MUMBAI: “Even as generations, curricula and technology have evolved, Balbharati’s textbooks have retained their emotional connect and educational value”, said education minister Dada Bhuse while inaugurating the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the Maharashtra State Bureau of Textbook Production and Curriculum Research (Balbharati).Speaking at a function held at Bal Gandharva Rangmandir in Pune, Bhuse said several poems and lessons from Balbharati textbooks continue to feel alive even today. “From the era of printed textbooks to technologically advanced e-books, Balbharati has constantly adapted itself. That is why Balbharati remains relevant even today,” he said.Highlighting the institution’s deep emotional bond with the people of Maharashtra, Bhuse said “Balbharati has played a key role in introducing children to literacy and Marathi literature. “From learning the first letters of languages to understanding its most beautiful literature”.He noted that Balbharati has modernised its offerings through digital textbooks, QR codes, e-content, videos, audio material and curriculum aligned with the National Education Policy. Referring to the iconic Balbharati logo depicting a brother and sister designed by artist Dinanath Dalal, Bhuse said the logo and what it symbolises to connects across generations.State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) director Rahul Rekhawar said Balbharati textbooks hold a special place in the minds of those who studied through them. “I too learnt from these books, which makes them particularly personally significant to me,” he said.Balbharati director Anuradha Oak traced the institution’s journey since 1967, stating that it was the first organisation in the country dedicated to textbook production. She said the boy and girl in Balbharati’s emblem symbolise gender equality and inclusive education.Bhuse also a special issue of Kishor magazine and unveiled Balbharati’s official song.The newly composed Balbharati song, written by lyricist Dasu Vaidya, sung by Vaishali Samant and composed by Avadhoot Gupte, received an enthusiastic response from the audience.
