Controversy around introducing Gita in schools resurfaces

By Biswamitra

Amidst strong criticism from opposition parties and minority groups, Karnataka chief minister DV Sadananda Gowda announced that the government is planning to introduce the Bhagavad Gita in schools at primary and secondary levels.

According to Gowda, the government will have an exhaustive discussion with different sections of the society before introducing the Holy book in schools in order to avoid any controversy. However, he feels that Bhagavad Gita doesn't belong to a particular religion or a sect as its teachings are universal as its main aim is to refine mankind. In a report by Times of India, he also said that other religions have appreciated its philosophical teachings. (Read more..)

As per a report by IBN Live speaking during the Shri Bhagavad Gita Abhiyan Mahasamarpana function, Union Minister of State for Railways K H Muniyappa said, "Gita, Quran or Bible are not directed against any religion. Introducing Gita lessons in schools would help strengthen the students' minds at an early age." (Read more...)

With Gita already being taught in Madhya Pradesh, Gowda is optimistic of this step and feels that all sections of people would agree to the government's proposal to include the Bhagavad Gita in school syllabus.

Nonetheless, primary and secondary education minister Visveshwara Hegde Kageri faced ire from the opposition when he announced that Gita would be taught in schools in Kolar. He defended the criticism by saying that those opposing the government initiative should leave the country and maintained that nobody could find anything wrong with the teaching of the Gita.

Similarly, Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan invited much criticism and ire from the opposition and minority when he announced that Bhagvad Gita would be taught in all schools. In both the cases, the opposition party objected these decisions as it violates the idea of a secular state. The opposition Congress and Janata Dal(S) dubbed Karnataka CM's move as an attempt to saffronize education by the RSS lobby in BJP.

The Gita-controversy has spread far and wide across the boundaries of the nation. The decision of a Siberian court on banning the Gita has angered various Hindus around the world. The court labeled the Hare Krishna Movement as extremist and feels that it should be banned as it promotes social discord.

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