Uttarakhand Makes Daily Gita Shloka Recitation Mandatory In Govt Schools
Uttarakhand has mandated the daily recitation of Gita shlokas in government schools to blend traditional wisdom with modern education and promote values-based learning. Ask ChatGPT
In a move aimed at blending traditional wisdom with modern education, the Uttarakhand government has made the daily recitation of shlokas from the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita mandatory in all government schools. Starting immediately, students across the state will begin their day with a verse from the Gita during morning prayers.
The directive was issued by Dr. Mukul Kumar Sati, Director of Secondary Education, instructing all Chief Education Officers to implement the initiative. According to the guidelines, one Gita shloka will be recited each day, accompanied by an explanation of its meaning and its scientific or philosophical relevance. Teachers are required to choose a 'Shloka of the Week," display it on school notice boards with its meaning, and encourage regular recitation. At week's end, students will discuss the verse in class and share their reflections.
The aim, officials say, is to promote a values-based education model while also nurturing students' intellectual, emotional, and moral development.
Uttarakhand Education Minister Dhan Singh Rawat added that this is part of a broader plan to include traditional Indian epics in the school curriculum. 'In a meeting with the Chief Minister, we've tasked NCERT to prepare content from the Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana for inclusion in the syllabus of 17,000 government schools. Until that is in place, verses from both texts will be recited in daily school prayers," he said.
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First Published:
July 16, 2025, 09:18 IST
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