Haryana makes recitation of Bhagavad Gita shlokas in school assemblies compulsory

The Haryana School Education Board has instructed all schools under the state to make recitation of lines from Shrimad Bhagavad Gita a part of their daily prayer sessions.

In a letter to school principals, the Board's Chairman wrote that recitation of these lines will help in students' all-around development.

The HSEB is of the view that Gita teachings have moral and spiritual lessons that can inspire young minds positively. The action aims to instill in schoolchildren values of discipline, responsibility, and concentration.

"The reason for introducing recitation of Bhagavad Gita verses in school prayer meetings is that children must learn from the spirituality and the wisdom that the scripture contains in abundance and implement them in their life for the welfare of society," Pawan Kumar, Chairman HSEB, said.

"We wish to observe the change in the coming generations so that they can become an example to the world and make India the Vishwaguru, as PM Modi has also stated. In the past, people from across the globe used to visit India for spiritual knowledge. India's spiritual knowledge is world-class," he further stated.

The ruling is applicable to government and private schools associated with the HSEB. Principals have been requested to make certain verses read on a regular basis in morning assemblies.

This comes against the backdrop of continued attempts by the state to incorporate value- and culture-based learning into the school curriculum. The move has been welcomed by some educators for its moral teachings but could generate arguments regarding the place of religious texts in public schools.

The officials have explained that the verses will be taught in a manner that highlights their philosophical and educational content, rather than religious education.

The roll-out is set to take place in the next academic session in Haryana schools.