Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar has announced that “students in schools will be taught shlokas of the Bhagavad Gita from the new academic session.”
Children from class I to XII will have to read from the scripture in government schools.
This is not the first time the Gita has been at the centre of controversy for the country. In December last year, Sushma Swaraj said she wanted the Gita to be declared the ‘National Book,’ enraging secular liberals and the Opposition alike.
Should the religious text be taught in government schools? The Quint looks at arguments for and against Khattar’s move on what is bound to be a polarising issue.
Yes, Children Should Learn the Values of the Gita
- The Gita is one of the oldest and most revered texts in India. The values it teaches - selflessness, non-attachment, negation of the ego, the honest pursuit of one’s ‘karma’ and calling in life - are not specific to any religion. All Indians can benefit from its teachings.
- Religious values are already a part of school education in India. Missionary schools, Madrasas, and Sikh schools all impart religious teachings. So why shouldn’t the Gita be taught?