Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced on Sunday that the recitation of Srimad Bhagavad Gita verses will now be mandatory in all state schools.
The directive requires students to recite one shloka along with its meaning during morning assemblies to foster moral development and cultural connection. CM Dhami emphasised that the initiative aims to ground the younger generation in Indian values while promoting holistic education.
While the government views this as a step toward character building, the move has sparked discussions regarding the secular nature of public education. This announcement was made during a cultural event where the CM also highlighted the architectural grandeur of the Kattarmal Sun Temple.
Srimad Bhagavad Gita Recital in Schools
The decision to introduce Bhagavad Gita verses into the daily routine of students is part of a larger vision by the Uttarakhand government to align schooling with traditional Indian ethos.
Chief Minister Dhami believes that educational institutions should not only focus on academic excellence but also on the spiritual and ethical grounding of children. By integrating these ancient teachings, the state seeks to create a curriculum that balances modern science with traditional wisdom.
This initiative follows the guidelines of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages the inclusion of local and national heritage in the learning process to build a strong national identity.
Kattarmal Sun Temple Uttarakhand
During his address, Uttarakhand CM Dhami specifically highlighted the Kattarmal Sun Temple in Almora, an architectural marvel dating back to the 9th century. Built by the Katyuri kings, it stands as the second most significant sun temple in India after Konark.
The CM noted that while the state is modernising, it must never forget its roots or the magnificent structures that define its history.
By mentioning the temple alongside the new school mandate, Dhami signaled a comprehensive effort to revive and promote Uttarakhand’s cultural tourism and historical legacy, ensuring that the youth remain proud of their state’s unique developmental journey.
Implementation Guidelines
The Department of Education has been instructed to prepare a streamlined schedule for the recitation to ensure it does not disrupt regular academic hours. One verse will be selected for each week, and its philosophical meaning will be explained to students to ensure they understand the life lessons involved.
Officials stated that the focus remains on the psychological benefits of the Gita, such as stress management, duty, and resilience. “This is not just religious instruction; it is about providing students with a moral compass,” remarked a senior education official.
The mandate will be implemented across all Uttarakhand government and government-aided schools starting the next academic session.
Addressing Diverse Perspectives
The announcement has led to a variety of reactions across the political and social spectrum in Uttarakhand. Supporters argue that the Gita is a universal guide to ethics and that its inclusion will help reduce behavioural issues and increase discipline among students.
However, some critics and educational activists have raised concerns about whether such mandates respect the diverse religious fabric of the country. They suggest that moral education should be inclusive of various philosophies to ensure every student feels represented.
Despite these debates, the state administration remains firm, asserting that the initiative is purely aimed at character building and cultural literacy for all.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that while instilling moral values in children is a noble goal, the approach must remain inclusive and respectful of India’s pluralistic identity. Ancient texts like the Bhagavad Gita undoubtedly contain profound wisdom on duty and ethics that can benefit everyone.
However, in a democratic education system, it is vital to ensure that such initiatives do not alienate students from different backgrounds. We advocate for a curriculum that promotes universal kindness, empathy, and harmony, drawing from the vast heritage of all Indian cultures.
