Uttarakhand News: Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana to Be Taught in Uttarakhand Government Schools, Education Minister

Uttarakhand’s Education Minister Dhan Singh Rawat has announced a significant curriculum change for the state’s government schools. Speaking after a high-level meeting of the Education Department, the minister stated that NCERT has been tasked with preparing curriculum content based on the Bhagavad Gita and the Ramayana, which will be introduced in 17,000 government schools across the state. 

#WATCH | Uttarakhand Education Minister Dhan Singh Rawat says, "In a meeting of the Education department, we have tasked NCERT to include Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana in the syllabus to be taught in 17,000 government schools of Uttarakhand. Until this is implemented, verses from… pic.twitter.com/6uXkfxc3IO

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“We have directed NCERT to include teachings from the Bhagavad Gita and the Ramayana in the syllabus. Until the new curriculum is officially implemented, selected verses from these texts will be recited during daily school prayer meetings,” Rawat said.

The minister emphasized that the move is aimed at instilling moral values, cultural understanding, and spiritual awareness among students. He noted that ancient scriptures hold timeless lessons relevant for character building and national pride.

The Education Department is expected to work in coordination with NCERT to design an age-appropriate and inclusive syllabus module that reflects the essence of these epics.

However, the decision is also likely to spark debate over the role of religion in public education, especially in a secular framework. While supporters view it as a step toward cultural literacy, critics may question its impact on the diversity of beliefs among students.

The minister clarified that the teachings would focus on values and life lessons, not religious preaching

The rollout timeline for the syllabus change has not been announced yet, but officials say the implementation process will begin soon after NCERT submits the final draft.

Key Points:

NCERT to prepare syllabus content from Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana

Applicable to 17,000 government schools in Uttarakhand

Verses to be recited in morning assemblies until formal curriculum is ready

Aim is to promote moral education and cultural roots

The Uttarakhand government’s decision marks a new chapter in the ongoing conversation around traditional knowledge and modern education.