Pralhad Joshi Suggests State Govts Introduce Bhagavad Gita In Schools Following Gujarat's Example

Following Gujarat's decision, Karnataka Primary and Secondary Education Minister BC Nagesh also said that the state government will hold discussions before taking a call in this regard.

File Photo: PTI

New Delhi: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Saturday said that every state government can think about implementing the Gujarat government's decision of introducing Bhagavad Gita in schools.

This statement comes after Gujarat education minister Jitu Vaghani announced that Bhagavad Gita will be introduced as a part of the school syllabus for class 6 to class 12 students in Gujarat from the academic year 2022-23.

Following Gujarat's decision, Karnataka Primary and Secondary Education Minister BC Nagesh also said that the state government will hold discussions before taking a call in this regard.

Talking to news agency ANI, Pralhad Joshi said, "Bhagwad Gita teaches us morality and ethics. It shows us the responsibility towards well being of society. Many moral stories are there that can inspire our students. Every state government can think about that." 

Earlier on Thursday, speaking in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly during a discussion on budgetary allocation for the education department, Jitu Vaghani had said, "To include Indian culture and knowledge system in school education from the academic year 2022-23, In the first phase, values and principles contained in Bhagavad Gita are being introduced in schools from classes 6-12 as per understanding and interest of children."

"Bhagavad Gita should be introduced in the form of story and recitation in the textbooks in class 6 to 8. In class 9 to 12, Bhagavad Gita should be introduced in the form of story and recitation in the first language textbook," the minister had said, as quoted by ANI.

Decision To Introduce Gita In School Curriculum To Be Taken After Discussion: Karnataka CM Basvaraj Bommai

Following Gujarat's decision, Karnataka Primary and Secondary Education Minister BC Nagesh on Friday had said that the state government will discuss with educationists before taking a call.

Nagesh said that the holy scripture is not only for Hindus but is also a source of knowledge for others.

“Bhagavad Gita is not only for Hindus, it is for all. If experts say it will definitely be introduced - not from this year but next year. We have to decide whether Moral Science has to be introduced,” Nagesh said, as quoted by ANI.

In response to a question on whether the southern state was mulling over the matter, CM Basvaraj Bommai said, "It has been done in Gujarat, our minister has said he will discuss it. Let's see what details the Education department comes out with", news agency PTI reported.

Speaking to the reporters, the Chief Minister said that the intention of his government is to impart education and moral values to children, and details can be revealed only after holding discussions.

(With Inputs From Agencies)