'Pythagoras theorem not scientifically established, should be debated': K'taka NEP task force head
India Today
Karnataka's NEP task force head Madan Gopal said that the Pythagoras theorem was not a scientifically established theory and that it should be debated and questioned by students with a "scientific temper".
In its National Education Policy (NEP) position paper submitted to the NCERT, the Karnataka task force has suggested that the Pythagorean theorem and other scientific theories like Newton's gravity should be questioned by students with "scientific temper".
"Pythagoras theorem is not a scientifically established theory. Many of the theorems are debated in all international forums. Debate is part of evolving scientific temper," Madan Gopal, the chairman of the task force to implement NEP in Karnataka, said.
Pointing out that all of this have origins in Vedic texts in India, Gopal said nothing should be accepted blindly.
"Accepting blindly is not correct, according to me. Let there be debate. Let there be discussions. Let there be scientific evidence and archeological evidence."
The implementation task force was set up in October 2021 in order to advise and guide implementation of the NEP."Accordingly, 26 committees have been formed. Each position paper has a chairman along with 5-6 eminent educationists. It's a detailed, knowledgeable group," Gopal said.
In Karnataka, the Department of Primary and Secondary Education constituted a task force headed by Madan Gopal, a retired IAS officer.
"These groups interacted for almost five months. Many have also done field visits. Then they took district level consultations through and based on that, these position papers were prepared," Gopal said.
