Hindu Body Calls For Stronger Representation Of Indian History In South African Textbooks

A leading Hindu organisation in South Africa has called on education authorities to significantly expand the representation of Indian history in school textbooks, warning against what it describes as the “airbrushing” of a community’s legacy from the national narrative.

In an open letter, the South African Hindu Dharma Sabha (SAHDS) president Ram Maharaj said the contribution of Indians in South Africa, though a minority community, deserves far greater visibility in the country’s revised school curriculum. He argued that the current level of coverage is insufficient and fails to reflect their historical and social role .

Maharaj pointed to a resolution adopted by the organisation as early as 1981 , which had already demanded stronger inclusion of Indian history in education. He said that demand remains relevant today, insisting that the content on Indians in textbooks should be “at least doubled” across all school grades.

According to him, the reduced representation amounts to “erasure” of the community’s contribution to South Africa’s development. He highlighted that Indians first arrived in 1860 as indentured labourers and went on to contribute across economic, cultural, political, and social spheres , despite facing harsh conditions.

He said acknowledging this history is essential not only for accuracy but also for promoting social cohesion and mutual understanding in a diverse society. He further stressed that the struggles of indentured Indians, including discrimination and forced labour conditions, should be properly documented to present a complete historical picture.

The SAHDS also urged that textbooks recognise the role of Indian organisations such as the Natal Indian Congress , founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1894, in the broader anti apartheid movement. It also called for the inclusion of prominent Indian South African figures and philanthropists who contributed to education and healthcare development.

Maharaj added that a balanced portrayal of history would strengthen unity and help future generations better understand South Africa’s multicultural foundation .