Teach Constitution, not Bhagavad Gita in schools: Writers to Karnataka CM

As Karnataka plans to introduce Bhagavad Gita in school syllabus, eminent personalities including writers and activists have written to the state chief minister Basavaraj Bommai urging him to teach Indian Constitution to the students instead of the religious text.

The open letter to the chief minister has been signed by 61 people including writers K Marulasiddappa, Prof. SG Siddaramaiah, Banjagere Jayaprakash, Banjagere Jayaprakash, Dr. Vijaya, and Dr. Rajendra Chenni.

Also read: No hijab inside exam centres: Karnataka minister tells Class X students

The signatories of the letter questioned CM Bommai over the “worsening situation” of peace and harmony in the state in the backdrop of banning hijab in educational institutions, not allowing Muslim traders to do business near temples during religious fairs.

“These incidents indicate a worsening situation in the state,” they wrote.

Also read: Hijab ban: AIMPLB moves SC challenging Karnataka HC verdict

“We are alarmed by the response from the state. Instead of addressing issues like high inflation rates, unemployment and salary cuts, they have now cut the basic right of education needed to make a living,” they added.

“To add to the controversy, the government has also decided to introduce the Bhagavad Gita as part of the school syllabus. We are of the view that children should be studying the Constitution instead,” the letter stated.

Recently, the BJP government in Gujarat said it will introduce the Bhagavad Gita in school syllabus for Classes 6-12 in the state from the academic year 2022-23.

Also read: Two BJP leaders question ‘madness’ behind boycott of Muslim traders at temple fairs

Soon after the Gujarat government’s decision, Karnataka minister for education B.C. Nagesh said a committee will be formed to discuss about introducing Bhagavad Gita in school syllabus in the state.

“As per the National Education Policy (NEP), similar to the Gujarat state, Bhagavad Gita will be introduced in Karnataka after consulting educational experts. After the committee is formed, the matter will be discussed with chief minister Basavaraj Bommai and various educational experts and a decision will be taken” Nagesh said.

Bommai said Bhagavad Gita will give moral values. “What else?… You tell me, if not Bhagavad Gita, what else will give moral values? It has been done in Gujarat; our minister has said he will discuss it. Let’s see what details the education department comes out with.”