Kashmir schools to include State history in syllabus

Srinagar, Apr 6 (ANI): The Jammu and Kashmir Education Department has decided to introduce lessons on the history of the three regions-Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh-in the curriculum of schools till the secondary level.

Though, the final syllabus has not been approved, the Government plans to have a separate section on the State in the history books. A committee will be constituted to finalise the syllabi.

"The board of school education has been assigned the job to ensure that the history of Jammu and Kashmir be included in the curriculum. We teach our students Indian history, British history and world history, but they do not know much about their own history and culture, " said Shagufta Parveen, the director of education board of the state.

The fact that Muslims and Hindus of Kashmir lived in harmony, since the Sufi-Islamic way of life that Muslims followed in Kashmir complemented the Rishi tradition of Kashmiri Pandits, will be included in the books.

With the incorporation of local history in the curriculum, the students from different religions and social backgrounds in the region would become more aware about the place they live in. This will not only give them a better insight but also help in the integration of the state

"Even after being a resident of Srinagar we do not know much about our state. So if the history of Kashmir is included in our education, it is a good thing, it is a very important thing," said Hardeep Singh, a student of Woodlands Public School in Srinagar.

The knowledge about 'mixed' roots in the State will intensify the bonds among the people of next generation. It will inculcate the concept of communal harmony. Students can now be taught about their Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic past and they can look at things from a different perspective. By Showket Jan(ANI)