• Satyanarayana Prasad Behera
• Dr. Saroj Kumar Jena

This paper examines the saffronisation of education in India as a political and ideological project that seeks to reshape collective memory, cultural identity, and democratic values. Unlike Western models of secularism that enforce a strict separation between religion and state, Indian secularism, conceptualized by Rajeev Bhargava as contextual secularism or the principle of principled distance, allows the state to engage with religion while safeguarding pluralism and social justice. However, recent curriculum revisions, institutional appointments, and media narratives indicate a shift toward embedding Hindutva ideology within the education system. The erasure of Mughal contributions, omission of Gandhi's assassination context, silencing of communal violence, and weakening of scientific discourse highlight the ideological manipulation of knowledge. These interventions, supported by propaganda and institutional capture, risk eroding pluralism, legitimizing caste and gender hierarchies, undermining scientific temper, and weakening democratic citizenship. In contrast, Mahatma Gandhi's vision of education emphasized inclusivity, moral development, and respect for diversity. The paper argues that safeguarding the secular character of education is not merely a constitutional duty but also essential to preserving India's democratic ethos. Unless urgent steps are taken by the state, civil society, and academia, the saffronisation of education threatens to transform India into a majoritarian society where critical inquiry and pluralism are systematically devalued.

Saffronisation of Education, Indian Secularism, Hindutva Ideology, Cultural Hegemony, Constitutional Safeguards

"Saffronisation of the Education System: A Threat to Indian Secularism", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 9, page no.d452-d459, September-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2509362.pdf

"Saffronisation of the Education System: A Threat to Indian Secularism", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 9, page no. ppd452-d459, September-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2509362.pdf