NCERT Introduces Lesson Materials on Operation Sindoor for Pupils in Schools
In a significant move, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2022, a military operation targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. The operation was a response to the Pahalgam terror attack that took place on April 22, 2022.
According to the NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) modules on Operation Sindoor, the direct orders for the Pahalgam terror attack were given by Pakistan's military and political leadership. The modules explicitly state that despite Pakistan’s official denial, it was under the command of Pakistan’s political and military leaders that the attack on tourists in Pahalgam was carried out by terrorists linked to groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and the ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence of Pakistan).
The operation involved the use of missiles and long-range weapons, making it a decisive move against terrorism backed by Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Pakistan's ISI. The NCERT modules also highlight that the attack was a well-planned conspiracy masterminded by Pakistan’s ISI and terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, with The Resistance Front (a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy) initially claiming responsibility before denying it. India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) confirmed the involvement of these groups with solid evidence and eyewitness accounts, tracing the conspiracy directly to the Pakistan leadership.
Following the operation, India reacted in a very united way. Candlelight marches were held across the country, Muslim communities in certain cities wore black armbands, and shopkeepers in Kashmir closed their shops in protest. Villages near the border demanded strong action and supported the Armed Forces.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Operation Sindoor as a "confluence of India's policy, intent, and decisive capability." He also stated that when the country is united, strong decisions are taken and results are achieved, referring to Operation Sindoor. Former Northern Army commander Lieutenant General DS Hooda (retd) also stated that it is good for students to learn about Operation Sindoor and its achievements.
The NCERT modules for the secondary stage provide students with better exposure to the era, a deeper understanding of what India has been doing, and how India's independent history has evolved. These supplementary resources in English and Hindi, covering contemporary and culturally significant topics, are separate short publications on specific topics that are not part of the textbooks but are taught through projects, posters, discussions, and debates.
The operation triggered four days of hostilities between India and Pakistan, which ended on May 10 after an understanding was reached to end military actions. Operation Sindoor is described as the natural progression of the 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes in Pakistan.
The NCERT modules on Operation Sindoor also describe PM Modi's speech about how Indian forces attacked terror hideouts in Pakistan and their training centres with precision during Operation Sindoor. The modules emphasise the unity displayed by India in response to the Pahalgam terror attack and the decisive action taken by the Indian Armed Forces.
[1] NCERT modules on Operation Sindoor: https://www.ncert.nic.in/resources/modules
[2] India Today: Operation Sindoor: Pakistan military, political leadership gave direct orders for Pahalgam terror attack, say NCERT modules: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/operation-sindoor-pakistan-military-political-leadership-gave-direct-orders-for-pahalgam-terror-attack-say-ncert-modules-1884332-2022-05-11
[3] The Hindu: Operation Sindoor: What we know so far: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/operation-sindoor-what-we-know-so-far/article65284634.ece
[4] NDTV: Operation Sindoor: India's Response to Pahalgam Terror Attack: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-indias-response-to-pahalgam-terror-attack-3895332
[5] The Print: Operation Sindoor: How India's military strategy has evolved over the years: https://theprint.in/defence/operation-sindoor-how-indias-military-strategy-has-evolved-over-the-years/989151/
