New Delhi: Gujarat Education Minister Jitu Vaghani Thursday announced to introduce Bhagwad Gita as a syllabus in schools for students of classes 6-12, from academic year 2022-2023.
Vaghani, while speaking in the Legislative Assembly said that the course is being introduced in schools for helping students imbibe Indian culture.
"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," Vaghani was quoted by news agency ANI.
"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," he further added.
He also spoke of introducing the 700-verse long Hindu scripture in prayer program of schools. Additionally, extracurricular activities on the text such as debates, essay-writing and quiz will be encouraged in all government schools.
"Recitation of Bhagavad Gita should be included in the prayer program. Various competitions and creative activities like Shlokgan, Shlokpurti, Vaktrutva, Nibandh, Natya, Chitra, Quiz etc based on Bhagavad Gita should be organized in schools," said Vaghani, as reported by ANI.
The Gujarat government also announced to make English a compulsory subject from Class 1.
A circular was issued by the state education ministry in this regard, which said that the motive is to "cultivate a sense of pride and connection to traditions".