Macaulay’s conspiracies instilled sense on inferiority among Indians: President Murmu

Why in news

President Droupadi Murmu addressed a joint sitting of Parliament, criticizing Macaulay's colonial policies for instilling a sense of inferiority and emphasizing the preservation of cultural heritage for 'Viksit Bharat'.

Background

President Murmu highlighted the repatriation of the Piprahwa relics and the 75-year milestone since the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple. She also mentioned the Gyan Bharatam Mission and the establishment of tribal museums as key initiatives for preserving ancient knowledge.

Facts for Prelims

• PostPresident Droupadi Murmu addressed a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament.
• PlacePiprahwa relics were repatriated as part of cultural heritage preservation.
• Fact75 years have passed since the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple.
• SchemeGyan Bharatam Mission is a government initiative to preserve ancient knowledge.

For Mains

Q. How did colonial educational policies like those of Macaulay impact the socio-cultural psyche of Indians, and how does cultural reclamation contribute to modern nation-building?

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• Psychological impact: Colonial education as a tool for creating a sense of cultural inferiority and intellectual dependency.
• Cultural reclamation: Role of heritage preservation and repatriation in fostering national self-respect and identity.
• Knowledge preservation: Balancing the promotion of ancient knowledge with modern developmental goals under the Gyan Bharatam Mission.

Keywords: Colonialism · Cultural Heritage · National Identity · Viksit Bharat · Decolonization

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