17 February,2022 08:46 PM IST | Mumbai | Anagha Sawant
Yogita Koli (second from right) with Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar. Pic/Sandesh Rane
A local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) corporator from Ward 46 in Malad (West), Yogita Koli, has demanded recitation of 'Bhagavad Gita' in all BMC-run schools in the city. On February 17, 2022, Koli met the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Mayor Kishori Pednekar and presented the 'Bhagavad Gita' book to her along with the demand letter.
Speaking to mid-day online, Yogita Koli, a member of the BMC's women and child welfare committee and public health committee, said, "The recitation of 'Bhagavad Gita' by students will help them to understand our ancient history and will guide them to live a good life. It is our duty to teach the next generation the right kind of values."
Currently, there are over 1,000 BMC-run schools in the city which includes vernacular schools in different regional languages - English, Marathi, Hindi, Urdu, Gujarati, Tamil, Kannada and Telugu. "I will be happy if we start the recitation practice in all schools including vernacular medium schools. Not just English or Marathi medium students, all students should know about our ancient history and learn from it," added Koli.
The letter written by Yogita Koli. Pic/Sandesh Rane
Koli's letter stated that several philosophers, scientists, and thinkers from different countries and religions in the world have always held Bhagavad Gita in high regard. In the letter, she mentions that the Bhagavad Gita is an ancient scripture on Indian philosophy and this scripture is also known as 'Gitopanishad' in the last composition of Vedas. It contains the teachings of Lord Krishna to Arjuna about life.
''Indians consider it a holy scripture. Therefore, it has become a custom in the courtroom to take an oath by keeping hands on it. The Bhagavad Gita is one of the most important reference scriptures in the country and one of the most important scriptures in human history that talks about philosophy,'' reads the letter.
Koli has also sought a response from BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal on the implementation of her demand.
