U'khand schools start daily Gita lessons in morning assemblies
Officials from the state education department said the practice aims to take learning beyond the classroom. "NEP clearly states that students must be introduced to Indian culture, heritage, knowledge systems, and traditional learnings. The teachings must go beyond the curriculum. The CM also directed that these ancient teachings be incorporated into our schooling system. In line with that, shlokas from the Bhagwad Gita have now been introduced in the morning assemblies in our schools.
A few lessons will be shared daily," Dr Mukul Kumar Sati, director, secondary education, said.
While Sati said Uttarakhand is the first state to implement this on-ground, some BJP-ruled states have made similar announcements. Gujarat introduced Bhagwad Gita classes from Classes VI to XII in 2022, incorporating shlokas in prayers and chapters into textbooks. Karnataka also announced plans to add Gita teachings under moral science after expert consultations during the 2022-23 academic session.
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Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh followed suit, announcing they will introduce it for higher classes.
Sati said the initiative will gradually be expanded to the curriculum, with new textbooks being introduced this session. Education minister Dhan Singh Rawat also supported integrating traditional Indian knowledge systems into formal education. "The Indian knowledge system is one of the oldest in the world.
It will help with the moral, spiritual, and physical development of students and discipline them while creating scientific curiosity as well," he said.
In instructions sent to chief education officers across Uttarakhand, Sati said that Gita should be seen not just as a religious text, but as a reflection of human values and scientific reasoning. "These teachings can be a stepping stone to students becoming great citizens.
In every assembly, one shloka with its meaning should be taught along with its scientific viewpoint."
He added, "There should be a 'weekly shloka' that should be discussed at the end of the week. The significance of these teachings in day-to-day life should also be taught to the students. At every step, we must ensure the character development, self-control, and scientific mindset of our students with these teachings," the order read.
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