The Gujarat Assembly on Wednesday passed a resolution seeking effective implementation of the state education department's decision to teach Bhagavad Gita to students from classes VI to XII in government schools from June. While Opposition AAP welcomed the resolution, Congress MLAs claimed that the BJP government brought it to gain publicity. The party, however, later supported the resolution during voting. In March 2022, then education minister Jitu Vaghani had announced in the Assembly that school students should have an understanding of Gita and its shlokas. On March 17, 2022, a government resolution was issued stating that students of classes VI to XII will be introduced to values and principles of Bhagavad Gita from the 2022-23 academic session. While Bhagavad Gita will be taught in classes VI to VII in the form of story and recitation, from classes IX to XII, it will be introduced as part of the first language textbook. Introducing the resolution, Minister of State for Education, Praful Pansheriya, said that Bhagavad Gita is the key to relieve depression and stress, which will be biggest problems facing the world in the coming time. Pansheriya said, “Although Gita is considered to belong to Hinduism, it is not limited to Hindus but is considered to be a scripture for the entire human society, and world thinkers have taken guidance from it. Gita is not only a treasure of knowledge, but also an inspiration for good deeds and good thoughts.” “Through the philosophy of Gita, students of Gujarat will become more enlightened and will make an important contribution towards the realisation of 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047,” he added. Pansheriya further said that National Education Policy-2020 contains basic principles guiding the education system. One of its principles is to try to inculcate among students a sense of pride and connection to the rich and diverse culture, knowledge systems and traditions of India. “Accordingly, it is essential to integrate Indian culture into students' daily lives and school experiences so that students 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,” he added. “.It is a scripture that has no boundaries. It has been decided by the state government to include 'Gita Saar' in the curriculum. It is necessary to implement it fully and effectively and for that this resolution has been taken up,” said Pansheriya. While Congress did not object the resolution, it said the manner it was presented in the Assembly shows the government was seeking publicity from the move. Congress Legislative Party leader Amit Chavda said, “What is the need for discussion when the resolution states that it has been decided to introduce Bhagavad Gita in schools. We do not have any objection to the resolution but the way the resolution was presented. It looks the ruling party is seeking publicity from the move.” Arjun Modhwadia of the Congress added, “The state government is requesting the state government while it should be requesting parents, students and the society.” AAP MLA Unmesh Makwana said that only Bhagavad Gita but also Ramayana should be a part of students’ curriculum. “But at first, the state government should ensure infrastructure in schools, regularise contractual teachers. only then they will be able to teach Bhagavad Gita in schools,” he added.
