NCERT Class 3 Textbook Triggers Outrage Over ‘Love Jihad’ Accusations: Inside The Controversial Chapter”

A controversy has emerged surrounding a lesson titled “Chitthi Aayi Hai” in the NCERT Class 3 environmental studies textbook Aas-Paas. Dr. Raghav Pathak from Khajuraho has filed a complaint, alleging that the lesson promotes “love jihad.” The issue has also garnered attention from Bageshwar Dham’s Peethadhishwar, Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, who voiced his concerns.

Shastri questioned the intent behind the lesson, asking, “Why didn’t Reena write the letter to someone named Akash, Avinash, or Adarsh? Why did she specifically write to a person from a particular community?” He argued that inappropriate ideas are being introduced to young children, calling for the immediate removal of the textbook.

Shastri believes such content is designed to instill harmful ideas in children and suggested there may be an agenda behind it. He stressed that the lesson should be withdrawn without delay.

Expressing further concerns, Shastri pointed to what he called the influence of “anti-religious forces” and argued that the sentiments of Hindus are being hurt. He questioned why a Hindu girl in Class 3 is depicted writing a letter to a Muslim boy, urging legal action against those responsible.

Shastri also called for collective action from Hindus across the country, urging them to raise their voices against what he described as a conspiracy.

The Textbook Controversy

Chapter 17 of the Class 3 environmental studies textbook, Chitthi Aayi Hai, features a story where a girl named Reena invites her friend Ahmed to visit Agartala during the holidays. In her letter, she signs off with “Yours, Reena,” a detail that Dr. Pathak claims promotes ‘love jihad.’