Archive · 14 Aug 2025
Gujarat Schools to Add Bhagavad Gita Chapters, Draw Criticism
Imagine you're learning about stories and poems in school.
Now, in some schools in Gujarat, India, they're adding verses from a Hindu religious book called the Bhagavad Gita to the lessons.
The government said it's okay.
The students will read, learn, and say the verses.
Some people aren't so happy, saying it's like the schools are becoming religious schools and that it may not be fair to students of other religions.
They want to make sure students learn to think for themselves and aren't just told what to believe.
The school board has sent out information about this new plan.
Gujarat schools to include Bhagavad Gita verses in textbooks for classes IX to XII.
The education department approved the incorporation of the Gita into language textbooks.
Chapters will include selected verses with explanations, and students will recite them.
Education activists and the Minority Coordination Committee have criticized the move.
Critics suggest the move emulates religious school models.
- Who
- The Gujarat state education department, students, and education activists.
- What
- The inclusion of Bhagavad Gita verses in Gujarat school textbooks.
- When
- From the current academic session.
- Where
- Gujarat, India.
- Why
- To introduce teachings from the Bhagavad Gita.
Critics
Government
Purpose
Critics
The move encourages children to accept religious texts as sacred.
Government
The government approved the move.
- Location
- Gujarat, India
- Target Grades
- IX to XII
- Content
- Verses from the Bhagavad Gita
- Implementation
- Incorporated into language textbooks
- Criticism
- Concerns about religious bias and emulation of religious schools
- Authority
- Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board