Uttarakhand schools on Tuesday began imparting teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.
However, textbooks on the Bhagavad Gita will be introduced in government schools starting from the next academic session, officials from the Uttarakhand School Education Department informed.
Students of both government and private schools across the state began their day with the formal recitation of verses from the Srimad Bhagavad Gita and learning their meanings during the morning assembly.
The new school curriculum was formally launched on July 15, following a directive issued by the Directorate of Secondary Education, Uttarakhand, a few days ago.
The circular sent to all Chief Education Officers (CEOs) stated that at least one verse along with its meaning must be recited to students daily during the morning assembly.
In addition, one verse from the epic must be declared the “Verse of the Week” and displayed on school notice boards along with its meaning and practical application in life.
The directive emphasized that the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita should be imparted in a way that encourages students to apply them in daily life.
Another important instruction mentioned in the circular was the requirement for comprehensive weekly discussions and feedback sessions with students about the lessons taught.
Although formal textbooks on the Bhagavad Gita and the Ramayana will be introduced in the next academic session, the circular expects teachers to explain selected verses during the current session and highlight how they promote values, ethical conduct, leadership, decision-making, emotional balance, and a scientific thought process.
Students will also be taught that the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita are rooted in Sankhya (philosophy), psychology, logic, behavioral science, and ethical reasoning—making them highly relevant for personal and societal development.
The circular further directs CEOs to ensure that schools use the teachings and scientific perspective of the Bhagavad Gita to support students’ character and personality development, self-control, contentment, and a balanced approach to life grounded in rational thought.
The inclusion of the Bhagavad Gita and the Ramayana in the state’s school curriculum framework follows an order issued by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in May.
Mukul Kumar Sati, Director of Uttarakhand Secondary Education, has stated that textbooks aligned with the State Curriculum Framework will be implemented in the next session.
According to Sati, the textbooks are being prepared in line with the guidelines of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes teaching students the foundational aspects of India’s traditional knowledge and value systems. The books are being developed to suit different class levels and learning needs.