Is Haryana government hurrying with the decision to introduce Gita in schools?

Is Haryana government hurrying with the decision to introduce Gita in schools?

Introduction:

Haryana government proposed to introduce Bhagwad Gita in school curriculum in the state from the next academic session. Haryana education minister Ram Bilas Sharma states, "a consultation process will be set in motion soon to work out the modalities for introduction of Bhagwad Gita in school curriculum in the state." The thought of introducing Gita is being supported by various quarters, including from Islamic seminary, Darul Uloom. Should Bhagwad Gita lessons be introduced in the school textbooks by the education department or is Haryana hurrying with the decision?

In support of the decision:

1. The opinion of introducing Bhagwad Gita in school curriculum is good for the students of modern era who do not have any time to devote for gaining religious knowledge. The students will get to know their duty and responsibility, obedience, love for nature and environment after studying the lessons of Gita. It is a treasure house of knowledge for any fertile mind and it's influence is eternal.

2. The thought of introducing Gita in school curriculum is getting supports from various quarters including Islamic seminary Darul Uloom. The Darul Uloom at Deoband also supported the opinion. Thus the thought should not affect religious feelings.

3. Teachings from Sikhism, Christianity and other religions are also taught in schools. The purpose of introducing Gita is not to affect or divide society on communal basis but to provide its knowledge and teachings that would benefit every student irrespective of religion and faith. Thus the issue should be considered at central levels and Haryana government took the right step of initiating what had long been thought about.

4. Gita should be introduced in school curriculum as after learning the teachings of Gita, people learn the way to live life. If this opinion is opposed from the point that India is a secular county, it may also be noted that the teachings of Bhagwad Gita is for good way of leading life and there is no harm in teaching good things to students irrespective of where it originates from.

5. The introduction of Gita's teachings in school curriculum is not against constitution. The original copy of the Indian Constitution has a picture of 'Gitopadesha' inscribed on it making the book approved by constitution, hence teaching Gita stood not raise any sort of controversy.

6. In 2008 the US University made study of Gita mandatory. When foreign countries can give so much importance to our ancient epics, why can't India do the same? The teachings off Bhagwad Gita would help in curbing violence and terrorism. Right from the early stage of life, students should be exposed to the readings of these books.

Against the decision:

1. The decision to introduce Bhagwad Gita came just in time when people were beginning to question the efficacy of the government in fulfilling the promises and this move is to divert people's attention from overall issues of government's inefficacy. The government should look after the state's development part rather fighting for giving Gita's lesson in schools. Whether it is Gita, Quran or Bible, religious books should not have any place in schools curriculum.

2. There is no denying that the teachings in Gita are moral values but the object of this decision seems to be dividing the society on communal basis to effect political advantage during elections.

3. The proposal to introduce Bhagwad Gita in school curriculum is against the norms of the Constitution, which prohibits the teachings about any particular religion. The constitution is the Holy Book in a democracy.

4. Bhagwad Gita is a religious book and in a secular state one cannot compel students to read one particular religious book.

5. It could instead be introduced as an optional subject not a mandatory one. The education minister wants to introduce Gita at early levels but the students of class one or two doesn't have that much knowledge to understand its teachings rather they will only mug it up. Grown up students are busy with their hard work for secondary education. They hardly will have any time for learning the goods in Gita.

Conclusion:

Along with Bhagwad Gita, other religious books also have similar content dedicated towards better living with moral values. If Gita is introduced as a mandatory subject, other religious epics should also be introduced including Islamic and Christianity books as well along with Hindu Vedas and other books. This will help the students in understanding unity in diversity in India in much better way.