Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy has vowed to discuss with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan the potential inclusion of the Bhagavad Gita in school, college and university curricula.
The Janata Dal (Secular) leader made the comment on Sunday in response to a request from Bharatiya Janata Party leader KS Eshwarappa during the Sri Bhagavad Gita Abhiyan programme, according to a release from his office.
Kumaraswamy went beyond the initial request, suggesting that the Bhagavad Gita should be taught at all levels of education, not just limited to schools and colleges. He assured attendees that he would bring the matter to the attention of the Central Government for necessary action.
During his address, Kumaraswamy also suggested that the Ramayana and Mahabharata should be taught at the school level. He argued that teaching these epics, which he described as the foundation of life ideals and symbols of India's identity, is necessary to guide society and help eliminate violence and unrest.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent recitation of the Bhagavad Gita at an event in Udupi, the Union Minister said, "Through this, he gave a clear message about the protection of our religion and heritage. It is a lesson for all of us."
He lamented the decline of traditional teaching practices: "In our childhood, elders used to tell us stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata at home. Similarly, teachers used to tell us these stories in schools too. However, now such good practice is missing."
He concluded by stressing the negative impact of current affairs: "If you turn on the news channels in the morning, only bad news comes. The atmosphere that spoils the mind and creates unrest in the society needs to be removed. For this, the Bhagavad Gita should be taught to children from childhood. In addition, the Ramayana and Mahabharata should be taught," he said.
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