Calling a freedom fighter -‘terrorist’ raises questions the authenticity of Indian education system. Recently, a reference book for Class 8 Social Studies has mentioned Indian nationalist, teacher, social reformer, lawyer and an independence activist Bal Gangadhar Tilak as the ‘father of terrorism’.This reference book is published by a Mathura-based publisher and is being used by private English-medium schools affiliated to the Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education (RBSE).
Under the heading ‘Incidents of National Movement during Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century’, on page 267 in chapter 22, Lokmanya Tilak has been called as the father of terrorism.” Know the whole context. The textbook reads:
“Many Indians raised their voice against the atrocities of the British government. In his newspapers, namely ‘Maratha’ and ‘Kesri’, Bal Gangadhar Tilak wrote articles against all this in Maharashtra. These newspapers are proof of their fight against injustice. They demonstrated a path towards national movement, and therefore he is called the father of terrorism,” the textbook reads.
On reading the language of the reference book, it seems Tilak’s description as ‘father of terrorism’ seems to be more of a case of poor choice of words rather than the work of an ideologically motivated writer as nothing else in the context seems to fit the rogue description.
Why students use reference books?
Students said that they are being forced to use reference books. In fact, the reference book should be used strictly as per the guidelines provided by the board.
Opinion of historians on this blunder
Historians found that it is derogatory to call Tilak the father of terrorism. Tilak was one of the greatest soldiers of Indian freedom struggle who awakened Indian masses. He was a great nationalist. In fact, he was the one who first pushed the ideas of boycott of English goods and use of swadeshi goods.
It is important for the education board to be aware of the books and study material used by students and teachers. Studying the wrong facts and texts misguide the students and provide them fallacious base for future.
