RSS-backed body wants Ayurveda, Siddha in "integrated"

As the Modi government faces the accusation of saffronising education, an RSS-backed body has pitched for including Ayurveda, Siddha and other indigenous medical systems in an "integrated syllabus" for medicine.
It has also called for major changes in all fields of higher studies, ranging from social sciences to humanities, medicine and science and technology, besides introduction of value education so these can become a "differentiator" between "Bhartiya" and other education systems.
The Hindu Education Board has suggested incorporating Indic traditions for science graduates in the curriculum in which "Bhartiya" languages should replace English as the dominant language.
The proposals were made to the HRD Ministry barely weeks after the Hindutva body held a conference, which was attended by its Minister Smriti Irani and her ministerial colleagues where RSS General Secretary Krishna Gopal had pitched for an overhaul of the education system with assimilation of Hindu thoughts.

"A very large number of Bhartiyas depend on Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and other indigenous medical systems for their time-tested herbal base, economy and access... There is a case to explore feasibility of a single integrated syllabus for medicine which incorporates the best elements from different schools of medicine," the Board said.
Significantly, the proposals come as the HRD Ministry is holding nationwide consultations to formulate a new education policy and the Board believes its recommendations could play a key role in shaping it.

It also assumes significance as Irani while addressing the conference had lamented that the country's inherent strength in education, ancient concepts and values were hailed and applauded abroad but described as "saffron" back home.

On science and technology curriculum, the Hindu Education Board said Indic knowledge and traditions can be helpful for students. "For instance, computer science students may benefit by learning about works of Panini and other Bhartiya linguists."
The Board's proposals are full of references to ancient traditions and knowledge which Hindutva groups allege were deliberately ignored by previous dispensations.