U'khand mandates Gita recitation in govt. schools; Teachers’ group calls it unconstitutional
Dehradun: The Uttarakhand government has made the recitation of Shrimad Bhagavad Gita shlokas compulsory in morning assemblies across all government schools in the state.
According to an official order issued by Dr Mukul Kumar Sati, Director of Secondary Education, and cited by India Today, schools are instructed to recite one Gita shloka daily, along with an explanation of its meaning and scientific relevance for students.
Teachers have been asked to select a “Shloka of the Week,” display it with its meaning on the school notice board, and encourage students to learn and reflect on it. At the end of the week, discussions and student reflections will be part of classroom activities.
The Education Department stated that the teachings must not remain limited to textbooks but should influence students’ behaviour and attitudes.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami welcomed the move, calling the Gita a “timeless source of knowledge.” He added, “This is Devbhoomi, and it is important for our children to understand and draw inspiration from it.”
However, the decision has drawn criticism from sections of the teaching community. Sanjay Kumar Tamta, president of the Scheduled Caste-Scheduled Tribe Teachers’ Association, called the order “anti-Constitutional diktat.”
Speaking to reporters in Dehradun, Tamta said that the Gita is a religious text, and preaching religion in government schools goes against Article 28(1) of the Constitution, which prohibits religious instruction in state-funded institutions.
“We have written to the education department to withdraw this order. Otherwise, we will move the court to remind the government that it is a violation of the Constitution,” The Telegraph quoted Tamta as saying.
Tamta argued that government schools serve students from diverse religious backgrounds, and imposing the teachings of a specific religion is inappropriate. He stated that the association would oppose the order across the state.
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MYAS launches quiz on national flag, 25 top-scorers to get trip to Siachen with Mandaviya
New Delhi, Aug 7 (PTI): The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) has launched an online quiz on the national flag and 25 top-scoring participants in the age bracket of 21 to 29 will get an opportunity to visit Siachen with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
The quiz, according to the ministry, will "foster patriotism and enhance awareness about the Indian National Flag."
"This online quiz, hosted on the MYBharat portal (mybharat.gov.in), invites all citizen to participate and test their knowledge about the Tricolour," the ministry stated.
It will consist of multiple-choice questions and all contestants will be awarded an e-certificate.
"As a grand incentive, 25 top-scoring participants will be selected for a remarkable opportunity to visit Siachen in the company of the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya," the ministry said.
"The selection of winners for the Siachen visit will be limited to youth between the ages of 21 and 29. The final selection of the 25 winners will be conducted through a computer-based lottery system from the pool of top scorers," it added.
