Spreading Gita's message in 'mohallas' will strengthen Hindu Rashtra: Maharashtra minister Rane
PUNE: Maharashtra Minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane said on Sunday that the idea of the Hindu Rashtra would be strengthened if teachings of the Bhagavad Gita were propagated in "mohallas" for the "transformation of thoughts".
Noting that the Gita never preaches hatred or advocates (religious) conversions, Rane said, "If its teachings spread to mohallas (Muslim areas), even their thoughts will transform. This will make our Hindu Rashtra stronger".
"Teachings of the Bhagavad Gita promote harmony and transformation of thought. Its message should reach every corner," he told reporters.
Amid a row over the inclusion of Hindi in the school curriculum from class 1 and demonstrations staged by the Opposition, Rane said, "No language is being made compulsory. Students can opt for Sanskrit as the third language if they wish".
The BJP leader claimed he never heard lyricist Javed Akhtar, actor Aamir Khan, or Congress leader Rahul Gandhi speaking in the Marathi language.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) have announced to organise a joint march against the "imposition" of Hindi in schools on July 5.
"Why not hold rallies in areas like Behrampada or Mohammad Ali Road? These are the places where Hindi is spoken. The day 'azaan' (Islamic call for prayer) is delivered in Marathi, we will know there is true respect for the language," he told reporters.
Rane further suggested that instead of deepening divides among Hindus, efforts should be made to teach Marathi to those who have lived in Mumbai for decades but have not embraced the language.
When asked about Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar advocating the introduction of Hindi from class 5, Rane said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will speak with Pawar.
He took a veiled swipe at Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray over the choice of language.
"If you studied at Bombay Scottish, why did you not choose Sanskrit? Why Spanish or French?" he asked.
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On Sunday, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the formation of a committee to suggest the way forward in the implementation of the language policy and withdrew GRs issued in April and June this year, which had introduced Hindi learning as a must from a much younger age in school. In a reaction statement, the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Mahamandal said, "There is hope he (Fadnavis) will continue to take decisions in the interest of Marathi in future, too." Mahendra Ganpule, former vice president, State Headmasters' Association, said, "There is no ill feeling against the third language or Hindi. But there was opposition to the wrong policy of implementing it from Std I without considering child psychology. We will present all our points in detail again before the committee and try to ensure that the right decision is taken in the interest of children." The parent of a Std III student from Kothrud, Shilpa Kulkarni, said Sunday's decision has put an end to ongoing confusion. 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The opposition was not against Hindi or a third language but against its implementation from Std I." Chief coordinator of Shikshan Vikas Manch, Madhav Suryawanshi, said, "While CM has announced cancellation of the GR, considering past experience, we cannot trust this declaration till a notification is issued. Earlier, despite CM and the education minister publicly stating that three languages would not be made compulsory from Std I, govt still implemented the same decision. Until an order is issued stating that the decision stands cancelled, govt's stance cannot be trusted. Govt should issue that order."
