SCERT Included An Unscientific & Misleading Image Related To Solar System In The Class VII Mathematics Textbook “Ganita Prakash” : Tripura Yuktibad Bikash Mancha.

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Agartala, Tripura, 4th of April, 2026 : The Tripura Yuktibad Bikash Mancha has observed with deep concern that the SCERT department of the Tripura government has recently included an unscientific and misleading image related to the solar system in the Class VII mathematics textbook “Ganita Prakash.” This image, appearing both on the cover and inside the book, depicts a so-called “Navagraha Yantra.”.

The figure presents a 3×3 magic square consisting of nine blocks containing various names. Along with some real planets of the solar system such as Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Saturn, it also includes the Moon (which is Earth’s satellite) and the Sun (which is a star). Notably, it also includes two entities named Rahu and Ketu. Altogether, the number of items is nine. This so-called “Navagraha Yantra” has also been included under the section titled “Magic Squares in History and Culture.”

It is well known that, according to science and astronomy, the solar system consists of planets including Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto (classified as a dwarf planet). The Sun is a star around which these planets revolve, and the Moon is a natural satellite of the Earth. There are no real celestial bodies called Rahu and Ketu. Therefore, it is clear that this illustration does not originate from any scientific source.

Evidently, this concept comes from the outdated and superstitious framework of astrology. In ancient times, when science and technology were not developed, eclipses—temporary obscurations of the Sun and Moon—were explained through mythical entities imagined as cosmic demons that periodically swallowed the Sun and Moon. At that time, there was also a misconception that Earth was at the center and all celestial bodies revolved around it, leading to the idea of “nine celestial entities” as shown in such diagrams.

However, with the advancement of human reasoning, mathematics, and astronomical observation, these ideas were discarded long ago. Despite this, the concept of “Navagraha” persists within astrology based on these obsolete beliefs.

The Tripura Yuktibad Bikash Mancha believes that including such a diagram in the name of demonstrating magic squares in history and culture—without clarifying that the concept of Navagraha arises from ancient misconceptions about the solar system—is not a simple mistake. Rather, it is part of a larger, systematic attempt to undermine scientific education by excluding fundamental scientific principles such as evolution, the periodic table, and electromagnetic theory, while promoting astrology and religious superstition in various ways.

Any scientifically minded individual will raise their voice against this attempt to mentally cripple students and push them towards superstition. As in the past, the Tripura Yuktibad Bikash Mancha will reach out to students, teachers, and parents on this issue and will join protest movements demanding the immediate withdrawal of the mentioned content.