In India, the Pythagorean theorem was recognized as a fake

There are a lot of controversial things in the world, but there are also truths that have long been generally accepted. Although there will always be those who want to question even scientific facts proven centuries ago. In the Indian state of Karnataka, the local education department distinguished itself by recognizing as fake ... the Pythagorean theorem.

You may think that we are talking about chatter during a corporate party or a dispute in the smoking room of an institution. But no — everything is very serious and Indian education officials have documented their position. In addition to the Pythagorean theorem, the resolution calls into question the famous story of Isaac Newton and the fallen apple.

If the story about the apple, which no one can confirm, can still be forgiven, then it remains only to spread your hands about the theorem. The questions of journalists were answered by Madan Gopal, Chairman of the working group on the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) in the state:

A document published by the Karnataka State Education Department encourages teachers to develop critical thinking in children. Excessive credulity, according to officials, is nothing but laziness of mind. Children should not trust "unreasonably established truths", no matter how reliable they are considered.

In order for schoolchildren not to do nonsense and not think about any dubious ancient Greeks, in the same resolution they came up with an occupation. Children are instructed to learn the Sanskrit language, officially recognized as dead, and master the calculus systems practiced in ancient India.

A dispute has already flared up in the press about innovations in the state of Karnataka. Some believe that they were adopted for a reason. There is a suspicion that all this is part of the so-called saffronization. This idea is being planted by right-wing political forces and gradually brings education to the Hindu nationalist agenda.

In general, is it worth being surprised by such news from a country where deputies propose to treat coronavirus with manure?