MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government is planning to include the chapters on Ramayana and Shrimad Bhagwad Geeta in the school textbooks, state Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar confirmed to the Republic on Wednesday. “We are examining how we can add the chapters of Ramayana and Bhagwad Geeta. We are also studying how the Gujarat government has included Bhagwad Geeta for class 6th to 8th…Considering all the technicalities, our government will soon take a decision on it”.

Kesarkar told Republic that “the current government is very positive about the inclusion of Ramayana and Bhagwad Geeta in the school syllabi. “If we can use Bhagwad Geeta in the Indian Judiciary system, then why can't we teach the values and life lessons from Geeta and Ramayana [in schools]. We have received several demands from the people, and therefore we are already working on it”, Kesarkar said, adding that a decision on it will be taken soon”.

Recently, Ayurvedacharya Dr Prakash Tata and Social Activist Nityanand Sharma, President of Aatmsamman Manch an NGO, had met with Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, demanding the inclusion of Ramayana and Geeta in school syllabi. Following the meeting, CM Shinde had assured that required steps will be taken with regard to their demands. 

Nityanand Sharma, while speaking to Republic, said: "Recently, Ayurvedacharya and Spritual Guru Dr Prakash Tata, and I – on behalf of our organization Aatma Samman Manch – met with Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, and had submitted a letter, requesting the government to include the chapters of Ramayana and Shrimad Bhagwad Geeta, so that the coming generations imbibe the right values, and receive the right guidance, and can subsequently play a huge role in achieving the [collective] goal of making India a developed nation."

Sharma further added: "The Chief Minister has given a very positive reply, we hope that this government will definitely take a decision on this soon. If this decision is taken before the inauguration of Ram Mandir, then our happiness will be doubled."

Noteworthily, the Gujarat government has already taken a decision to include Bhagwad Geeta in the syllabi for 6th-8th Grade in schools. Taking to social media, the Education Minister of Gujarat said: "The State Education Department has decided to include the spiritual principles and values of 'Shrimad Bhagavad Gita' as a supplementary textbook in the syllabus of classes 6 to 8. Expressing gratitude to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel for this, the Education Minister of Gujarat emphasized that this step will nurture a sense of pride in the students and help them develop a strong connection with India's rich, ancient culture and traditions.