As part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework 2023, NCERT has introduced significant updates in its textbooks. For students of Class 6, the syllabus now includes a poem titled ‘National War Memorial‘ and a chapter on ‘Veer Abdul Hamid‘. These additions aim to instill values of patriotism, dedication, courage, and sacrifice among schoolchildren, while also encouraging youth to actively participate in nation-building.

This initiative, launched by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, highlights the importance of honoring the sacrifices made for the nation. The poem ‘National War Memorial‘ celebrates the spirit behind this monument, appreciating the values it upholds.

About ‘Veer Abdul Hamid’

The chapter ‘Veer Abdul Hamid’ honors the bravery of Company Quartermaster Havildar (CQMH) Abdul Hamid, who made the ultimate sacrifice for India during the 1965 India-Pakistan war. His valiant efforts earned him the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor, awarded posthumously. Abdul Hamid’s legacy continues to serve as an inspiration for courage and patriotism.

In a related move, the National War Memorial, dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 25, 2019, at the iconic Central Vista ‘C’ Hexagon near India Gate, New Delhi, was established to pay tribute to the soldiers who laid down their lives for the country. The monument aims to foster a sense of national pride, moral values, and unity among citizens.

As part of efforts to promote this national monument, the Ministry of Defence collaborated with NCERT and the Ministry of Education to integrate references to the National War Memorial into the school curriculum.

Name Change for Indus Valley Civilization

In addition to these changes, the Class 6 Social Science textbook has also seen updates. The Indus Valley Civilization will now be referred to as the ‘Sindhu-Saraswati’ Civilization or the ‘Indus-Saraswati’ Civilization. There is specific mention of the Saraswati River, with references to its drying up being one of the possible reasons for the decline of the civilization. The textbook also highlights India’s own Prime Meridian, known as the ‘Ujjain Prime Meridian’.