NCERT Class 9 book adds Emergency, drops Preamble and Secularism

The latest update to the NCERT Class 9 textbook has sparked controversy by including the Emergency period while omitting key concepts like the Preamble and secularism. This shift has ignited a fresh political debate between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress, highlighting ongoing tensions over the direction of educational content and its ideological undertones. Such changes matter because they influence how young students perceive India's political history and foundational principles, raising questions about the balance between national identity and secular values. The implications extend beyond the classroom, potentially affecting public discourse and political polarization.