SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA, July 16, 2016 (India Live Today): The State Education Board in California has approved a new school curriculum framework which will include richer content on ancient India and Hinduism for the first time. The framework, which will update and upgrade history and social science instruction in California, was developed over a period of two years, went through several rounds of public hearings, and saw many controversies including the push by a group of top academics to rename ancient India with “South Asia.” The board decided in favor of India.
“While much needs to be done to bring content on Hinduism and Indian civilisation on par with other religions and civilisations, we believe that great progress has been made in the last two years,” said Sandeep Dedage, director, Hindu Education Foundation USA, expressing satisfaction over the completion of the process. The framework now has mention of Vedic sages, Hindu teachings and philosophy, bhakti saints, music, dance, art and scientific contributions of India.
Ahead of the final hearing, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom batted for their causes. The State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson in a separate statement said the new framework will improve the teaching and learning of history and social science. “It will give our students access to the latest historical research and help them learn about the diversity of our state and the contributions of people and groups who may not have received the appropriate recognition in the past,” he said.