioned that under the present curriculum students study in detail about Mahatma's life, ideology and his contribution to the Indian freedom struggle in classes IX, X and also in Higher Secondary.

"The committee is of the opinion that students in the primary level need to have some idea about Mahatma Gandhi right from an early age, as he is the role model of many in the state and the country as well," the official maintained.

The committee has already decided to renovate Gandhi Bhavan in Beleghata area of the city, where the visionary had stayed and fasted in 1946.