External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj wanted the Centre to declare Bhagavad Gita as a ‘Rashtriya Granth’ (national scripture), She went on to say only a formality remained to be done in this regard. >Read the story
Here's what some of our readers had to say:
Bhagavad Gita is not a religious Scripture its something which u can refer 2 when u r suffering frm mental trauma, agony, therefore I see no prblm in declaring it as National Scripture - Prafulla C Tiwari
Every religious book deals with philosophy of life. Gita is one such book. So is Bible and other religious texts. #NationalScripture @mayankkrishna
Strongly condemn her statement. India is known for its democracy n secular fabric across the globe, rather fr such religious myths. Mrs #swarag plz concentrate on india as #superpower. - Khalid Bashir
Power is going to the head causing serious damage to brain of these women ministers. Jyoti ramjade vs others, smriti sanskrit vs german and now sushma geeta vs constitution. Modi must appoint an expert neuro surgery specialist Anup Kumar Mukherjee
@ShashiTharoor - 1/2 Astonished that @SushmaSwaraj wants the Gita to be declared the "national holy book": m.thehindu.com/news/national/… Two fundamental objections: 2/2 Hindusim is not a religion of a single sacred book:Vedas,Puranas,Upanishads all equally sacred;&India has many other faiths w/holy books
Congress leader Manish Tewari said the essence of the Bhagavad Gita lies in its substance and not in its symbolism.
“So, if anybody has seriously read and internalise the teachings of the Gita they would not make such a frivolous statement,” he said.
@the_hindu Original copy of the Indian constitution,with signatures of all members of constituent assembly,had a picture of "Gitopadesha." - Comment From Guest
Comment From NRao - its an wonderful idea. thanks to the govt that its as now identified in the importance to Geeta to current society.
Comment From Amit Jha - In a country as multi-religious and multi-cultural as India, how could Bhagavad Gita, regarded sacred and religious scripture of Hindus be made National Scripture? Well, Bhagavad Gita may contain more philosophical thought than religious thought, but ultimately all religious scriptures preach same basic values. Rather than making these kind of efforts, people should learn and imbibe the great teaching of Gita and once they do so, they would surely find no need to ask for such demands.
Aastha @inkroutes But is it even Constitutional to make a religious book our #nationalscripture? Aren't we supposed to be a secular, democratic republic?
Navneet Mundhra @navneet_mundhra Finally... Mamata Banerjee says something sensible: "In democracy, Constitution is the Holy book." #NationalScripture
Aastha@inkroutes But is it even Constitutional to make a religious book our #nationalscripture? Aren't we supposed to be a secular, democratic republic?
Comment From Jibin - These kind of gestures will make the lives of minority even more insecure. Giving 'national scripture' status to the holy book of one particular religion is against the secularism of our country.
Comment From Abhijeet - Whats Wrong in declaring Bhagwat Gita as National Scripture?
One question to all those who are in favour of this endavour, will it increase the stature of gita if its made national book of india? or will it decrease the stature of gita if its not make national book of india? i think it will decrease the stature of gita if its made national book of only india, says reader Syed.
Comment From Dinesh Kumar Malviya - I strongly favour this statement, as having such a meaningful book will enlighten everyone and will be helpful in creating strong and prosperous nation. Welcome and bes wishes.
Baldhiraj Singh Meeda Paople are crushing with their problems to run daily life half the population did not live respectful life Government is elected to do good and to govern not to indulge in such things it may be left to religious leaders
Manish SinghI m able to face my competitive exam bcoz of bhagwad geeta
Vinayak V Purushothaman If she felt that way, so be it. But i do not think she have the right to force it upon people.
Comment From AFJAL SIDDIQUE It is not about righteousness or truthness about bhagavad gita its about dominating majority things over government culture ..why this happening minority thins are almost whitewashed from government culture ...india is secular country and only one religeous scripture is not declare as a national scrpture..i strongly oppose this move..
Comment From kurinji Acoording to Ms swaraj , india begins and ends with the hindi belt . There are millions of hindus in our country who have not heard of bagvadgita. Trying to restrict hinduism to the brahmanical dimension is very insensitive and bjp ministers keep making these annoying statements one after the other. Hinduism's plurality is its strength. Immitating abrahamic religions shows their ignorance
Comment From Bhuvan Stupidity at it's best by our foreign minister. Secular means respecting all religion .. you lost your identity when you started using "ENGLISH".. so stop fooling people with this useless talk and start delivering what you have promised during election.
The Morpheus@Raghav_Uvaach @akghosh @TheHindu Yes I have a firm belief that Gita improves quality of Human Resource..so it is immediately required #nationalscripture
Kewrious@Kewrious @the_hindu: @SushmaSwaraj must do her duty as #Gita says & uphold the Constitution. Not undermine it with her nonsense. #nationalscripture
Neha Soni@nehson9 A very good step. Need of the hour, to know our culture and take turn towards spirituality, for a better future #nationalscripture
Comment From Sitem Borang To me Bhagavad Gita is book for humnanity. I am not sure if it requires a national book tag
Comment From Farooque W hy we need to have national scripture to be declared? What will be achieved? If you can withdraw peace or solution from book, go ahead and get benefited, but it will be ridiculous to make it national book. Is it not the step towards challenging the secular fabric of the nation. Foundation of the nation is being challenged today, if it continues, be ready to have another Pakistan in another name as failed state.
Comment From ramesh First Rss chief Mohan bhagwat says all Indians are Hindus and now sushma swaraj. We all can see where this is going. Soon they will make it mandatory to include chapters of gita in educational curriculm as it is a national scripture.. This is pure communalism, Bjp is no more deserves to be called a national party. Under the veil of development it is purely trying to promote hinduism and sooner or later it may lead to communal violence.
Comment From Navaneeth Nair I don't understand why readers get overwhelmed with our minister's statement. Trying to show secular mindset, i request not to destroy self identity. Gita is a wonderful text which explains how to live. it should be made as national scripture and children must learn this.
Read the full discussion:
8:22 External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj wanted the Centre to declare Bhagavad Gita as a ‘Rashtriya Granth’ (national scripture), She went on to say only a formality remained to be done in this regard.
8:22 What is your view on MEA's views?
8:22 Does India need a 'Rashtriya Granth'?
8:25 We are looking for your valuable and meaningful views. Post views here or at our twitter handle @the_hindu and @thehindu with #national scripture
8:37 Comment From Tanmay
Not a bad Idea
8:38 Comment From Prafulla C Tiwari
Bhagavad Gita is not a religious Scripture its something which u can refer 2 when u r suffering frm mental trauma, agony, therefore I see no prblm in declaring it as National Scripture
8:40 Here is the full story: Sushma pushes for declaring Bhagavad Gita as national scripture
8:41 "Shrimad Bhagwad Gita" is words of God in 700 shlokas with infinite meaning.Politicizing the sacred book is not in the interest of humanity.The sacred book is beyond human interference and is universal in spread and impact, says a reader Kuruppacharil Peter
8:42 Sameep@sameepkansal@TheHindu Bhagwad Gita #nationalscripture is not an issue, it will be hyped by the media. Because, it has been brought by right wing party.
8:43 Aadhar Malhotra@aadharmalhotraSo a minister uses a religious text as a self-help book and decides that the entire country should do so. #NoOffence #nationalscripture
8:43 Faieza Khan@faiezakhanThis is not the development that was promised by BJP #nationalscripture
8:43 Manish Doke@ManishDokeSushma and all BJP MPs shud read Gita once. They will drop idea on making it #nationalscripture for sure
8:43 Bhavdeep S Chadha@BhavdeepnamaEAM @SushmaSwaraj pushes #BhagwadGita to be declared #RashtriyaGranth #NationalScripture! PM @narendramodi's own ministers digging his grave
8:43 Arpit pal@pal_arpit@ndtv #Modi government is doing well, but why can't his minister put their #Hindutva away. Is the #NationalScripture really needed?
8:45 Comment From tirumalesh
India has multi-religion culture,so,don't recognise one as National scripture.Plz don't use this typpe of comments on sensitive issues which are harms to National integrity.
8:45 Comment From Parag Deshmukh
If it is a holy book which is followed and respected by 80% of total population. there should be no problem in declaring Bhagvad Gita as Rashtriya Granth..
8:45 Comment From Guest
Srimad Bhagavadgita epitomises all that is needed for all to conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to the chosen task. It is a manual for organised living and a management guide rolled in one with spiritual strength at the core. It is a contribution of BharataVarsha's spiritual, philosophical and cultural heritage and strengths to the universe. There was nothing called religion when it came into existence
8:47 Comment From Pushpendra
Bhagwad Gita is known to be the oldest and yet relevant in solving today's problem originated from our Unsustainable lifestyle. Declaring it as a National book will give to it an special place in our society. This step will draw International special attention as well towards this useful book
8:47 Comment From Philip
The State cannot have a "national religion" and therefore cannot have a national scripture. A religious scripture as national scripture is an affront to idea of secularism firmly enshrined in the constitution.
8:47 Farzana Versey@farzana_verseyI am warming up to the idea of a #nationalscripture Can we please please make the Sudarshan chakra our national weapon too?
8:47 Ajay Acharya@ajayacharyaI am with @SushmaSwaraj for declaring the Holy Bhagwad Gita as our #NationalScripture #Gita
8:53 प्रदीप..Pradeep@khayal_chor@the_hindu A secular country like India has only one #nationalscripture and that is its constitution.
8:57 Comment From Guest
Understand the Gita and propagate the essence instead of politicising and debating and making a joke of it if you truly respect it
9:05 Comment From Surya
I support the idea of Sushma Swaraj. I don't see any wrong with the idea !
9:07 The Morpheus@Raghav_Uvaach@Diya_Parmar32 does it mean that if you dont like Tiger or Peacock then you are not an Indian?? @TheHindu @SushmaSwaraj #NationalScripture
9:07 Wahid Iqbal@WahidIqbal786@TheHindu I wont b surprised if SC will declare it constitutional. But I req to amend constit #nationalscripture
9:09 Comment From Guest
@the_hindu Original copy of the Indian constitution,with signatures of all members of constituent assembly,had a picture of "Gitopadesha."
9:09 Comment From Guest
Kindly do not bring this debate to a cheap debate with very little understanding of the subject Shri Kuruppacheraril Peter's right
9:09 Comment From Guest
Bhavadgita doesnot need National SOMETHING status
9:11 Wahid Iqbal@WahidIqbal786@TheHindu @SushmaSwaraj If India z a Hindu nation Plz amend constit #nationalscripture
9:13 Congress leader Manish Tewari said the essence of the Bhagavad Gita lies in its substance and not in its symbolism.
9:14 “So, if anybody has seriously read and internalise the teachings of the Gita they would not make such a frivolous statement,” he said.
9:14 What do you think about Mr. Tewari's views?
9:18 Shashi Tharoor @ShashiTharoor 1/2 Astonished that @SushmaSwaraj wants the Gita to be declared the "national holy book": m.thehindu.com/news/national/… Two fundamental objections:
9:18 Shashi Tharoor @ShashiTharoor 2/2 Hindusim is not a religion of a single sacred book:Vedas,Puranas,Upanishads all equally sacred;&India has many other faiths w/holy books
9:18 Shashi Tharoor@ShashiTharoor RT @rimach: @ShashiTharoor if anything should be declared as the "national holy book" it should be the Constitution of Indian @SushmaSwaraj
9:22 Stella VargheseThis is ridiculous. Ministers themselves r involvd in dismantling the secular fabric of our country.
9:23 Inee SriThis baba ramdev ... He speaks so much yoga ... He did not had even little mental strength to remain hungry and ultimately he ended up in the hospital .... his yog is only body level .... Which defeats the very purpose of yoga ... If they bring in Bhagwat gita .. They will bring its level down to their level .....
9:23 Smruti Ranjan PatnaikAnd they call India a secular country...!!!!
9:23 Shubham RaiThanks Mam but ban on cow slaughter is more important Mr.PM promised now its time to deliver.
9:23 Vardhan ShenoyWhat challenges?! Our PM has played the role of External Affairs Minister also. We voted Modi for governance and there are far more important issues concerning us presently than all this.
9:23 Anup Kumar MukherjeePower is going to the head causing serious damage to brain of these women ministers. Jyoti ramjade vs others, smriti sanskrit vs german and now sushma geeta vs constitution. Modi must appoint an expert neuro surgery specialist
9:24 Khalid BashirStrongly condemn her statement. India is known for its democracy n secular fabric across the globe, rather fr such religious myths. Mrs #swarag plz concentrate on india as #superpower.
9:25 Dev ChakrabartyPlease make it happen ma'am. You will be blessed. Jai Hind
9:25 Corporate Baba@mayankkrishnaEvery religious book deals with philosophy of life. Gita is one such book. So is Bible and other religious texts. #NationalScripture
9:26 Comment From Govind
First bring some scientific temper in daily discourse , then talk about any national book .
9:26 Comment From Shivam
It should be declared a national Scripture and that too without any delay..
9:30 Comment From Jaydeep Senjaliya
Rather parents should worry about making their children learn about the true essence of GEETA...
9:36 Comment From Amit Jha
In a country as multi-religious and multi-cultural as India, how could Bhagavad Gita, regarded sacred and religious scripture of Hindus be made National Scripture? Well, Bhagavad Gita may contain more philosophical thought than religious thought, but ultimately all religious scriptures preach same basic values. Rather than making these kind of efforts, people should learn and imbibe the great teaching of Gita and once they do so, they would surely find no need to ask for such demands.
9:36 Comment From NRao
its an wonderful idea. thanks to the govt that its as now identified in the importance to Geeta to current society.
Comment From Gubi
You have got this one chance of governance, don't screw it up. No need to appease anybody just do rational work and people will vote.
9:37 Corporate Baba@mayankkrishnaEvery religious book deals with philosophy of life. Gita is one such book. So is Bible and other religious texts. #NationalScripture
9:37 Nitin Chavan@a20nitin.@SushmaSwaraj has given yet another issue in the hands of opposition to stall the parliament #NationalScripture. Well played Sushma!
9:37 Naina Kapur@NainaK@TheHindu @SushmaSwaraj #nationalscripture y not 1st practice wht u seek 2 preach. Gita is a universal philosophy-no state can "own" it.
9:37 alok singh@arawn1@the_hindu @SushmaSwaraj #nationalscripture that's a very silly idea by a govt who first needs to establish credible connect wid minorities.
9:38 Stella VargheseThis is ridiculous. Ministers themselves r involvd in dismantling the secular fabric of our country.
9:42 Comment From Rajsekhar
Really great initiative.The Srimad Bhagvad Gita has a universal appeal and expounds a wonderful philosophy all Indians should be proud of.Must go ahead with it.
9:46 Navneet Mundhra@navneet_mundhraFinally... Mamata Banerjee says something sensible: "In democracy, Constitution is the Holy book." #NationalScripture
9:46 Aastha@inkroutesBut is it even Constitutional to make a religious book our #nationalscripture? Aren't we supposed to be a secular, democratic republic?
10:02 Comment From Jibin
These kind of gestures will make the lives of minority even more insecure. Giving 'national scripture' status to the holy book of one particular religion is against the secularism of our country.
10:02 Comment From Abhijeet
Whats Wrong in declaring Bhagwat Gita as National Scripture?
10:05 One question to all those who are in favour of this endavour, will it increase the stature of gita if its made national book of india? or will it decrease the stature of gita if its not make national book of india? i think it will decrease the stature of gita if its made national book of only india, says reader syed.
10:06 Comment From Dinesh Kumar Malviya
I strongly favour this statement, as having such a meaningful book will enlighten everyone and will be helpful in creating strong and prosperous nation. Welcome and bes wishes.
10:11 Megha @supmegha@TheHindu @SushmaSwaraj what if minorities get offended..India is a country of diverse religions and cultures. Idiotic. #nationalscripture
10:12 Angam RangmungnaIndia should stop calling Pakistan a state rule by extremist ;)
10:13 Vinayak V PurushothamanIf she felt that way, so be it. But i do not think she have the right to force it upon people.
10:14 Manish SinghI m able to face my competitive exam bcoz of bhagwad geeta
10:14 Baldhiraj Singh MeedaPaople are crushing with their problems to run daily life half the population did not live respectful life Government is elected to do good and to govern not to indulge in such things it may be left to religious leaders
10:29 Comment From Guest
When already the country is beseiged with many problems let us not rake up new communal issues.Every adult is wise enough to make his her owndecision.This from a senior minister is surprising Already the govt facing problems in this regard
10:30 Comment From Lalu Bharti
Sir Whats this only a Political Venture to WOO a particular thought of people, after 60 year of independence, Sushmaji suddenly become a Devotee of B gita, she was not so before, no country in the world teaches forcefully their book of belief Critian Briton, Muslim ME countries, Budhist East Asia, what difference Gita teaching will bring in the society, when numerous personalities supposedly teaching themselves Gita PAth to their Bhagt, were found the notorious persons, ASARAM BAPOO, ASHRAM BABA, SHANKER ACHARIA,
10:30 Comment From ROHIT
If this done BJP led govt vil be under tremendous fire from al corners ..... Why create unnecessary contoversy and waste time ...why concentrate our energy in something productive
10:30 Comment From krishna
Yog is oldest culture of the world born in india, Gita is the oldest scripture of all time and represent our nation, culture, way of life, universal truth of humanity and universe. it should not only should be national book it should be worlds holy book
10:30 Kewrious@Kewrious@the_hindu: A joke. @SushmaSwaraj is using #gita to remain relevant with RSS. Makes a mockery of the Constitution. #nationalscripture
10:31 Suraj R@srao86#nationalscripture should ve made this on the day of independence... Secular means we are destroying our identity
10:31 vikram mishra@vikram_mishraAs @narendramodi said: “The government has only one holy book: the Indian constitution" #nationalscripture @TheHindu @SushmaSwaraj
10:31 Suraj R@srao86#nationalscripture just coz v r a democratic country 4 for over 65 yrs, v can't ignore our scriptures, which made us what v r today
10:31 Megha @supmegha@TheHindu @SushmaSwaraj when are u focussing on real issues?How is this bringing acche din? How is this such a priority? #nationalscripture
10:36 Megha @supmegha@TheHindu @SushmaSwaraj what if minorities get offended..India is a country of diverse religions and cultures. Idiotic. #nationalscripture
10:37 Omkar BorkarI am a hindu. But, what about the idea of secular India? What about muslims,sikhs,Christians?
10:37 Rajdeep MehtaAfter all got a chance to see a political party is going above minority vote bank politics ... and trying to manifest the real culture... the real ethnicity of Bharatvarsh..every nation has it's own backbone... and ours is CULTURE
10:37 Leo PeterThis is a brilliant tactics by the ruling class to actually divert topics of discussions to more meaningless one. The BJP is trying to brainwash he nation into indulging in meaningless discussions so that they forget the real problems of life like poverty, unemployment, commercialization of education and health, growing crimes on women etc. India is a country of nationalities. Governments need to be secular and scientific. Though the Gita has a few lessons the government itself can use it is in…Read More
10:38 Sharath RoyIt's good ..I'm a Christian but 've read bhagavat gita ..we should be proud to say it was given to world by India ..so I don't see anything wrong in her comment
10:38 Karthick Murugesanwe have so many things to do. Influence of pakistan and china in the border become a major threat.. Terrorism by the names religion has been more popular. Bjp should take care of these things first. If we make bhagavat gita as a national sculpture, then other people may, india is not the best place to live.
10:41 Comment From kurinji
Acoording to Ms swaraj , india begins and ends with the hindi belt . There are millions of hindus in our country who have not heard of bagvadgita. Trying to restrict hinduism to the brahmanical dimension is very insensitive and bjp ministers keep making these annoying statements one after the other. Hinduism's plurality is its strength. Immitating abrahamic religions shows their ignorance
10:42 Comment From Bharat Joshi
Lets keep the idea of Bhagavad Gita being a religious scripture, Hinduism is not a religion, the supreme court had told this. Hinduism is a way of life. We must consider the Bhagavad Gita as part of our civilization (Indus vally civilization as well as the one which was found recently in Gujrat which is older than the Indus, around 10000 years old). Its part of our history. Ramayana and Mahabharat are not just religious books, its about our country "Bharat". It describes about people who ruled our country starting from King Bharat, the grand son of Vishwamitra, son of King Dushyant and Sakuntala. If we read history, the word "Hindu" is an Persian word. Persians used to called this land which is behind the Hind Kush mountains or the river Indus (Sindh in Sanskrit, Hind in Persian) as Hindusthan. SO lets not relate this to a religion, its our nations Scripture. There are lot more details about our civilization (oldest) and one must read/research/understand on this before they say NO to this move. I welcome this. We must welcome this move.
10:42 Comment From AFJAL SIDDIQUE
It is not about righteousness or truthness about bhagavad gita its about dominating majority things over government culture ..why this happening minority thins are almost whitewashed from government culture ...india is secular country and only one religeous scripture is not declare as a national scrpture..i strongly oppsoe this move..
10:48 Comment From Avnish
Its wonderful idea......I salute Modi goverment. ......I proud to indian culture......
10:49 Comment From Pratap
Gita talks about the karma.. reality .it never talks about any religious things. I will support making Gita National Book.
10:49 Comment From Guest
It's nonsensical!! Secularism is enshrined in the constitution. It appears as though Ms. Swaraj has not read the Preamble to the Indian Constitution!! Unfortunate. In a multi-cultural, multi-religious, secular country like India, how can the scriptures of ONE religion be made a national scripture? She faces challenges as an MEA because of the Gita, others, because of other reasons, so should others also impose their beliefs on her?? Come on! How much are these people going to
10:49 Comment From Bhuvan
Stupidity at it's best by our foreign minister. Secular means respecting all religion .. you lost your identity when you started using "ENGLISH".. so stop fooling people with this useless talk and start delivering what you have promised during election.
10:50 The Morpheus@Raghav_Uvaach@akghosh @TheHindu Yes I have a firm belief that Gita improves quality of Human Resource..so it is immediately required #nationalscripture
10:50 Kewrious@Kewrious@the_hindu: @SushmaSwaraj must do her duty as #Gita says & uphold the Constitution. Not undermine it with her nonsense. #nationalscripture
10:50 amit jain@amitjn27#nationalscripture The Indian Constitution is the only National Holy Book in democratic and secular India.
10:53 Comment From Vijay
I don't think we should do it. Gita is a very important book for sure, but there is no need to make it as the national scrpiture. We are a secular country. The BJP,RSS is slowly trying to take all steps to make a Hindu Rashtra
10:53 Comment From Swadhin Patnaik
Declaring Bhagbat Geeta a national scripture is not a matter if we could get the essence of it. Hindu Mythology is a huge repository of highly Scientific, Moral, and Philosophical values. Not allowing them to taught is schools, is likely strangulating the fountain of creativity and imagination in children. It’s a vast ocean of Knowledge; if it can be expedited in a proper way, it ll lead us to many scientific inventions and discoveries ...
10:56 Comment From Vishal Tummala
The notion of a national scripture in our era is fairly obsolete. In any case, the selection of any sacred text would undermine the secular and democratic nature of our polity.
10:56 Comment From Sarvesh R Patkar
Bhagavad Gita being the only book having origins from our land makes it an ideal choice for national scripture. Having said that, it is not what the whole world symbolises the book for (Hinduism), but the deeper knowledge it imparts to its reader which can be replicated by anyone world over. Secularism doesn't mean forgetting the ancient roots of one's own country, a truly secular region would recognize certain facts about oneself and also acknowledge the existence of migrant faiths to co exist peacefully. Bhagavat Gita encompasses this very well.
11:02 Neha Soni@nehson9A very good step. Need of the hour, to know our culture and take turn towards spirituality, for a better future #nationalscripture
11:11 Lata@lataganapathyThe #BhagawadGita is a brilliant text in lovely #Sanskrit. How many politicians have actually read it? It doesn't need their patronage.
11:13 Deep BhatnagarNational Holy Book - I have never heard about any country having such book O.o
11:13 Neha Vishal PipraiyaIndia is a secular nation, why just focus on Bhagvad Gita
11:13 Surender Reddy Donapatii used to have so much respect on this leader...but i dont think she deserve it
11:14 Pawan DesaiDid you made such statements while going for loksabha elections people wouldn't have elected you ??? then you said BJP's main aim is development & progress of our country India ...but now you are speaking about bhagwat geeta ??? We respect & read it Bhagwat Geeta but It can't be a National Scripture ?? Our National Scripture is Our Indian Constitution .If you know Indian Constitution well you will not talk about Bhagwat geeta as National Scripture as we all know India is not a Hindu Rahstra It i…Read More
11:14 Chopin ChopraVery absurd idea, India is a secular Country in real sense and scripture of any religion should not be as a national Scripture at all don't. Imposed any religion with politics in a diverse country like India. Sushma ji, pl. try to loose some weight and leave religion out of your politics and out of your mind. Jai Hind
11:14 Hrishi KeshThis will be murder of our Constitution, secularism, rationality,scientific temper and democracy...
11:15 Ekram WarisI was not expecting such a silly idea from #SushmaSwaraj . Now she joins the stupid brigade of Modi which features Varun Gandhi, Mohan Bhagwat n Giriraj singh
11:15 Ranjeet Thakurbhagvad gita is a universal book, its for all, fool people limit it to only hindus. so its a welcome step by hon'ble minister. Its pride of evry indian. Jai sri krishan
11:16 Ansar Manchiits a free plan of replacing Indian consttution.... wch ws writen by ambedakar...
11:16 Mohammed ThoyyibI think untouchablity and rationalism is going to come back again...
11:16 Amit Ittyerahretrogressive motion in the 21st century. they are building up conditions for huge internal and global conflicts. i don't mind the Bhagwat Gita at all but i do feel religion and bureaucracy ought to be kept separate. i don't think this is why they got the votes they did.
11:36 Comment From Sitem Borang
To me Bhagavad Gita is book for humnanity. I am not sure if it requires a national book tag
11:36 Comment From Farooque
Why we need to have national scripture to be declared? What will be achieved? If you can withdraw peace or solution from book, go ahead and get benefited, but it will be ridiculous to make it national book. Is it not the step towards challenging the secular fabric of the nation. Foundation of the nation is being challenged today, if it continues, be ready to have another Pakistan in another name as failed state.
11:36 Comment From ramesh
First Rss chief Mohan bhagwat says all Indians are Hindus and now sushma swaraj. We all can see where this is going. Soon they will make it mandatory to include chapters of gita in educational curriculm as it is a national scripture.. This is pure communalism, Bjp is no more deserves to be called a national party. Under the veil of development it is purely trying to promote hinduism and sooner or later it may lead to communal violence.
11:36 Comment From Navaneeth Nair
I don't understand why readers get overwhelmed with our minister's statement. Trying to show secular mindset, i request not to destroy self identity. Gita is a wonderful text which explains how to live. it should be made as national scripture and children must learn this.
12:01 Comment From Arunasalam Govindasamy
I strongly oppose this move made by the Government of India. India is a SECULAR state and stands as a great example to the world nations in this regard. Bhagavad Gita is a great scripture imparting immense knowledge to its readers. But, for a secular democratic state having physical, cultural, linguistic, social, religious, political, ideological and/or psychological differences, this move should not be carried on. Being a strong admirer and supporter of Hindu Religion, I strongly feel, the Indian Constitution is the only written text that can be made as a National Scripture. Gita may be made as an optional subject in schools and not mandatory.
12:01 Comment From Guest
Gita never talks about any religion. It is about how to lead way of life.
12:01 Comment From Rajawat
Very good decisions. Bhagavad Gita is all about the Karma and soul. its nothing to do with any religion. First read it then comment here about any particular religion.
12:01 Comment From Guest
it is sad and tragic that our ministers are thinking in these terms.
12:02 Comment From Abhimanyu
I support it but it shouldn't be made as a hindu scripture
12:04 Comment From Samikrith
India as a state should not endorse the gita as its national scripture for it would seriously damage the secular credentials and aspirations this country and the reason it still survives inspite of the mindboggling diversity and the energy within.
12:04 Comment From Guest
Gita must be a Global scripture and it has nothing to do with religion
12:04 Comment From Thimmarayaswamy Krishnappa
Gita never talks about any religion. It is about how to lead way of life. No crime in making Bhagavad Gita as National Scripture. I welcome this thought.
12:04 Comment From Guest
The Bhagavat Gita is certainly enlightening book, but making it national scripture will fly in the face of India's secular policy of not indentifying itself with any religion.
12:05 Comment From vishnu
dont even look back.just do it .gita says about karma only.not about any religion.so dont even step back on that just do it
12:05 Comment From Ganesh Gaali
Yes.. Gita is not about religion is about art of living life....
12:06 Comment From divakaran
Baghavad Gita does not require any official stamping. We cannot select from Ramayana, Mahabharata, Baghavatam etc like from flowers,birds,games etc. its not good.
12:08 Comment From Md. Nurul Hasan
Gita is the source of motivation for all. Let us raise above religion and take a step-toward uniting the nation. I myself have read Gita several times and have found its lessons very useful. So it seems fair to make Gita our national scripture
12:08 Comment From Sayan Ganguly
I seek Gita as the ultimate source for solution to the gravest challenges a man can face. Gita has got this certificate since centuries globally, so there is no harm in that. We have to look beyond the 'religion tagline' and see what Gita has to offer to the mankind. It is the universe's right to embrace it, not a particular community's.
12:08 Comment From Kaushik
India is a secular country. What does it say about such a country when it adopts a (Majority) religious scripture as 'Rashtriya Granth'. I'm a Hindu but I believe that Koran or bible has the same things to say as Bhagvad gita. Sushma Swaraj must make statements after thinking it through. Not for the sake of making statements.
12:09 Comment From Krishna
Bhagavad Gita is way of life
12:09 Comment From Ankit
Srimad Bhagwat Gita must not be bound to any country, religion or caste.
12:09 Comment From vani Bhat
Yes I beleave we should have 'Gita' as National scripture... the person who really reads it will never limit it to any religion it's a national boon like, yoga, pranayaama, aayurveda n so on
12:09 Comment From Guest
Gita has nothing to do with religion or secularism.. Its a way of life... It is symbolism of humanity and life... Shou
12:12 Comment From Prakriti
It is better to give this distinction to a book like "My Experiments with Truth" or "Discovery of India"
12:13
Comment From poorna ravi chandra
gita gives all the knowledge and strength to face all problems in life and gives rational approach to deal with mind .its too late please make it national scripture then only indians start reading and enjoy the peace and joy in life
12:13 Comment From mj
yeah, Indian needs Bhagavad Gita as a ‘Rashtriya Granth’.
12:13 Comment From Rajender Singh Charan
I don't personally mind if Bhagwat Gita is made national scripture, but we should make Quran, Guru-granth shahib and Bible national scripture too cause we are a secular country and we should protect social harmony and person of any religion should not feel neglected ...
12:13 Comment From Nandini
All this I was under the impression that our "Rashtriya Granth" is the Constitution of India.
12:14 Comment From Guest
GitA has nothing to do with religion or secularism.. Its a way of life..
12:15 Comment From Aman
A secular nation cannot have a religious holy book !
12:15 Comment From Guest
I don't really feel the need of declaring it a national scripture as it
12:17 Comment From Guest
Even if I agree that Gita is a book having solutions to all problems of life and it presents the art of living etc, undoubtedly Gita is a Hindu scripture even if it speaks anything about religion or not. Infact not just Gita but even Bible, Quran and all such texts infact ultimately focus on the same thing "The noble way to lead a good life". India being claiming itself as a Secular State, it would be a very "immatured" and inappropriate step to declare it as a National Scripture. Gita might be a good book, and so it "may" be kept as an optional subject in school curriculum but shouldnot be given any national status. Doing so may affect the religious sentiments of the widely diversified (but unified) Indian society. No such books should be ever declared as National Scripture that can pose a QUESTION MARK to INDIA'S SECULAR image.
12:17 Comment From harbajan singh university of Delhi
Secularism is the principle of the separation of government institutions and persons mandated to represent the state from religious institutions and religious dignitaries. it is sad and tragic that our ministers are still thinking like this. we should not forget that we are living in a multi-religious and multi-cultural society. imposing such values on others will not for a democracy like ours.
12:18 Comment From Venugopala Reddy
Every country must subscribe to a religion. A country without religion is like a body without soul. And Hinduism is the identity of India. I would prefer Vedas as national scriptures rather than Bhagavad Gita.
12:19 Comment From Rajeev
Learned minds deliberated and worked hard to give us a Constitution which has served to keep a diverse population together. If we follow our constitution, we will have strengthened our nation. A single book cannot be a national scripture in a multi-faith nation.
12:20 Comment From Guest
This statement is insulting people from other religions and India can't be secular any more....i think it is one person's views and can't be taken as serious...
12:20 Comment From Siddique
Bible and Quran are text written in foreing land but geeta originated in India only. So Making geeta national scripture is justified.
12:27 We are now closing for comments. Thanks for your participation.
