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MP CM's Schoolbag Push: Why Every Child Must Carry the Gita

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav kicked off the International Gita Mahotsav in Ujjain with a strong emphasis on education. He announced that the Bhagavad Gita already has a special place in the state's school curriculum. The CM described the text as a timeless, practical guide for life, not merely a religious book. The festival will run for three days with various cultural performances celebrating the Gita's teachings.

Key Points: MP CM Mohan Yadav Says Gita Must Be in Every Schoolbag

  • CM Yadav inaugurated the 3-day International Gita Mahotsav with spiritual ceremonies in Ujjain
  • He cited the new education policy in emphasizing Gita's curriculum inclusion
  • The festival features cultural events like dance-dramas and a 'Gita on Wheels' showcase
  • Organizers aim to spread the Gita's message as an art of living beyond religion
2 min read

Every school-going child must have Gita in schoolbag: MP CM Yadav

Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav inaugurates Gita Mahotsav, stresses Bhagavad Gita's inclusion in school curriculum as a practical guide for life.

"The Gita is not just a religious scripture; it is a book of practical knowledge that every child must carry. - Dr Mohan Yadav, MP Chief Minister"

Bhopal/Ujjain, Dec 1

The three-day International Gita Mahotsav kicked off with spiritual fervour at Dussehra Ground in Ujjain on Monday as Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav inaugurated the festival, emphasising that the Bhagavad Gita should find a place in every child's school bag.

"We have given importance to Gita and the divine plays of our Lord Krishna in our school curriculum," the chief minister said, referring to the new education policy launched in 2020.

Dr Yadav formally initiated the celebrations by lighting the ceremonial lamp amid melodious chanting of Gita shlokas by scholars. Prominent saint Ranganathacharya Maharaj was accorded a warm welcome on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering packed with saints, seers, schoolchildren and students, the Chief Minister described the Gita as a timeless guide offering practical wisdom for life.

"Lord Krishna and Sudama studied together in the same gurukul -- this shows there was no discrimination between rich and poor. This is the biggest lesson for today's students," he said.

He announced that the Madhya Pradesh government has already accorded the Bhagavad Gita a special place in the school curriculum. "The Gita is not just a religious scripture; it is a book of practical knowledge that every child must carry," Dr Yadav stressed.

The CM added that he would participate in similar Gita Mahotsav events in Bhopal later in the day and receive the newly constructed Gita Bhavan in Indore the same evening.

The festival, coinciding with Gita Jayanti, will feature a rich cultural lineup. On Monday evening, Bollywood actor-director Puneet Issar will present the dance-drama 'Jai Shri Krishna - Gita Saar' at Dussehra Maidan. Tuesday will see Delhi artist Vaishnavi Sharma's performance, followed by the play 'Krishnayan', directed by Mohit Shewani.

The grand finale on Wednesday will showcase acclaimed artiste Salauddin Pasha's innovative "Gita on Wheels" along with other performances.

A special exhibition displaying paintings in Madhava Darshanam and traditional miniature styles is also attracting large crowds.

Shriram Tiwari, Trustee Secretary of Veer Bharat Trust, the organising body, said, "The Gita is far beyond a religious text -- it teaches the art of living with knowledge, duty, discipline and positivity. Through this Mahotsav, we aim to spread this eternal message across society." The International Gita Mahotsav will continue in Ujjain and across the state till December 3.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
While I respect the Gita's philosophy, making it a must-have in every schoolbag feels like a push towards a particular religion. India is a secular country with diverse faiths. Should we not focus on a common ethics curriculum that includes wisdom from all our great traditions - Gita, Bible, Quran, Guru Granth Sahib, and others? Let's promote unity, not division.
A
Arjun K
As a student, I already have 10kg of books in my bag! Jokes aside, if it's part of the moral science or philosophy curriculum and taught in an engaging way, not just as rote learning, it could be good. But please, no extra exams on it! Let it be about discussion and understanding.
S
Sarah B
I'm an exchange student here, and I attended part of the Mahotsav. The cultural performances were beautiful! I think learning about a country's foundational texts is key to understanding its culture. If introduced as literature and philosophy, not dogma, it could be a great learning tool for everyone, Indian or foreign.
K
Karthik V
The CM's point about Krishna and Sudama studying together is the most important one. In today's world of huge economic divides, teaching children that knowledge and character matter more than wealth is crucial. The Gita can be a tool for that. But the implementation has to be sensitive and inclusive.
M
Meera T
Good step, but our focus should also be on improving basic education quality first. Many schools lack proper toilets, teachers, and infrastructure. Let's get the fundamentals right. Once every child has a quality school to go to, then we can talk about which

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