Bhubaneswar: Life history of former chief minister and legendary leader Biju Patnaik will be taught in classroom as a part of course curriculum in schools across Odisha from Class VI onwards starting the 2017-18 academic session.
The School and Mass Education department has started the groundwork to execute the State government’s plan on introduction of the life history in the school syllabus from the ensuing academic year.
Talking to newsmen School and Mass Education Minister Debi Prasad Mishra said, “The department has been asked to take a decision after examining a proposal on inclusion of life history of heroes of freedom struggle including Netaji and Biju Babu.”
Mishra added, “Definitely focus in the syllabus chapter will be on Biju Babu for his contribution to the Quit India Movement.”
Sources said starting from childhood of Biju Babu to academic career, contribution in freedom struggle, political ups and lows, aviation pilot career and contribution towards the State’s growth will be featured in the course syllabus.
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Commenting on the development Dr Das Benhur, eminent children's litterateur, said, “I have accepted an offer to prepare a history book on Biju Babu for reading of children.”
Asked about the contour of the subject, Benhur said, “The decision lies with the State government. However, the chapter is likely to be a non-detailed study or supplementary reading material.”
Apart from Biju Babu, life histories of other freedom fighters such as Subhash Bose, Veer Surendra Sai and Laxman Naik will be mentioned in the course syllabus which will be brought out by the State Council for Educational Research and Training (SCERT).