Kumaraswamy pushes for Bhagavad Gita in textbooks on a day PM Modi gifts a copy to Putin

On a day Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed a copy of Bhagavad Gita to Russian president Vladimir Putin, Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy urged his Cabinet colleague Dharmendra Pradhan to take steps to teach the Gita in schools, colleges and universities.

He hailed Modi’s gifting a copy of the Gita to Putin as truly commendable. “His (PM) vision to elevate India’s timeless traditions and civilizational heritage on the global stage is inspiring for all of us. The Bhagavad Gita, a guiding light for humanity and a beacon of wisdom, should be taught at every stage of education,” Kumaraswamy said in a post on X. “It is equally important that children are introduced to our epics - the Ramayana composed by Maharshi Valmiki and the Mahabharata authored by Bhagavan Vyasa.”

In his letter to Pradhan, Kumaraswamy said the PM recently attended a Gita recitation programme at the Krishna Mutt in Udupi, where he highlighted the core principles of Sanatana Dharma. He stressed the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and reaffirmed these timeless values, the union minister said.


Kumaraswamy, who is the JDS Karnataka president, represents Mandya in the Lok Sabha.

The union minister said he also had the privilege of attending the Gita recitation programme at Shivamogga, which, he said, offered a wonderful opportunity “to recite the Gita and experience the profound energy and devotion associated with it.”

Several parents, Kumaraswamy said, have requested him that the teachings from Gita be included in school curriculum. “The National Education Policy (NEP) places strong emphasis on value-based education. Introducing select teachings from the Gita will help inculcate moral strength, clarity of thought and character among students, thereby strengthening our demographic dividend and preparing our youth to excel globally.”