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The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has launched a new English textbook for Class 9, showcasing works from various notable Indian authors. Featured writers include Tamil poet Subramania Bharati, Sudha Murthy, a Rajya Sabha MP, Naga author Temsula Ao, celebrated poet Rabindranath Tagore, and Assamese novelist Mitra Phukan.

In the previous curriculum, 15 out of 29 literary pieces were authored by international writers from 2006-07 to 2025-26. The updated textbook emphasizes Indian literature, aiming to enhance students' familiarity with their own cultural narratives.

New Structure of the English Curriculum

Officials have announced a reduction in the number of textbooks for English from two to one, and the literary works have been cut from 29 to 16, balancing contributions from both Indian and international authors.

The new textbook, titled "Kaveri," opens with a narrative adapted from Sudha Murthy's 2004 publication, "How I Taught My Grandmother to Read and Other Stories."

This book aligns with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023 and will replace the previous textbooks, "Beehive" and "Moments."

Inclusion of Various Authors

The Class 9 textbook encompasses "Elements of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS)" and features 16 texts—eight authored by Indians, including Subramanian Bharati, Sudha Murthy, Temsula Ao, Mitra Phukan, and Rabindranath Tagore, alongside six international authors.

The foreign contributions include works by American poet David Roth, English poet Charles Swain, American children's author Bryna T. Perkins, poet Robert Langley, author Maya Anthony, and Singaporean writer Irene Chua.

Additionally, the book contains an anonymous poem titled "Gifts of Grace: Honoring Our Vocations" and an interview with Paralympic athlete Deepa Malik, titled "The World of Limitless Possibilities," which highlights her inspiring journey.