NCERT releases new Class 9 Hindi textbook ‘Ganga’ under NEP 2020

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced a new Class 9 Hindi textbook titled “Ganga” as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 implementation, marking a key update under the revised curriculum framework.

The book was released on April 10 and presents Hindi language learning through a cultural and thematic approach, drawing symbolic parallels between the river Ganga and the evolution and spread of Hindi across India.

According to the text, “Like the river Ganga, Hindi is also an identity of our civilization and culture. Hindi is spoken, understood, and read across a large part of India.”

The textbook combines devotional literature, patriotic writing, and classical poetry with language learning objectives.

It includes Raidas’ Pad, Ram-Lakshman-Parshuram-Samvad from Ramcharitmanas, Bharati Jai Vijayi Kare by Suryakant Tripathi 'Nirala,' Jhansi Ki Rani by Subhadra Kumari Chauhan, and Ghar Ki Yaad by Bhawani Prasad Mishra.

Works such as Raidas’s Pad emphasize equality and devotion, while Ram-Lakshman-Parshuram Samvad reflects cultural values and traditional ideals.

Patriotic compositions highlight themes of nationalism and courage, while emotional writings explore family bonds and personal experiences.

The textbook also places strong emphasis on India’s freedom struggle and national icons. It includes a biography of Jhalkari Bai, who played a significant role in the 1857 uprising, along with a detailed section on Param Vir Chakra awardee Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, who died at the age of 26 while defending the nation.

"Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, the son of Sardar Trilok Singh Sekhon and a housewife, was born on July 17, 1945. His village, Isewal, is located near Ludhiana in Punjab, close to the Halwara Air Force Station. Perhaps for this reason, he was drawn to aircraft from childhood. He was especially fond of stories about the famous warrior Hari Singh Nalwa from the early 19th century. Not only this, he was greatly influenced by his father as well, who had served in the Indian Air Force," the section reads.

The book also carries excerpts from Lala Lajpat Rai’s thoughts on rights and duties, emphasizing discipline and responsible freedom.

"The basis of freedom is also self-discipline. Our ancestors have written in books that discipline is essential. Freedom becomes beneficial only when there is discipline behind it. If there is no discipline, then freedom cannot last long. Therefore, if we want to enjoy freedom, we must follow discipline and self-control. Do not do anything that causes inconvenience or trouble to others. Only then can we truly understand the value of freedom," the book quotes excerpts of Lala Lajpat Rai's speech at the session of the Indian National Congress in Surat (Dec 20, 1920).

The textbook also features a mix of literary works from prominent writers including Munshi Premchand’s Do Bailon Ki Katha, Padumlal Punnalal Bakshi’s Kya Likhoon?, Shekhar Joshi’s Samvadheen, and Mohan Rakesh’s Aakhri Chattan Tak.

It further includes Jagdish Chandra Mathur’s Reedh Ki Haddi, alongside an interview with Lata Mangeshkar titled Aisi Bhi Baatein Hoti Hain.

Additional inclusions such as poems by Saint Namdev, writings by Maithili Sharan Gupt, and activities focused on promoting the mother tongue further broaden the learning experience.

NCERT is introducing these revised Class 9 textbooks for the 2026-27 academic session under the new curriculum aligned with NCF 2023 and NEP 2020.

While textbooks for Classes 1 to 8 have already been rolled out, the Class 9 series is being released in phases under the updated framework.