JSCC slams distorted facts in textbook
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 19 2017: Joint Students' Coordination Committee (JSCC) has stated that a CBSE class V, General Knowledge textbook called Mind Expressed which is published by Mcmillan Publishers India located at Mumbai contains a distorted fact about Manipur.

Speaking to media persons at MSF office at Keishamthong Top Leirak, JSCC convenor Sanasam Subaschandra threatened to boycott the text book unless the publisher rectify the mistake.

He pointed out that the 2017 issue of the textbook contains a grave error on page 32 which describes the State.

"Manipur means the land of gems.

According to legend, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati used to dance around the hills of Manipur in the light that emanated from the mani (jewel) that the serpent Shesnag had on its forehead, hence, the place was called Manipur" .

He said that JSCC strongly condemns the inclusion of such misleading words in a textbook which will be taught to many students.

Manipur was named during the reign of king Garib Niwaj in the 17th century.

Places and names are always changing.

Shantidas Gosai was responsible for converting the name of the region to Manipur Leimayon or the land of jewels which is a Sanskritised name though the British East India Company used to call the region Meckley which is derived from Assamese 'Mekhli', he added.

Slamming the publisher, Subhaschandra said they should acknowledge the fact that there used to be an ancient Asiatic country with more than 30 ethnic races in the place where Manipur is today.

He also conveyed that JSCC has already sent a notice to the publishing house regarding the matter.

Subhaschandra appealed to the State Government and the experts concerned to take steps to ensure that the textbooks studied by the students contain lessons which respect the tradition and culture of the State instead of spreading lies and distorted facts.

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