Karnataka: BJP threatens opponents to the teaching of Hindu sacred texts in public
schools
(July 21, 2011) The debate over a proposal to teach the Bhagvad Gita, Hindu sacred
text, in India’s Karnataka State public schools, is heating up. The state government,
which is run by the Hindu nationalist Bharathya Janatha Party (BJP) wants to add it
to the curriculum despite opposition by local Christians and Muslims. Dhananjay Kumar,
a senior local BJP leader, recently said on TV that all religions born outside of
India are Western and their followers cannot impose their will on public institutions.
He also defended state Education Minister Vishveshwar Kaggeri who said that those
who do not respect the Bhagvad Gita should leave the country. The statement upset
opposition parties and religious leaders who expressed concern about the state’s extremist
policies. The statement is “irresponsible”, said Archbishop Bernard Moras of Bangalore.
It violates the country’s secular values. “It could create divisions in the population
and threaten the lives and traditions of Indian citizens.” All Catholics respect
the Hindu religion and traditions, but the public school system should not be used
to spread a sectarian religious message in violation of the constitution, he said.
“Why only the Bhagvad Gita should be taught in schools and not the Bible and the Qur‘an?”
the prelate asked. The archbishop said that he has already contacted Karnataka’s
chief minister as well as the Indian prime minister. The state’s Bishops Commission
has already petitioned the High Court. In Karnataka, 83 per cent of the population
is Hindu. Muslims represent 11 per cent and Christians, another 4 per cent.