Despite seemingly insurmountable odds, the government has started the free distribution of 35.42 crore copies of textbooks to more than 4.37 crore students nationwide. While it is a matter of great joy for children to receive a full set of textbooks free of charge, the government should be commended for getting the job done in a timely fashion. Making available such a huge number of textbooks to so many students at both primary and secondary schooling level is no mean feat, especially in light of the fact that there were so many problems in the content selection.

What is interesting to note is that efforts have been taken to introduce Braille books for visually impaired students. That we are taking cognisance of the fact that there are students with special needs in the schooling system is heartening. Indeed, the needs of the ethnic minorities have not been left out of this year's textbook printing which goes to reinforce the notion that we are a culturally diverse society that is inclusive in its outlook.

It was a test case for the government and it is encouraging to see that there is an equally vocal force that remains committed to a pluralistic society. The ministry should be thanked for the timely distribution of the textbooks which is the largest of its kind over a seven-year period.