On September 10, 2024, Madhya Pradesh's higher education minister, Inder Singh Parmar, made a bold claim that Indian sailors discovered America centuries before Christopher Columbus. He asserted that these sailors built temples in San Diego, arguing that Western education propagates 'incorrect history' by focusing on Columbus's voyages [36c6969e]. Parmar's statements echo similar sentiments expressed by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, who has emphasized the historical significance of Ujjain and criticized the lack of focus on Indian contributions to history in educational curricula.
Parmar highlighted the need for a shift in educational focus, advocating for the National Education Policy 2020, which aims to promote Indian culture and history. He argued that Indian contributions to the development of a capitalist economy in America and their assistance to the Mayan civilization should be recognized and taught in schools [36c6969e]. This push for a reevaluation of historical narratives comes amid ongoing discussions about the impact of colonization on indigenous populations, a topic that Parmar believes is often overlooked in traditional education [36c6969e].
The claims made by Parmar have sparked a debate about historical narratives and the importance of recognizing diverse contributions to global history. Critics argue that such assertions may oversimplify complex historical events and relationships, while supporters believe it is crucial to acknowledge the rich tapestry of influences that have shaped civilizations [36c6969e].