India: RSS ideologue Dinanath Batra-led panel to advise Haryana schools on Gita

Batra-led panel to advise Haryana schools on Gita

Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar

No opposition to its introduction, says State Education Minister

The Haryana government’s Educational Consultative Committee, headed by RSS ideologue Dinanath Batra, is expected to advise the State Council of Educational Research and Training on selection of Bhagvad Gita slokas to be introduced in school curriculum. On Wednesday, the Education Department urged the council to suggest the slokas it deemed fit for introduction in schools from the coming academic session. Education Minister Ram Bilas Sharma confirmed the development and said there was no opposition to the introduction of the Bhagvad Gita in schools. Mr. Batra, a former RSS pracharak, is the national convener of the RSS-backed Shiksha Bachao Andolan Samiti. He was instrumental in stalling the release of American scholar Wendy Doniger’s book, The Hindus: An Alternative History, in India. Soon after assuming office late last year, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar constituted the consultative committee to improve the education system in the State. It comprises educationists and experts, including retired teachers and professors.

Director-General of Higher Education T.C. Gupta said the matter was referred to the council, which would suggest from which class the scripture should be introduced. After deliberations, the council would refer the matter to the consultative committee. The two bodies would also have to decide on whether the Bhagvad Gita should be taught in Sanskrit or in Hindi or English.

Though Sanskrit teaching in the State is not advanced, the government has drawn up plans to spread the language. It is recruiting teachers and working out details for introducing two new courses.