On August 20, 2025, Kerala’s Education Minister V Sivankutty addressed a significant error in a draft Class 4 Environmental Studies teacher’s textbook, which falsely stated that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose “fled to Germany in fear of the British.” This misrepresentation of the iconic freedom fighter, who strategically sought international alliances during World War II, sparked outrage among historians, educators, and Netaji’s followers. The minister promptly ordered corrections, labeling the claim a “historical mistake,” and ensured the revised text is now available on the SCERT Kerala website.
Key Details:
- Error Identified: The draft claimed Netaji fled to Germany in 1941 out of fear, ignoring his strategic mission to seek German and Japanese support against British rule.
- Immediate Action: SCERT was instructed to revise the text and print only factually accurate versions.
- Public Access: The corrected draft is live on scert.kerala.gov.in for transparency.
Why the Error Matters
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose is a revered figure in India’s freedom struggle, known for forming the Indian National Army (INA) and his bold international efforts to challenge British colonialism. The erroneous depiction in the draft textbook undermines his legacy as a fearless leader who escaped house arrest in Kolkata in 1941 to seek alliances in Germany and later Japan, not out of fear but as a calculated move to bolster the independence movement.
Key Implications:
- Historical Integrity: Misrepresenting Netaji risks distorting young students’ understanding of India’s freedom struggle.
- Public Outrage: Posts on X, like those from @Vishnu_Deshmukh, condemned the error as “insulting,” reflecting widespread sentiment among Netaji admirers.
- Educational Trust: Errors in curriculum materials erode confidence in Kerala’s education system, which serves 3.7 million students across 15,000+ schools.
Swift Government Response
Minister V Sivankutty, responding to criticism, acted decisively to rectify the mistake and uphold Kerala’s commitment to accurate historical education. The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), responsible for curriculum development, was directed to overhaul the draft and ensure rigorous fact-checking.
Actions Taken:
- Correction Ordered: The textbook was revised to accurately reflect Netaji’s strategic journey to Germany in 1941 via Afghanistan, where he sought support for the INA.
- SCERT Accountability: Members of the textbook committee responsible for the error were barred from future academic roles to prevent recurrence.
- Transparency: The updated draft was uploaded to scert.kerala.gov.in on August 19, 2025, for public review.
Quote: “We are committed to presenting historical facts that align with constitutional values and inspire students,” said Sivankutty, addressing concerns at a press conference.
Kerala’s Stance on Historical Accuracy
The controversy comes amid debates over historical distortions in Indian education, with the central government often accusing states of politicizing history. Sivankutty rejected these claims, emphasizing Kerala’s policy of delivering fact-based education that upholds constitutional objectives. The state’s curriculum revision, covering Classes 1–10, aims to integrate accurate historical narratives, with a focus on figures like Netaji, Mahatma Gandhi, and Kerala’s own freedom fighters.
Key Commitments:
- Fact-Based Curriculum: Kerala’s 2024–25 revision emphasizes evidence-based history, with inputs from historians and educators.
- Rejection of Bias: The state distanced itself from central government allegations of “twisting history,” prioritizing truth over politics.
- Ongoing Reforms: SCERT plans to review all draft textbooks for Classes 1–10 to ensure accuracy before the 2025-26 academic year.
Broader Context: Netaji’s Legacy and Educational Reforms
Netaji’s 1941 escape to Germany, facilitated by the Azad Hind Movement, was a pivotal moment in India’s freedom struggle, leading to the INA’s formation and the 1943 Provisional Government of Free India in Singapore. Misrepresenting such events risks diluting his contributions. Kerala’s correction aligns with national efforts to strengthen historical education, as seen in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes critical thinking and cultural heritage.
Educational Impact:
- Student Reach: The Class 4 curriculum reaches 3.5 lakh students annually, making accuracy vital for shaping young minds.
- National Debate: Similar errors, like the NCERT’s 2023 omission of Mughal history, have fueled calls for rigorous fact-checking in textbooks.
- Kerala’s Leadership: The state’s swift response sets a model for other states, with Tamil Nadu and West Bengal also reviewing curricula post-controversy.
