A Bollywood song included in a Class 8 school textbook has sparked controversy in India’s Odisha state. The issue has drawn widespread criticism and prompted the state government to order an investigation.
According to Indian media reports, the lyrics of the popular Bollywood song “Nimbura Nimbura” were included in the Class 8 art education textbook titled Kirti. The textbook was prepared under India’s National Education Policy 2020.
The song originally appeared in the 1999 Hindi film Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, starring Aishwarya Rai and Salman Khan.
The textbook reportedly presented the Bollywood song as a traditional Rajasthani folk composition. This classification triggered criticism from educators, parents, and social media users.
The controversy gained momentum after images of the textbook were widely shared online. Many users questioned why a film song had been included in the curriculum instead of authentic folk or regional cultural material.
Critics argued that school textbooks should promote traditional heritage and verified educational content. They said educational material should accurately represent cultural and historical sources.
Following the public backlash, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi ordered immediate action. Education Minister Nityananda Gond also directed officials to investigate the matter.
As part of the government’s response, several senior officials from the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) were suspended. Authorities said the action was taken while a detailed inquiry continues.
Officials have also formed a special committee to examine how the Bollywood song became part of the textbook. The inquiry will review the textbook preparation and approval process.
According to reports, six SCERT officials are part of the ongoing investigation. The committee will determine whether established academic review procedures were properly followed.
The panel has also recommended improving the textbook evaluation system. It suggested creating a dedicated quality assurance cell to review educational content before publication.
Education experts believe stronger review procedures can help prevent similar issues in the future. They say accurate academic material is essential for maintaining the quality of school education.
The controversy has also sparked a wider discussion about curriculum development and cultural representation in classrooms. Many observers believe educational content should be carefully verified before reaching students.
Authorities have not yet announced whether revised editions of the textbook will be issued. However, officials have assured the public that appropriate corrective measures will be taken based on the inquiry’s findings.
The incident has highlighted the importance of thorough editorial checks in educational publishing. It has also renewed calls for greater attention to cultural accuracy in school textbooks across India.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further decisions are expected after the inquiry committee submits its final report to the state government.
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