Gujarat Assembly Adopts Resolution Proposing The Incorporation of 'Bhagavad Gita' Into School Curriculum

The resolution was passed unanimously in the Gujarat assembly on February 8, 2024.

The Gujarat Legislative Assembly on Thursday, unanimously passed a resolution requesting the state BJP government to take necessary steps to ensure the implementation of the education department's recent decision, in which the department suggested teaching 'Bhagavad Gita' in schools. While the AAP (Aam Aadmi party) welcomed the move, Congress, which earlier opposed the move, also extended its support later during the voting process. As a result, the resolution was unanimously passed in the Gujarat assembly. 

Notably, earlier in December last year, the Gujarat State Education Department announced that the principals and values embodied in the Bhagavad Gita will be taught in schools for Classes 6 to 12, from the 2024-25 academic year. Minister of State for Education Praful Pansheriya, introduced the resolution in the house. 

In his address in the house, the Gujarat minister underlined the emphasis on cultivating a sense of pride and connection to the rich and diverse culture, knowledge systems and traditions of India among students, as laid by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. 

“Accordingly, it is essential to integrate Indian culture into students' daily lives so that they are exposed to the rich heritage of Indian culture and feel proud of being Indian. Indian culture and knowledge system should be included in the school curriculum in such a way that this connection helps in the overall development of the students," the minister was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. 

He further added that working towards the implementation of the resolution, the state government has decided to integrate the teachings and values of the Bhagavad Gita with the school curriculum for classes 6 to 12 in a way that it instills the interest of students in Bhagavad Gita. 

For classes 6 to 8, it would be initially introduced in the form of story and recitation in the textbook of Sarvangi Shikshan subject that covers music, painting and physical education,he further said while adding that for classes 9 to 12, the teachings of Bhagavad Gita shall be  covered in the first language textbook as stories and recitations. 

"Srimad Bhagavad Gita has not only given direction to the saints and revolutionaries of India, but it has also had a great impact on modern and western thinkers. Gita is a scripture that has no boundaries" he said. It has been decided by the state government to include the teachings of Bhagavad Gita in the curriculum of Classes 6 to 12. This House requests the state government to take all necessary steps for its full and effective implementation," Pansheriya said. 

(With inputs from PTI)

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