The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has unveiled with its revised Class 8 English textbook titled Poorvi. Released on July 10, 2025, the new edition shifts focus from Eurocentric stories to Indian heritage, aligning with NEP 2020 and NCFSE 2023.
Students no longer read about distant lands and unfamiliar heroes—those days are behind them.
Poorvi brings the spotlight to home, featuring the Indian icons whose contributions have shaped the nation’s identity. From Major Somnath Sharma, India’s first Param Vir Chakra awardee, to Verghese Kurien, the architect of the White Revolution, and Bibha Chowdhuri, India’s pioneering woman particle physicist—the textbook is a tribute to the courage, innovation and resilience.
The authors thoughtfully divide the book into five thematic units
Wit and Wisdom, Values and Dispositions, Mystery and Magic, Environment, and Science and Curiosity. Each unit includes stories, poems, and dialogues that will be connected with students and also real-life experiences. The first unit uses tales of Tenali Rama to students about the problem-solving situation through humor and clever thinking. The second unit dives into patriotism and public service, featuring Major Sharma’s bravery in the Battle of Badgam and also excerpts from Kurien’s memoir I Too Had a Dream.
What makes Poorvi stand out
It’s more about the efforts to weave into the cross cutting themes about Indian Knowledge System, Gender sensitivity and inclusions. One of the chapter Bibha Chowdhuri just for an example encourages the girls to explore more about the STEM fields offering a powerful message to empowerment through sciences.
Even the name Poorvi carries cultural depth
Named after the Indian raga Poorvi, the textbook channels its melodic essence to foster harmony and a balanced learning journey for students.
NCERT includes this release as part of its updated series of textbooks.
After introducing new books for Classes 1 and 2 in 2023, and Classes 3 and 6 in 2024, the 2025 includes Classes 4, 5, 7, and 8. The goal is clear to make the classrooms more dynamic, inclusive, and reflective of India’s rich cultural.
Also Read :NCERT Releases New Textbooks Based on NEP 2020: A New Era of Indian Education
