Praful Pansheriya interview : ‘Feel ashamed due to Dahod case… incident a blot on society’

That is not the case. I am not able to talk about this case even right now because of shame. Though he (the principal) is at fault, I take the responsibility as it is my department which is why I feel ashamed… On the day of the incident (being reported), I talked to the Superintendent of Police and district education officials, and got a panel postmortem done. On the directions of the Chief Minister (Bhupendra Patel), a special public prosecutor will be appointed and the case will be tried in a fast-track court. The district education official went to the victim’s house and will remain with the family till the time the case concludes. I am certain that he (the accused) will be punished. This incident is a blot on society…

The opposition has pointed out how the CM even reacted to the Kolkata R G Kar Medical College case, but has been silent on Dahod…

Both these incidents are tragic but in that (Kolkata) case, the accused were being protected by the state government… Here (in Gujarat), the department (education) went to the girl’s house…

What is the government doing to prevent a recurrence of such incidents in schools?

This is a result of the thought process of society… you get to hear about cases where the brother, uncle or even father are involved. This is the influence of social media as people are watching wrong things… so many times, girls or female employees are exploited and no one gets to hear about them… This is a social crime. We cannot point at only teachers. This is wrong but should be taken as a collective responsibility by all sections of the society.

Second major social issue is blackmailing. Families and institutions should support the victims rather than scolding and accusing them. The fathers of the victims who come forward to register FIR should be appreciated.

A change in the society can be brought about through Gita. We should give direction to the youth who need guidance.

From this academic session, Bhagavad Gita lessons have been introduced in schools in Gujarat. What are the objectives and reasons behind this move?

In the coming days, we will be dealing with two challenges among the youth: addiction and depression. But the Gita teaches us to work without expecting results — Karm kar, phal ki asha mat kar. If this thought is there in the child from the beginning, then he is free from depression. Using good words for others, respecting others, selflessness, everyone being equal, the feeling of sadbhavna (goodwill) should be inculcated right from childhood.

Has there been a rise in the cases of addiction or depression that prompted the move to introduce Bhagavad Gita in the curriculum?

These incidents have started to take place. Also, the penetration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not good for mankind. After 10 years, all schools will have signboards restricting internet usage to only an hour. Creativity and thought process will be dead with AI. People will become “feelingless”. Take the case of any home today, right from children to parents, everyone is busy on their mobile phones. There is no communication, exchange of feelings. People will get more busy with themselves, which will give rise to depression. The three attributes in the Gita — sattva, rajas and tamas — will be taught in higher education… The success of children should not be evaluated in terms of academic degrees or becoming a doctor or an engineer.

Why was the introduction of Gita in schools delayed by a year?

We have taken due care in framing the curriculum. So far, there has been no issue from anywhere against the Gita or the curriculum. If these books are sent to Muslim countries, they too will accept them. For instance, Karate is not an Indian martial art form but we have accepted and learned it as it is good. Take Indonesia, Ram Leela is performed there even today. Gita says the language of feelings is the same, if someone is hurt, they will not cry in the language of Muslims, Hindus or Christians. Similarly, a mother’s love is the same across religions.

How has the acceptance of Gita been in minority schools?

There is no mention of any religion or God in the Gita. Vedic prayers are acceptable to every religion. Gita is a Vedic prayer, which says take me from darkness to light or bad thoughts to good thoughts. It can be read and followed by Christians or any other religion. Like Yoga: It was earlier seen as associated with Hindus only, which is not the case today. Muslim countries like Dubai too have started yoga centres. Similarly, Gita is a peace mantra.

Will there be an evaluation of the impact of Gita lessons on children?

If a student has studied Gita, which teaches not to accept anything for free, they will not indulge in corruption. To teach this from childhood is very important.

How do you see the teaching of the Gita countering social media influences?

A time will come when questions like- ‘I have committed a mistake what should I do?’ will be answered through AI by reciting a shloka from the Gita.