Uttarakhand introduces daily Bhagavat gita recitation in schools, sparks debate on secularism

Dehradun, Jul 19: In a landmark decision, the Uttarakhand government has introduced a daily recitation of Bhagavad Gita shlokas during morning assemblies in all government schools across the state. The initiative, which aims to integrate traditional knowledge with modern education, aligns with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to blend cultural heritage and scientific thought.

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As part of the initiative, teachers will select a “Shloka of the Week,” display it on notice boards, and facilitate weekly discussions to encourage students' reflection and moral development. The move also includes providing explanations about the meaning of the verses, as well as their scientific relevance, drawing connections to various fields such as psychology, logic, behavioral science, and moral philosophy.

Uttarakhand's Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami voiced his strong support for the initiative, calling the Gita “a timeless source of knowledge” and highlighting its relevance for the state, often referred to as “Devbhoomi” (Land of the Gods). He emphasized the importance of incorporating ancient wisdom into the educational framework, claiming that such teachings could provide valuable moral guidance to students.

However, the decision has not been without controversy. Critics, including teacher associations and secular groups, have raised concerns that the move could violate the secular principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Specifically, they argue that the mandatory recitation of a religious text in government-funded schools could breach Article 28(1), which prohibits religious instruction in educational institutions that receive government funding.

Some critics also warn that imposing one religion's text on students might marginalize those from different faiths and compromise the secular ethos of public education. “This is a direct infringement on the secular nature of government schools,” said a representative from one of the teacher unions.

Despite the opposition, the state government has moved forward with the initiative and has also requested the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to include verses from the Gita and the Ramayana in textbooks for the 17,000 schools under the state education board. The proposal is currently awaiting final approval from NCERT.

The introduction of the Gita recitation is part of a broader effort by the state to promote moral and ethical education among students, but whether this initiative will face legal challenges remains to be seen. As the debate continues, the government stands firm in its belief that the teachings of the Gita can provide students with valuable life lessons while fostering a sense of moral responsibility.