Bangalore: 'Gita' Teaching Sparks Row in Karnataka


Bangalore, Jul 17 (IANS): Karnataka's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has landed in a row over its support to teaching of Hindu holy book 'Bhagvad Gita' in schools.

The controversy took a new turn after Primary and Secondary Education Minister Vishwanath Hegde Kageri said July 14 that those opposing the Gita teaching should quit India.

Kageri said teaching the holy book was necessary to inculcate moral values in students. He made the comment at a function in Kolar, 65 km from Bangalore.

On July 8, he had announced in Bangalore that the government was "open to making Bhagvad Gita teaching compulsory in schools".

But Higher Education Minister V.S. Acharya said the programme should not be seen as religious teaching.

"There is no connection between Bhagavad Gita and religion. Gita has more to do with human values," Acharya asserted.

Not everyone is convinced.

Many see it as an attempt to "communalise" education, and are opposing it on the ground that it was unconstitutional for the government to back such a programme.

The issue reached the high court July 14.

On a petition by the Karnataka State Minorities Educational Institutions Managements' Federation challenging the official support to the programme, the court sought the response of the state and the central governments.

Kageri insists there is no compulsion to attend the programme, that it is voluntary and the teaching would take place only after school hours.

"The government is only supporting the programme, and is nor organising or financially backing it," Kageri has been saying.

The programme is conducted by Sri Gangadharendra Saraswati Swami of Sonda Swarnavalli 'Math' in Sirsi in Uttara Kannada district, about 430 km from Bangalore.

The programme is for primary, secondary and high school students.

Though it has been on since 2007, the row erupted now as the programme's launch was opposed by the Students Federation of India, which is affiliated to the Communist Party of India-Marxist, in Kolar July 6.

SFI Kolar unit president V. Ambarish was arrested for trying to disrupt the sermon by Gangadharendra Saraswati Swami and released on bail five days later. Protesting the arrest, hundreds of students took out rallies.

Ambarish has filed a counter-case against Gangadharendra Swami saying he violated prohibitory orders banning assembly of five or people, which was in force in Kolar on July 6. He is seeking the Swami's arrest.

Asked why SFI kept quiet all these years, its state president H.R. Naveen Kumar told IANS: "We have been opposing it since it was launched in 2007. But only now it has become a major issue because our Kolar unit head was arrested on false charges and held in jail for five days."

The Kolar incident and the subsequent statement of Kageri have been condemned by the Congress and groups like Dalit Sangarsh Samiti and Komu Souharda Vedike (Forum for Communal Harmony).

All of them have demanded Kageri's dismissal from the ministry. Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, bogged down by allegations of corruption, has not commented on the mounting controversy -- thus far.

  

Top Stories

Comment on this article

  • Mahesh Biradar, India/Norway

    Thu, Jul 21 2011

    I have seen people taking out rallies in Bangalore and shouting slogans, more than 70 % of crowd was paid by either missionaries and mullahs ,few people did not even know the cause of the rally LoL,.Bhagwat gita is not a religious book.for your information ,introduction of Bhagwat Gita In US ,UK,France universities more than 32 universities among them ,prestigious Ursinus College,Cardiff University,prestigious Hartford universities have more than 86000 students study it as apart of their curriculum from different countries and religion and guess what, they are not opposing it .

    Thesis prepared by Ph.d student W. J. Johnson, Senior Lecturer in Asian Studies mentioned that Bhagwat gita is necessary for all as it changes the outlook of the individual to lead a better life and also mentioned it served as a better management lesson.People opposing it are either too fanatical or dumb to understand the subject.How Ironic,Bhagwat gita was written by Indian ,for Indians and few Indians are opposing it with out any reading it.If any body has any issue's ,can google it and see the case studies.Finally Bhagwat Gita teaches wisdom.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sanjay Shetty, Kateel/ USA

    Thu, Jul 21 2011

    This is one of the worst governments to grace our great state. In fact both the governments are rubbish. Don't you see what's going on here? These twits are simply trying to deviate from the land scam issue to a communal one.
    Anyway, as a proud Hindu who grew up in a beautifully secular India that respects all castes and creeds and currently reside in the US, this decision is absolutely rubbish. No one should be forced anything. I don't have my children being forced to learn the bible in the US. Or for that matter forced to learn the Koran when we resided in Dubai. So why should India do the same with other religions??
    Even when I attended St Aloysius school and College, we were forced any Bible study of any sort....
    Sadly, I see this as the slow Talibanisation of India. And slowly this will hamper the economic progression of India. If this continues, and Im hoping it won't, India will turn out to be another Pakistan in about 20 years from now.

    ALL fanatics whether Hindu, Muslim or Christian should be rounded up and shot. Or put in an Island to fight it out amongst themselves.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Joseph F. Gonsalves, Bannur, Puttur / Mangalore

    Wed, Jul 20 2011

    Mr. Kaageri says those who do not like Bhagavad-Gita to be taught in the schools should quit the country and seems to be hatred to othe religions and never mind of the constitution.

    Is this the teaching of Bhagavad-Gita, in schools is called Athithi Deveobhava?
    Making /Mandatory of the teachings is not the efforts of propagating Hindu faith for conversions?

    Making Compulsion otherwise quit the country is it not terrorism?

    Do the proposed teachings of Bhagavad-Gita in schools be taught in Sanskrit or in other languages like English, Kannada, Hindi, Urdu, Nepali, Sinhalese, Chinese because there are many infiltrations from the border countries.

    If the teachings of Bhagavad-Gita in schools be taught in all languages then why the poojaas are still conducted by pronouncing only the slokas in Sanskrit?

    God is limited to Sanskrit and purity in vegetables and body cleansing only? What is the necessity to purify the body which decays and loss for ever? Does not purifying the soul is more essential and imperative?

    DisAgree [2] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shivani, Udupi/Ireland

    Wed, Jul 20 2011

    To Vivek Periera,
    Thank you Mr.Vivek thoughtful comments, really felt proud and happy for your comments.I wish every one who is opposing could think like you. I donno how can they forget that most of their ancestors were once hindus.

    Yes, as you said, once indians go abroad they have no problems adopting to whatever the rules of the land but they donot want to follow the underpinning concepts of HINDUSTAN. What an irony!!

    Teaching 'Gita' is very essential so please make it compulsory for HINDU children becoz they get no religious teaching from anyone except at home. Make it voluntary for children of other religions atleast they wont get mixed up by 2 preachings.

    I wish I had this opportunity when I was in school, atleast I didnt have to learn all this in library or through TV serials.
    Please make this compulsory for HINDU kids

    DisAgree [2] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Diappointed Indian, Mangalore

    Wed, Jul 20 2011

    India is supposed to a very highly religious country( whatever the religion be ). But its also one of the highest CORRUPTED country in the world.

    GITA is not going to save us. We believe in religion when we want and forget it when its convenient.

    I bet every commenter at one time or other paid bribe or asked for a bribe, did not help a fellow citizen.

    The change has to come from us ... not by forcing others to follow what we don't follow.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Prem, Nandurbar

    Wed, Jul 20 2011

    I support Mr. Ramanan's thought...

    DisAgree [1] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • S.V.Ramanan, Bangalore.

    Tue, Jul 19 2011

    Indian Philosophy is Highly personal.

    It is meant for people who are intent on Spiritual Elevation.

    Another point of note is that Indian Philosophy ( not Purana) never condemns one for not following its teaching nor does it that Hinduism is the ONLY path to Salvation.

    It is like a Doctor.

    You are sick,you go to a Doctor,he prescribes medicines that are tested.

    He does not force you to take the medicine.

    It is left to you..

    After teaching The Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna,on his request(note-on Arjuna’s request only), after delivering 632 Slokas of a Total of 700 Slokas,Lord Krishna states in the 63rd Sloka ,Chapter 18

    ‘Thus hath been opened thee
    This Truth of Truths, the Mystery more hid
    Than any secret mystery. Meditate!
    And—as thou wilt—then act’!-Chapter 18. 63.(translation by Sir Edwin Arnold.

    He leaves the decision to the individual.

    He does not force him.

    Lord Krishna also lists hose to whom the Gita must not be revealed.

    Idam te naatapaskaaya naabhaktaaya kadaachana
    Na chaashushrooshave vaachyam na cha maam yo’bhyasooyati.

    67. This is never to be spoken by thee to one who is devoid of austerities, to one who is not devoted, nor to one who does not render service, nor who does not desire to listen, nor to one who cavils at Me.-Chapter 18.67-Translation Swami Sivananda.

    Leave this attempt to force the Gita.

    It is not sanctioned by Lord Krishna.

    Do not create social tension.

    Hinduism does nor believe in forced teaching or conversion.

    Those who need Krishna , let them find him.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • KRPrabhu, Mangalore/Bangalore

    Tue, Jul 19 2011

    The grace of Bhagavadgita is evident because issue has sparked off 70 comments by opponents and supporters of the great scripture.In scriptures like Ramayana,Mahabharata etc.,we hear that even the most evil persons like  Ravana, Kumbkarna, Vaali, Duryodhana, Vibhishana,Hiranyaksha, Hirayakashipuwere critics of Lord Vishnu's incarnations Rama,Krishna etc,yet they attained 'moksha' at the end because of their pronouncing the holly name of Rama,Krishna repeatedly in vengence or otherwise.In the same way I feel that even today also those utter Gita's holly name for any of the reasons will be blessed unmidful of its purpose.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • shahnawaz kukkikatte, dubai/udupi

    Mon, Jul 18 2011

    Guru/mangalore,

    Friend, if the source of subsidy is from temple or mutt hundis, definitely its more than haram..... Please read Quran for making a distinction between halal and haram..... First you should know the tenets, then comment. But please dont be a spokesperson of RSS or BJP.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vivek Pereira, Mangalore

    Mon, Jul 18 2011

    It is known that some part of gulf Indian CBSC students have to tear down pages of Indian moral science lessons from their text books under the direction of some Indian extremist teachers by highlighting this to education ministry. Cops are pulling down the hanging crosses over the car dash board. Where is the freedom of religion? And in India Hindus cannot teach Bagavad gita in the School.

    Extremists minorities are enjoying more freedom of religion in India than Pakistan or any other Islamic counties. But still we can see some narrow minded vociferous minorities oozing venom. You can imagine as the percentage of minorities rises there will be havoc and it will be worst than Pakistan. Many centuries we have suffered in the hands of invaders and there is a fear of peace and harmony in the near future. Most of the minorities are converted and you are insulting your own ancestors by going against teaching Bagavad Gita in the School while it is not compulsory.

    DisAgree Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Harold D'cunha, Manglaore, India

    Mon, Jul 18 2011

    Teach how to be a true patriotic, true Hindustani which is far better and broader.
    Religion is opium to society and if there is any religion, it is religion of humanity which has no boundaries.
    Any religion which has no bloodshed and encourage self sacrifice, service to the society should be encouraged. IN this level Humanity is the religion which has no boundaries.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Ronald D, Udupi

    Mon, Jul 18 2011

    All those supporting KAAAAgeri & Achari are supporting church attacks!! Because they did not follow Gita till today! Rebellions without a cause!! Learn Gita and then force it on others!! For both the above power of Karnataka with religion agenda is just like Managana Kaiyalli Manikya!! Keep the Manikya safe before it becomes Afghan or Iran with the short term mind!!! Keep our native for future generation!! Please do not finish it off for the temporary gain!! What will you lose if you keep Gita sacred for the personal choice!? Votes? Which is more imortant ? Votes with hidden agenda? or a peaceful living and pleasent neighbourhood????

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • S.S.D'Souza, udupi

    Mon, Jul 18 2011

    @ C.K. Dayananda, calling someone who opposes what you favor as an anti social element shows how anti social you are. If someone is opposing something then that means that fellow has some doubts need to be clarified.
    As said by the honorable minister learning geetha is optional, I still wonder if the primary students were given any freedom of choice. Since it would be taught after school hours, it would just overburden the kids.
    Expecting someone to increase the moral values just by reading or learning something from the religious books is foolish, morality comes from within & not from without.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Dev, Mangalore

    Mon, Jul 18 2011

    @C K Dayananda-
    This is what govt. wants(diversioneary tactic)-
    Fight between majority & minority, so their misgovernance & corruption is forgotten until the elections are due & won.
    Now who is anti social- those who attack minorities & their places of worhsip or those people who just want the govt., to govern & not politicise education.
    Hindus are minorities in many countries- do you want them to come back to save themselves.
    As far as I understand they are not against teaching of Vedas or Geetha in India(Religious Freedom endowed by constitution)- but enforcing it on children who are already over burdened.
    Selfish Politicians play these cards for their own gain & not for their love of motherland or religion.
    "Dharmo Rakshatha Rakstheyi"
    Let all the leaders follow DHARMA first- then let them PREACH others.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • rajesh, kuwait

    Mon, Jul 18 2011

    SANSKRITH, BHAGVATHAGITHA, YOGA, VEDA, AYURVEDA UPANISHATH, VASTU SHASTA, ASHTA VIDYA. NOT ONLY SINGLE COMMUNITY OR RELIGION THIS IS FOR ENTIRE HUMANITY. THIS IS THE GIFT OF OUR INDIAN ANCESTORS.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Peter Pereira, Pune

    Mon, Jul 18 2011

    Mr. Vishwanath, for some extent your comments are sensible. Gita has very wise teachings. But, due to lack of knowledge of these teachings, many youths stray and the greedy politicians use these youths for their selfish motives. Infact, I have few extracts of Gita pasted on my Restaurant's entrance. Learning about a religion is not wrong. Following / changing religion is individual freedom. Unfortunately, this freedom has been taken away from us....may be due to fear.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • C K DAYANANDA, MANGALURU

    Mon, Jul 18 2011

    Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Yoga, Ayurveda and so on are treasure given to mankind by our great ancestors.

    Shlokas from Vedas and Bhagavad Githa are morning prayers in many Europian schools.

    When people of all religions are availing the benefits of Yoga and Ayurveda, why not they listen to discourse on Bhagavad Githa.

    In India, we are unfortunate to have a monority population and so called secular people who are opposing every move of the Govt. to introduce our age old wisdom in curriculum.

    Because of such people stories of Ramayana and Mahabharatha are replaced by Tughalak and Aurangzeb.

    Root cause of all our problems like Corruption and Terrorism is our present education system.

    I urge the Govt. to firmly deal with the anti social elements who oppose Bhagavad Githa in schools.






    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • suresh, mumbai

    Mon, Jul 18 2011

    Very good decision. What bagvadgita can give to its readers is already set open in front of the world when we read about Padmanamba swamy temple treasure, Read about the Noble & humble Travancore kings who ruled the state and not even touched the treasure of temple. THIS IS THE GIFT OF BHAGVADGITA.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Peter Pereira, Pune

    Mon, Jul 18 2011

    It is a very good idea Mr. Kageri. Infact, it should have been implemented long ago. Atleast by teaching good things from Gita, particularly religious tolerance and respect for women and aged people, most of the animals who vandalize & desecrate worship places of other religions and physically assault unarmed women and elderly people will realize that what they are doing is against the teachings of Sanathana Dharma.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • The Guru, Mangalore

    Mon, Jul 18 2011

    Louis D'Souza, Udupi/Kuwait

    Please check the Kerala High court verdict, which states that Kerala alone recieves 12000 crores of rupees every year for conversion and illegal activities from western countries

    So check ur house first, before preaching others

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • usha, Mangalore

    Mon, Jul 18 2011

    I think take a survey of students opinion. This is 'ganda hendira jagalhadalli koosu badavayithu'. First of all the students r overloaded !

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Inidan , Doha

    Mon, Jul 18 2011

    Yes Mr. Siva it is correct .. appreciating Karnataka Govt. nothing wrong n preaching Bhagavat Gita in school and such movement will build up confidence in pupils

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • The Guru, Mangalore

    Mon, Jul 18 2011

    shahnawaz kukkikatte, dubai/udupi

    Then why u require Huj Subsidy Boss? is it not Haram

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Louis D'Souza, Udupi/Kuwait

    Mon, Jul 18 2011

    Vishwanath, Mangalore, we dont need your corrupt black money coming to mutts as donations. Kindly keep it for your own benefit & future. Thank you. Christians are donating to Churhces, we dont need your support.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • shahnawaz kukkikatte, dubai/udupi

    Mon, Jul 18 2011

    @Vishwanath/Mangalore.

    "money from temples and mutts needed to revive mosques and churches in India".

    Hey dont make irresponsible statement and misguide the readers. Money from temples and mutts for reviving the mosque, even its given free, amounts to illegal and haram as Islam believes in monotheism and doesnt practice idol worship. Even the money generated from lottery, alcohol or even from zakat constitutes illegal and haram for mosques... You are just making a statement without knowing the basic tenets of islam. Secondly churches dont need your money. Their money goes to you. They build schools, orphanages, old age and sick homes, homes for special needies and hospitals where the whole of society is benefitted. Here its not the question of temple or mutt issue, the whole issue is of saffronizing the education system. Have you ever been asked by the christian schools to learn bible??? No. not at all. Study of bible, geetha, or quran are good. but let it be optional and let all the books of three major religion be taught in schools on optional basis and dont force your corrupted ideologies on to the innocent brain of children and make them blind....

    I have read Geetha, its full of virtues and at the same time I too have read bible and Quran. All speak the same thing and same philosophy.. Let the children have the option... I teach my children Quran at home and I would surely opt for Geeta studies at school for my children so that they shall have better understanding.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Irshad Shaikh, Udupi/Dubai

    Sun, Jul 17 2011


    Whole issue is nothing but saffronising educational systems of India gradually by RSS.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Ashetty, Mangalore

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    Well said..Nishith Shetty,sujeer & sunil kumar shetty, Karkala/Riyadh and HENRY MISQUITH, Bahrain please dont play double game.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Vishwanath, Mangalore

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    Money from temples and mutts are needed to revive mosques and churches in India. When it comes to teaching Bhagavad Gita , how could it spark row? Please think twice before agitating against teaching Gita.BHAGAVAD GITA is pure MORAL SCIENCE. THIS TREASURE TROVE IS NOT FOR HINDUS ONLY.THIS govt has realised that along with money from temples and mutts,the doctrines adopted in mutts and temples too could be spread to elevate souls of humanity.Those who oppose Gita teaching should also fight against distribution of temple, mutt funds for other religious (Muslim,Christian) activities.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • A.S.Mathew, U.S.A.

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    It is always better for the students to study their own
    sacred religious books, also to
    learn from the religious books of
    other religions. Behind the religions frictions, we can find a deep mystery that those people who are too violent and cold blooded are the people who have miserably
    failed to read their own religious book.

    If the Karnataka
    state government is totally one
    sided in the implementation of
    teaching only the "Bhagavadgita"
    to the students, the citizens will
    be in a confusion and a whole lot
    of misunderstanding is generated.
    The Christian schools have the right to teach Bible-Hindu schools
    have the right to Bhagavadgita and
    the Muslims schools to teach Quran
    but when the State makes a decision to teach only one religious book, it is an autocratic
    political decision.

    For those students who are interested in religious studies,
    let them all get a chance to learn
    from all major religions. All the
    religious books give certain truth
    and guidelines for a better life in this world.

    Those people who have knowledge
    in different religions will be
    far less radical in dealing with the believers of other religions.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Sujith Nayak, kUDLA / ABUDHABI

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    Very good move....but make it compulsory to only hindu students...its the need....christians learn Bible compulsorily at the young age before communion...Muslims got to go to madarasas.....but poor Hindus go to the school to learen english...no clue about their religion & its moral values.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • sunil kumar shetty, Karkala/Riyadh

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    Dear Henry Misquith,
    I am absolutely opposite to your comment which you have written against nishith shetty. He ia not telling Gith has to be compulsory to all religious people.what you think about Indian culture?india is respecting all religions. not like gulf country. so be proud of Indian.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Laxman, Mangalore

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    Learning"'Bhagvad Gita" in the school is not cumpulsory and it is mostly after school hours.'Bhagvad Gita' is so interesting & children not only Hindus will take part in this classes. You have seen How Mahabharath and Ramayana seriels became so famous and all people including non Hindus were eagerly waiting to see these seriels.These politicians do not know how to introduce "'Bhagvad Gita" to the mass. Giving a communal image and political angle shows how inexperienced these ministers are. You introduce classes with short prayer with prasad & weekly one or two classes and see the results. Other communities can have their religious classes in th school why cant Hindus.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Ronald D, Udupi

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    Kageri & Achari needs Gita lessons first!! They have exhibited their small mind by forcing it on schools!! Why Yeddy and Nagesh Maama gone silent?? This ex-home minister and higher education minister is only graduate!! Had he studied masters instead of politics..humanity would have been benefited!! Small mind is still struggling with petty issues.. pushing kids stuff!! Kids today know more than you ministers!! They can down load Gita in seconds! You ministers will not know two ends of gita, but school children will outsmart you in munits if they like it!! Please stay away!! Let them learn mandatory lessons...rest leave it to their parents! Politicians trying to teach morality is big joke today!!

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • jacobnelson, mumbai

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    Nagesh Nayak!
    where are you?
    I don't think any difference in BJP and Communism!
    Like west Bengal they made communism complesory in school curriculam!!!!!!!!!

    Afet killing 100 rats,
    Cat went to kashi,!!!

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Rakshith, Puttur

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    Its 100 % wrong to preach gita or any other stuff cozz our people r sick ,,,,,,,i wanna say being a hindu,,,,,,be a indian,,,,,,,,,,,,,

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Jamal, Kudroli,Mangalore/Abudhabi

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    Nothing wrong if it teaches the moral values after school hours. I studied in a Christian college there were one period teaching bible for christain Catholics only. Non christains and non catholics had to attend moral classes. Hope these will take young mind off communal hatred. God knows!! What is in the mind of saffron brigades?

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Jacob Mendonsa, Udupi/Abu dhabi/Bangalore

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    Our primary Education Minister has no moral right to tell the people to quit India to those who oppose their idea of teaching Gita in Karnataka school.First he should ascertain what moral values are possed by our corrupt politicians
    all over India.In a democratic country we all have right to express our views.First of all Mr.Kageri should introduce teaching Baghwat Gita to MLAS & Corporators of Karnataka state,who are most corrupt in India.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Anuj Nayan, Udupi

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    Why does the state govt. wants to teach Gita in govt. schools? If it is an institution run by a Hindu Management, then I feel it is fine. But Govt. Schools are meant to be secular.. ie not a religious institution. If the state govt. is so enthusiastic in teaching holy books in school, then let it also include Koran and Bible.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • anil, dubai

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    First teach children with good values. which is no different than "Gita"

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Dolfus I S Crasta, Bangalore

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    Teaching anything to student to be a good citizen is welcome, be it Bhagahwadgitha, Bible, Quaran or anything but it should be optional and not mandatory. Do not try to get political mileage out of it. Do not corrupt young minds and do not forget India is a secular country.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Rihan, Mangalore/Riyadh

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    All the people who are supporting for teaching of only Bhagavadgeetha in school, why you people are not supporting and insisting for teaching of Quran, Bible or other religious books in school? Why did not the government who is concerned about minorities did not think of this? Could you all please respond to this?

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Shawn Lobo, Udupi

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    I personally feel there is nothing wrong with the state government's decision of imparting Bhaghvad Gita education. We people must not forget that we are Indians first. And Gita is the root of Indian culture. I being a catholic christian would be happy to go and learn the scriptures of the other religions. And let me remind all our minority brothers that no other country in the world has given so much religious freedom as our Hindu brothers of our India. Let the Catholics inquire this with their frendz in Italy and the Protestants in The US and the Muslims in the Islamic nations. Jai Hind. God enlighten all.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Rahman, Mangalore

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    Its good move move by BJP. They also start to teach Quran, Bible paralley. It helps student to learn culture, life style and humanity values and try to clarify the mis understandings.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Justin Lobo, Bangalore

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    @ nishith Shetty, sujeer/uae
    If the convent schools are teaching the bilble it is not mandatory to non Christians.
    I say the bible is not preached to Hindus in any Christian institutions other than school subjects.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Joseph F. Gonsalves, Bannur, Puttur / Mangalore

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    Clear indications of proselytizing from the ruling party BJP and its associates.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Vincy, Pamboor, Pamboor

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    Teaching Bhagavadgita is not a remedy to the present problem. to teach moral values you dont require Gita ar Bible or kuran. Our children are least bothered about it. they want to see the elders morally upwright. I would like to ask only one question how can these politicians, when they themselves have no values, think of teaching values to our children through Gita. Please leave the children alone. Dont communalise their tender minds.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Vincent Almeida, Udupi/Doha

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    Hello!. When we have a democratic constitution where every religion has its own pride and respect, and every one has their own freedom to follow their own religion, it is not fair to introduce something like this. Afterall, those primary children of early buds why should be loaded with matters which are not important from the accademic point of view.

    If someone argues that such programmes will improve the moral of the Karnataka Primary students, then there are so many non religious Moral Science litratures which can be adopted rather than something that pertains to a single religion!

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Vincent Almeida, Udupi/Doha

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    Hello!. When we have a democratic constitution where every religion has its own pride and respect, and every one has their own freedom to follow their own religion, it is not fair to introduce something like this. Afterall, those primary children of early buds why should be loaded with matters which are not important from the accademic point of view.

    If someone argues that such programmes will improve the moral of the Karnataka Primary students, then there are so many non religious Moral Science litratures which can be adopted rather than something that pertains to a single religion!

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Robin, Mlore

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    Gita must be taught only in religious center's and not to commercialize it to the mass children in public schools!! Agree education has no religion/caste dose not mean to introduce Gita or Bible or Quran in schools!
    BJP govt is trying to commercialize communalizm which is wrong... rather solving communal differences between religions!!!

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Vivek Shenoy, Bangalore/Bahrain

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    Government should open this programme with the holy books of all religions. Let the students know all religions, and let government bring out a text with one chapter each from Bible, Quran, Samaysaar, Kalpasutra, Tripitaka, Guru Grant Sahib...and lable it as a Moral Science.
    While doing so, it is very important that every chapter should be designed by the scholars and approved by the heads / chief priests of the respective religion.
    I hope Mr. Acharya and Mr. Kageri will be well satisfied with this suggestion, and their intention to improve the morals of students (who right now moral less ???) will be achieved.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Prakash, Udipi

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    The Bhagavadgitha is a Tome of information and knowledge. what is written in the religions of the new world order is already in the Gita. by learning or reading the Gita you will not become a hindu. almost all on our indian subcontinent are hindus by lineage and this must be appreciated.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Dr. Sudarshan Rai, Belthangadi/USA

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    I am in concurence to the view expressed by Mr. Nishith. I am also in agreement with Mr. Kageri and Mr. Acharya whose intention by bringing this programme is to IMPROVE THE MORAL ALTITUDE of Karnataka students (future citizens), who as per Government assessment must be (right now)too low as proved by their voting a most corrupt Government and still keeping them on power - even after they completely lost Moral in all respect!

    So my dear (other) readers, who is now more in need of Moral education..?

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Lawrence Saldanha, Kanajar/Kuwait

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    Dear friends,

    I would like Mr. Kageri and Mr. Acharya to know that all religious books teach moral values and as a Christian I can say that The Scriptures of The Holy Gospel of Lord Jesus Christ are as relevant to mankind as any other religious book. If they really want to impart religious education to students, they should consider introducing different religious books as optionals for students to from or they have to keep all religious books away from curriculum and encourage religious leaders to impart such spiritual education to respective religious communities as does the Catholic Christian Community. I am certainly in favor of Bhagavadgita to be taught to Hindu Children and even children of other religions but outside the School, (preferably in temples) which is attended by multi-religious communities.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Siva, Kochi

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    Congrats .. it is a good step has been taken by Karantaka Govt. I think this step should be followed by all other states .The knowledge of Holy will enhances in students moral and human values and gives them more courage to survive all bad temptation in life.I dont understand why peoples are opposing such good move why tehey are not even raise any finger against in minority running institutions there is compulsory religious teachings irrespective of student's religion .

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Uday Shetty, Shirva, Doha/Qatar

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    Teaching Gita is not wrong. But only thing we should make sure that it is not compulsory or in the regular curriculum. Gita teaches the ethical way of leading the life, nothing communal in it. In comparison to any other religious books Gita stands taller with universal acceptability (It does not say one God or two God etc). Instead of making classes for Gita it should be routed through Moral education. Pick good values from all religious books including Gita, Bible and Kuran.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Dave, Mangalore

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    I had read Ramayana & Mahabharth even before I read Bible-as these epics have very gripping storyline with courage, valour, romance & illusion better than Harry Potter Stories. The fight against evil & triumph of Good in the end against all odds.
    If anybody had tried to push these great novels down my throat (against my will)compulsorily- then most probably I wouldn't have touched them at all.
    My answer to politicians not to politicise everything- If you want- start them in all temples as todays most kids run away from religious rituals & practices as they alreday are overburdened by todays education. They even don't have time to play everyday.
    Otherwise it will be as Muddana says " Neeriliyada Gantalalli Kadubu Thurukidantayithu".

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Harish Poojari, Kadekar Udupi

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    Bhagavadgitha, is not based on religion, Bhagavadgitha teaching way of life, it is not teaching terrorism, frist see what is that inside githa, if anybody dont like, leave it. before only brahmins can read, but now anybody can read Githa. it will teach you culture,its improve you life style.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • prajwal, mangalore

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    vinay , mumbai.

    u r absolutely right..well said .

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Kaizer, Dubai

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    Dear Shivani,if that is the case even other religious books teaches humanity why don't govt implement other books .
    Bhagavadgita is not a Indian culture,it's an epic of Hindu religion, convents are owned by Christian communities so they have the rights to preach bible.govt school is for all religions so preaching of religious books cannot be implemented and it is against our constitution.
    Kageris comment clearly tells us it is the agenda of saffron group.he has no rights to say quit India.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, Bahrain

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    Mr. nishith shetty,
    Not only your Bhagwadgeetha and Bible, Quran also cleanse your mind.
    It's a secular and world's biggest
    democratic country.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Titus, mangalore

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    There is nothing wrong inclusion of this subject as long as it's not compulsory where as the intention of BJP is totally wrong they don't want to see people live peacefully. Every school has Moral class where they can teach as per the religion they belong to, then why they bring all these issues to spoil the peace. India is not belong to any one party,who the hell are they to say quit India. Let them think twice before they make such stupid comments.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • RAJESH, KUWAIT

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM
    ONLY HINDU STUDENT ATTEND THE BAGAVATGITHA CLASS.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • shahnawaz kukkikatte, dubai/udupi

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    It should not made compulsory for all students. I remember in Gulf countries, islamic education is compulsory for muslim students and non muslim students they can opt moral science. Same way in India even in christian run educational institituions, study of bible is restricted to christian students and they cant escape and for non christian students, instead of bible morality is taught. Let them make Geeta mandatory for hindu students and non hindu students can be left with the choice of opting for moral education. Then the problem is solved.... By teaching geeta, dominant clergies want to remain in lime light and they are more into untouchability.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Suresh, Moodbidri/Muscat

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    Can Any one ask our Beloved Minsters to Add Geeta, Quran & Bibal in one book ( in Short)?
    At least Next generation will understand their & others riligon better, and Live Peacefully.....

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • nishith Shetty, sujeer/uae

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    India Has all rights to teach its culture to the Students.

    If anyone not interested kindly do not attend it.

    We are in India and Bhagwadgeetha shows the path of Living to all the Indians Irrespective of Religion whichever he belongs to.

    Even Convent Schools preach Bible but its not Mandatory.
    Reading Bhagwadgeetha and Bible will cleanse your Mind!!!

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Alwyn, Mangalore - USA

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    Every citizen must know the National Anthem and how to respect it. Our BJP CM and his Gang of Ministers are Not even know the meaning of it and do not know how to stand and respect when National Anthem is signing. Teaching Scholl children Bhagavad Gita for what purpose? Instead of that let them teach some work experience classes like carpentry, book binding, farming & vegetables growing, and driving. So they can have some knowledge and grow with good knowledge and they can build better India. This BJP ministers are fools and stupid’s.

    ಹಸಿವೆಗೆ ಸವಿ ಬೇಡ, ನಿದ್ದೆಗೆ ಹಾಸಿಗೆ ಬೇಡ.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Satish Kumar, Mangalore

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    Teaching Bhagvad Gita in Govt primary schools is really GOOD decision, definitly it would support/encourage childrens mind the value of Bhagvad Gita in their future life.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Shivani, Dublin

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    I dont see anything wrong in teaching Bhagavad Gita in schools. It will imbibe goodness among students so why oppose it? Are people opposing it because its a Hindu Epic? I think it is the same arguement that people had when the Govt. wanted to introduce Yoga in schools. Both Gita and Yoga though has a Hindu origin, they do not just represent hinduism. They are there to enrich a person both physically and morally.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • vasntrj, Udupi/Abudhabi

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    What is wrong in preaching Bhagavadgeetha in school. At least some one will improve their art of living.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Ceraj, mangalore

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    Please teach proper educational lessons and humanity values then start teaching Bhagavad Gita,Bible and quran...

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Louis D'Souza, Udupi/Kuwait

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    Schools are for education, Religious matters should be taught at home, or at Temples. Should not be made compulsary in govt. school. Its better if Bhagvad Gita is taught to Politicians who are indulge in corruption, they need it the most. Un educated, Education Minister Vishwanath Hegde Kageri has to thrown out of India for his stupid comments. Uska Baap Ka Rajya hai kya??

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • vinay, mumbai

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    I do not find anything wrong in it as it is not compulsory for all and conducted only after school hours. I am sure even among hindu students, everyone would not be interested as they are gnerally not religious minded. Moreover, these kind of mindless protests can only happen in india.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Dev Sagar, Mangalore

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    Why our appa Yeddy is silent on the issue? Our communal/RSS Mr. Acharya is blindly supporting the program just to please his God father Yeddy though he knows that is wrong. How come all of a sudden all reasoning, common sense and courtesy have disappeared from our elected representatives???

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Lancelot N. Tauro, Manglore - Doha Qatar

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    Mr. Kageri its not a history subject, Holy book must be respected first, and taught at holy places surely not in public places like mutt or Veda Schools.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Ronald D, Udupi

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    No one is talking ill about Bhagavadgitha. The way it is forced in school education is wrong. Religion is at its best when restricted to personal life. Every individual is free to learn about Gita and they know where to find it. Kageri and Acharya has lot of free time to create tension. Let them do justice to their portfolio and serve the people of Karnataka. Kageri comment is very rude to tell people to quit India. He has forgotten that Karnataka belongs to India and follows Indian constitution. If his party is in power, it does not mean that he can talk and do as he wishes! He is culminating communal unrest!! This is one of the ploy to retain power and fool people in thge name of religion!! Fanatics should not rule the state.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Kamal Taiyyeb, Mangalore

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    "Vinasha Kaale Vipareetha Budhdhi" for the BJP Govt. in Karnataka. There is no need to elaborate.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • raju, mangalore

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    very good move...definetly it will bring unity among majority of kannadigas.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Uday Shetty, Shirva, Doha/Qatar

    Sun, Jul 17 2011

    Teaching Gita in schools as curriculum may not hold good. However Gita dont have anything of communal in nature it teaches about way of life, thinking pattern and values in life. I had chance to read parts of Kuran and also Bible, all the religious books have ethical studies, should be involved in curriculum as moral studies.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse


Leave a Comment

Title: Bangalore: 'Gita' Teaching Sparks Row in Karnataka



You have 2000 characters left.

Disclaimer:

Please write your correct name and email address. Kindly do not post any personal, abusive, defamatory, infringing, obscene, indecent, discriminatory or unlawful or similar comments. Daijiworld.com will not be responsible for any defamatory message posted under this article.

Please note that sending false messages to insult, defame, intimidate, mislead or deceive people or to intentionally cause public disorder is punishable under law. It is obligatory on Daijiworld to provide the IP address and other details of senders of such comments, to the authority concerned upon request.

Hence, sending offensive comments using daijiworld will be purely at your own risk, and in no way will Daijiworld.com be held responsible.