DK Shi: Textbooks already have religious content

NT Correspondent

Reacting to the state government’s move to introduce the Bhagavad Gita in the educational syllabus, Congress state president D.K. Shivakumar said there was no need to further glorify things, which are already in the textbooks.

“There is nothing wrong in getting to know about the religious practices of various faiths. We will see what content they (BJP government) want to introduce in the education system. Textbooks have the contents of various religions. I don’t think there is no need to further glorify new things,” Shivakumar told reporters.

He underlined that the BJP was not introducing a novel idea. “As Chief Minister, Kengal Hanumanthaiah had distributed books related to Bhagawad Gita for Rs two. These people (BJP government in Karnataka) are not doing anything new. There is no need for them to take credit for it,” Shivakumar said. Further, the Congress state president said he completely opposed the new National Education Policy, saying that the policy was not needed. “There is no need for the NEP in the state and the country. People are already learned and knowledgeable. There are no circumstances to change the policy,” Shivakumar said.

Reacting to the move, senior JD(S) leader and former chief minister H.D. Kumaraswamy said, “What our children need is good education that will ensure a good future for them. Our parents and elders will teach them about the Bhagavad Gita. The job of the government is to impart good education which will help students in securing a better future. I am also born in a Hindu family and my entire family has faith in God. Such issues are cropping up just because of vote bank politics. At one time education was given only to a particular section. Now the same section is trying to impose such things on everyone.’’ Contiuing in the same vein, he said, ‘’Has Bhagavad Gita taught us to disturb peace and tranquility in society? What the epic has said is ‘Dharmo Rakshathi Rakshitaha” . Lord Krishna reminds Arjuna of his duty and asks him to take up arms and fight against the enemy. First we need to understand these ideas. There must be peace and cordiality in every family and respect for elders”.