State PCS - Uttarakhand (UKPSC)

• 25 Jul 2025

Schools in Uttarakhand to Recite Gita Shlokas

Why in News? 

The Uttarakhand government has mandated that a Bhagavad Gita shloka be recited daily in all government schools during prayer meetings to integrate traditional Indian knowledge systems with modern education to foster character-building traits in students. 

Key Points 

• The directive, issued by the Director of Secondary Education, instructs teachers to select a "Shloka of the Week" for recitation.  
• The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, rooted in psychology, logic, behavioral science, and moral philosophy, will be explained to highlight their contribution to human values, leadership, emotional balance, and scientific thinking, all from a secular perspective. 
• The initiative aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, which encourages the inclusion of India's traditional knowledge systems in the education curriculum. 

Bhagavad Gita  

• The Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse philosophical dialogue attributed to sage Vyasa, is embedded in the Mahabharata's Bhishma Parva.   
• It features a conversation between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna, offering teachings on dharma (duty), karma (action), bhakti (devotion), and jnana (knowledge).   
• The Gita synthesizes various Indian philosophies, including Vedic, Buddhist, Jain, and Charvaka, and forms the foundation of Karma Yoga.