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“What exactly was the CALIFORNIA TEXTBOOK ISSUE?” SCIENTIFIC VERIFICATION OF VEDIC KNOWLEDGE
In June 2003, India in Classrooms was formed to address the inaccuracies in history textbooks in American schools. The following articles from the San Jose Mercury News and India Abroad trace the origins of the textbook controversy.
“Why can't we assimilate instead of holding on to Indian culture and talking about it in schools?” Good question. 'Assimilation' is an outdated concept. It means 'to make similar'. Early immigrants to America were intimidated and forced to abandon their home culture and adopt the prevailing Anglo-saxon culture. Many Americans of European background regret the loss of their traitional culture. So much for 'freedom and liberty'! However, that is no longer the case. Like the Indian society which has evolved over centuries and today, displays its gems of diversity, American culture is constantly being redefined by its new immigrants. Now American culture is like a prism, which illuminates the vibrant colors of every new culture within it. It is up to us to share our culture and educate others so that we may INTEGRATE, not assimilate into the American culture and help dispel prejudice and fear.
Listen to Mona's Podcast 'ABCDs? R U Kidding?!'
Hinduism is a philosophy that has evolved over centuries and perfected through the experience of masters. But it is the practice of Hinduism that has not evolved. This philosophy is based on evolving ideas so it is compatible to any period in time. However, Hinduism requires study and that is something which Hindus gave up a long time ago. Hindus continue to practice this philosophy in the same manner as it was practiced centuries ago without applying it to their current existence. They take the Disney approach, which means reading stories and performing meaningless rituals. That is why Hinduism has lost its meaning and appears outdated and bizarre, when in fact it is the most contemporary aid to survival. |
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TEACHER/SCHOOL FAQS
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“Which areas of the school can benefit from India in Classrooms?” PLEASE GO TO REVIEWS' PAGE FOR MORE TEACHER FEEDBACKIndia in Classrooms has something for every
teacher. Our modules are crafted to introduce: Please listen to India in Classrooms' Podcasts on Podbazaar.com. Click to play 'Snakes in the Grass'
*IC has crafted modules to supplement the California standard curriculum on Ancient India for 6th graders. IC can help you explain concepts of Indian culture that you may be unfamiliar with, through interesting visuals and art projects. *IC could also help identify misrepresentations about Indian culture or history in your prescribed text book that you might not be aware of. These misrepresentations could cause grief to some your Indian students without your knowledge and mislead their peers. IC would present you with accurate, researched and consistent material to help you do justice to the subject.
IC is well aware of the daily pressures and time restrictions that all teachers face. We also deeply appreciate the teachers who take time out of their busy schedules to offer their students a more enriched lesson. India in Classrooms is therefore more than willing to accommodate teachers’ requests whenever they are unable to schedule a combined presentation for all 6th grades. IC hopes to establish an on-going association with your school through annual presentations, workshops, demos and exhibits through the participation of parents and active members of your school body. “I am an elementary school teacher who likes to introduce Indian culture to my students. I have had several parents make enjoyable presentations in my classroom. What makes IC special?” *It is a matter of pride that more teachers like to invite Indian parents to share their culture with the class. Yet, India is a diverse country and parents may offer narrow perspectives which can be misleading to your students. The disadvantage of having ad hoc presentations is that your students may receive superficial information that may have been hastily assembled and not necessarily accurate. The material may be inconsistent from parent to parent and year to year and may not endure repeated display. India in Classrooms is focused on providing your students with accurate and comprehensive substance and meaningful presentations that has been approved by experts…. WITH THE HELP of these parents. Parents who are already active in the schools are welcome to receive training along with reference material before they are invited into your classroom. These parents would then qualify to train other parents in the school. This would benefit the school as well as the Indian community. *IC also acts as a non profit resource
centre for teachers, parents and others regarding all aspects of
the Indian civilization. |
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other individuals FAQS
“I belong to a group/organization that invites speakers to present a variety of subjects. We would be very interested in learning more about India and the Indian community. Would IC like to address our group?” India in Classrooms would be delighted to share its knowledge with your organization. Since our objective is to generate deeper understanding about the Indian civilization, IC has been invited to speak to many varied social groups. One of the finest and most inspiring audiences was that of the United Methodist Church in Sunnyvale. CA. IC made a series of presentations that covered several dimensions of Indian history and culture as well as contemporary India. “There seems to be an emphasis on Hinduism in the IC presentation. How can it represent India which is secular?” Indian history and culture has evolved out of a certain way of life that we now refer to as Hinduism. If one is to learn about India one must understand this basis of the civilization and its impact upon India’s history and society. India is secular because Hindu culture itself is secular and all inclusive. “I am neither a parent nor a teacher but I strongly believe that Indian history and culture has been misrepresented in our world and would like to help correct it. In what way can I get involved?” First, IC welcomes your strong support.
You may help in a variety of ways. If you can arrange for small
group presentations within your friend circle or your workplace,
it would provide an excellent platform to generate greater awareness
within this western society. IC has made similar slide presentations to audiences in India, where it is just as necessary to educate about ancient India’s contribution to modern civilization. “Do you have ideas of places where IC presentations can be made other than in schools?” Knowledge like air seeps into every possible
space that it can occupy. |
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sponsors FAQS
| “What kind of expenses do you anticipate for India in Classrooms?” India in Classrooms requires initial funding to: • cover cost of stationary for business cards, letterheads and other material used by speakers during their visits to schools |
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