Panel to study introduction of Gita in schools/colleges

NT Correspondent

Not ready to give up up on the introduction of the Bhagavad-Gita in the school/college syllabus, the state government has decided to constitute a committee to study the pros and cons of the proposal. The issue would then be discussed with Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai before taking a final decision, said Primary and Secondary Education Minister B.C. Nagesh.

Raising the issue during zero hour in the Legislative Council on Monday, M.K. Pranesh (BJP) said there are around 700 verses in Bhagavad-Gita which need to be taught to students. The Minister then said the issue of moral education had been discussed in the Upper House earlier too. Hitherto, moral education was taught as a subject in schools/colleges but it was stopped.

The preaching of Bhagavad-Gita would be the best panacea for a depressed mind. This has to be told and explained to students. It is the wish of every parent to have this in the school and college curriculum, he said

This announcement on the Bhagavad-Gita had invoked a mixed response among political leaders. While JD(S) leader and former CM H.D. Kumaraswamy had termed it as an attempt to derive mileage in the name of Hindutva, Leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah had said he has no objection to this as long as the government imparts quality education to students in tune with the current situation. KPCC President D.K.Shivakumar had said such lessons were not required.

But the CM has been very firm on the teaching of the Bhagavad Gita in schools/ colleges as it would help inculcate a way of life which is essential f o r t h e p r e s e n t generation.