Controversy: ICSE textbook depicts mosque as source of noise pollution
What's the story
An image in a Class VI textbook under the ICSE has created a furore for depicting mosques as a source of noise pollution. This comes a few days after Sonu Nigam faced backlash on social media for complaining about the sound of azaan. In response, people have started an online petition against the publishers. The ICSE has, meanwhile, absolved itself of responsibility.
Details
Publishers apologize, assure it won't be repeated in later editions
The picture in question on page 202 of the Class VI Integrated Science textbook has an image of a man shutting his ears, and images of a train, cars, a plane and a mosque, all depicted as emitting noise. Selina Publishers has apologized. Publisher Hemant Gupta said the "structure resembling a portion of a fort" won't be visible in subsequent editions of the book.
Information
ICSE puts the onus on schools and publishers
Meanwhile, Gerry Arathoon, chief executive and secretary of the CICSE, said that the board doesn't publish or prescribe textbooks, so it is the school and publishers' responsibility to resolve the matter.