In a decision that has sparked both admiration and controversy, the Haryana government has mandated the daily recitation of selected verses from the Bhagavad Gita in all state-run schools during morning assemblies. The policy, which came into effect on July 19, 2025, is being framed as a cultural and moral education initiative aimed at instilling values and discipline among young students.
The move follows a similar directive in Uttarakhand and is part of a broader cultural initiative by state governments governed by the BJP. According to officials from the Haryana Education Department, the selected verses have been chosen for their universal teachings on duty, righteousness, and perseverance, rather than religious connotation. They argue that these teachings align with broader educational goals of character building and ethical development.
However, the directive has not gone without criticism. Some opposition leaders and civil rights activists have questioned the secular implications of making a religious text part of compulsory school curricula in a diverse and pluralistic society. They argue that the move blurs the line between religion and state and may alienate students from minority communities.
In defense of the decision, state education officials clarified that students would not be penalized for opting out and that the policy is designed to promote introspection and mental well-being rather than religious instruction. They also emphasized that similar efforts are underway to integrate teachings from other cultural texts as part of a balanced curriculum.
As the new academic session progresses, the policy will be closely monitored for its impact on student engagement and community response. For now, Haryana joins a growing list of states seeking to blend ancient Indian philosophy with modern education frameworks.
This is a web generated news report.
