Uttarakhand Government Seeks NCERT Nod to Introduce Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana in School Curriculum
July 17, 2025, Dehradun The Uttarakhand government has officially asked the NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) to include the Bhagavad Gita and the Ramayana in the curricula of government schools throughout the state, a move that has spurred a national discussion on education, culture, and secularism. State officials have characterized the proposal as a step toward “value-based education,” but it has sparked strong reactions from both education experts and various political groups.
The suggestion was made as part of Uttarakhand’s larger curriculum reform plan, which aims to develop students’ moral foundation, cultural literacy, and character from an early age. If accepted, this would represent a dramatic change in the state’s educational curriculum and might encourage other BJP-ruled states to do the same.
Cultural Roots or Political Symbolism?
Critics contend that the decision is highly political, despite the government’s portrayal of the move as an attempt to enhance academic and cultural life. The timing is crucial because it coincides with increased national discussions about religion, identity, and education and occurs just months before important state elections. Leaders of the opposition have charged the government with undermining India’s secular constitutional framework and engaging in “religious favoritism.”
In a press briefing, the Uttarakhand education minister defended the action, stating, “We are not promoting any religion.” We are merely presenting Indian epics and knowledge systems that have influenced our language, ethics, and values throughout history. In addition to being religious writings, the Gita and the Ramayana are also stores of knowledge and universally applicable life lessons.
Political Ramifications Beyond State Borders
The action has wider ramifications. The Uttarakhand government has essentially taken the proposal to the national level by formally involving NCERT. Now, policymakers and education experts from all over India are closely observing how the central advisory body, NCERT, will react to the demand. A favorable response might pave the way for similar requests in other states.
Opposition parties are likely to bring up this issue during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, which starts on July 21. They will likely frame it as part of a broader discussion about the saffronization of education and the lines separating pedagogy and faith in a secular republic.
Public Sentiment and Digital Reaction
The public’s reaction has been divisive. Others have voiced concerns about the exclusion of diverse cultural narratives and the need for balanced education reforms, while many on social media have praised the decision with hashtags like #GitaInSchools and #RamayanaEducation. The increase in online searches for phrases like “Bhagavad Gita in syllabus,” “Ramayana in NCERT books,” and “Uttarakhand education policy 2025” indicates growing public interest.
Final Thoughts
Uttarakhand’s efforts to incorporate India’s ancient epics into the curriculum have sparked an important discussion that crosses the boundaries of literature, religion, pedagogy, and national identity, regardless of whether it is seen as a cultural revival or a political ploy. One thing is evident as the discussion progresses: education now reflects the society we seek to create and is not merely a classroom issue.
