Textbooks should play a vital role in shaping students into responsible citizens committed to the country's progress, ISRO Chairman Narayanan has said. Emphasising the need to integrate core values into education, he noted that the inherent qualities of Tamils — hospitality, generosity, and respect for others — must find space in the curriculum, even if conveyed through stories.

A consultation meeting was recently held to discuss how Tamil Nadu's textbooks should evolve over the next decade to help students learn effectively, contribute to national development, and build a strong future for the country. “If the foundation is weak, nothing can be strengthened later. Curriculum reforms from primary to higher education are therefore essential,” Narayanan said.

He reiterated that India aims to become a developed nation by 2047, and school education must lay the groundwork for this vision. Beyond academic knowledge, textbooks should focus on holistic personality development and nurturing responsible, informed young citizens.

The ongoing discussions involve a wide range of experts who are sharing insights to enhance the quality of school education. Narayanan said that such inclusive consultations would help create an effective and future-ready curriculum that strengthens the education system and equips students to contribute meaningfully to India's growth.

--Narayanan, Chairman, ISRO