Karnataka government on Monday announced that the Bhagavad Gita will be taught as part of the moral education syllabus in schools and colleges across the state from December.
School Education and Literary Minister BC Nagesh while responding to a query in the Legislative Council on Monday informed that there is no proposal before the government to make Bhagavad Gita a separate subject.
He was replying to BJP MLC MK Pranesh, who had asked if the government is hesitant to introduce the Bhagavad Gita in schools, despite “no opposition”.
“Is the government hesitant to teach Bhagavad Gita? Why has the interest shown by the government earlier while issuing statements evaporated?” Pranesh asked.
Earlier, Nagesh had said that as per the National Education Policy (NEP), on the lines of Gujarat state, Bhagavad Gita will be introduced in the state after consulting educational experts.
Nagesh said the government is contemplating the introduction of the Bhagavad Gita in schools from this academic year. “It will be taught under a moral education subject. The discussion is ongoing. A committee will be formed and we will take a decision soon,” he added.
However, several opposition leaders questioned the proposal.
Senior Congress leader Tanveer Sait said that introducing the Bhagavad Gita in the syllabus for school children “is more dangerous than the COVID-19 pandemic”.
Questioning the Karnataka government on the proposal, former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said that teaching the Bhagavad Gita won’t fill empty stomachs. “The state is facing thousands of problems and the teachings of Bhagavad Gita won’t provide food for people.” He said emotional matters are gaining importance in the country and innocents are being misled. There is an end to this trend and we will wait until then.”
Congress leader and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also speaking on the proposal said he believes in the Hindu religion and gives equal respect to other religions and has no objection to teaching Bhagavad Gita, Bible, or Quran to children. However, he added that “children should be given quality education.”
(With inputs)
