The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government’s planned to rid the country of “cultural pollution” and inculcate “values” among young minds. Lessons from Mahabharata, Ramayana and Gita may soon be taught in schools and colleges. The Mahabharata, the Ramayana, the Bhagavad Gita have molded the thinking pattern and consciousness of Indians. Ministries of Culture and Human Resource Development (HRD) working on to implement Mahabharata, Ramayana and Gita India’s cultural values in schools and colleges syllabus. Minister of State for Culture Mahesh Sharma said the government will not be deterred by criticism that it was trying to promote RSS ideology.

Govt. Plans To Include Ramayan, Mahabharata And Gita Lessons In Schools And Colleges:

“We want to bring it as part of our culture that students should be taught values, they should be taught teachings of Mahabharata, Ramayana and Gita and all other spiritual values irrespective of caste, creed and religion,” Sharma told PTI in an interview.

The Minister said thought process of a “particular family which has dominated politics of the country for over 60 years” has been incorporated into the education system and that “NDA government is determined to restore India’s cultural heritage”.

“Dynasty has been there. Indirectly or directly, you may put the blame on thinking of that family. It’s a system which works. By and large, the thought process of that family has been incorporated (into the system),” he said.

Whether CBSE will incorporate teachings of Gita, Mahabharata and Ramayana into the textbooks, the Minister said, “There has been a discussion on this issue in what best manner it can be done.”

On criticism that the NDA government was trying to impose RSS’ ideology, Sharma said people of India have given a huge mandate to Narendra Modi and there is nothing wrong in making systemic changes.

Mahesh Sharma said “What is RSS ideology, is it anti-national?, Has any of the heads of RSS been anti-national? Are they extremists? What has been wrong about the RSS ideology? I have been with RSS for last 40 years. They never talk of anti-national things.

Mahesh Sharma said contributions of nationalist leaders including Subhash Chandra Bose and Deen Dayal Upadhyay may feature in the revamped Nehru Memorial Library and Museum here as it has been set up to highlight contributions of important leaders and not the country’s first Prime Minister alone.

Mahesh Sharma said that the culture ministry’s annual budget of Rs 1,500 crore will be spent on revamping the 39 renowned institutions where modern Indian component will be incorporated.

He also said that “cultural pollution” has badly affected India and the NDA government is now trying to address the problem and he sais that “the previous governments did not take due care to protect India’s values, culture and heritage”. He added Centre has planned to make the museums and places related to its culture centres of India’s heritage and values.

The minister said the government will put best efforts on promoting various Indian languages including Sanskrit. “We are forced to learn in a language which is not close to our heart,” he said referring to English. Sharma, however, insisted he was not against any foreign language.

“They are literally mesmerised by Indian cultural values. Over the years, it has happened that we are following the western culture. I do not say western culture is bad, but it may not fit into our social structure,” he said.