Jaipur, May 12: In a bizarre incident, a reference book for Class 8 Social Studies described freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak as the 'father of terrorism'. The book has been printed by a Mathura-based publisher is being used by private English-medium schools affiliated to the Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education (RBSE). "Tilak demonstrated a path towards national movement, therefore, he is called as the father of terrorism." reads page 267 of chapter 22 of the book.

The description is part of sub-topic "Incidents of National Movement during 18th and 19th century". It must be noted that the Rajasthan State Textbook Board publishes books in Hindi, leaving students no other option but to use reference books.  "Tilak clearly believed that we cannot achieve anything just by pleading the British officers. Through Shivaji and Ganpati festivals, Tilak aroused unique awareness in the country. He instilled the mantra of freedom among the masses, due to which he became a thorn in the eyes of the British," the book reads.

As per reports by PTI, the officials at the Student Advisor Publication Private Limited, which publishes the book, said the mistake had been rectified in the revised edition. The Officials informed that the translators made the mistake and as soon as it came to their notice, the mistake was corrected in the revised edition last month. The first edition was published last year, Rajpal Singh, a production official at the publisher's office, told PTI.

The report further added Dr RS Khangarot, professor of history in Agrawal PG College, Jaipur, saying that Tilak awakened the people of the country during the Home Rule movement in 1916. Such a mistake in books is unacceptable, even if it was an error in translation, he said. Retired professor of history, Rajasthan University, BL Gupta said British author Ignatius Valentine Chirol had described Tilak as "the father of Indian unrest". "It is derogatory to call Tilak the father of terrorism," he said.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot on Friday said a chapter in a school textbook in the state that calls freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak the “father of terrorism” was an insult to the nation. Pilot then asked the state government to immediately remove the chapter and ban the book.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 12, 2018 12:19 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).