Sushma Swaraj proposes Gita to be national scripture; draws flak from opposition

New Delhi, Dec 8: Speaking at the Gita Prerna Mahotsav', External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said that she has proposed to the Cabinet that Bhagwad Gita be declared as the national scripture.

The event was organised "to celebrate 5,151 years of religious book Gita" at the Red Fort Maidan in the national where Vishwa Hindu Parishad President Ashok Singhal said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should immediately declare the text as the national scripture.

Meanwhile, Sushma Swaraj said that she was able to face the challenges of being the minister only because of the teachings of Gita.

She said,"Bhagwad Gita has answers to everybody's problems and that's why I said it while standing in Parliament that, 'Shrimad Bhagwad Gita' should be declared as the national holy book."

THis has earned the minister severe criticims from the opposition. While Congress called it "diversionary politics" to shift the attention from Sadhvi's comments, TMC said,"Our Constitution says India is a secular country. The Constitution is the Holy Book in a democracy. We respect all Holy Books. Quran, Puran, Ved, Vedanta, Bible, Tripitak, Zend Avesta, Guru Granth Sahib, Gita - All are our pride."

Swaraj, justifying her stance said that the scripture has earned importance when Indian PM Narendra Modi gifted it to US President Barack Obama during his visit to the country in September 2014.

Reading it will also help face challenges, she said. "Eating chocolates or popping pills won't reduce depression. Instead, one must read Gita. This will help relieve the stress and depression in life. It will help in dealing with challenges of life."

Senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leader Indresh Kumar also proposed the UN to declare Gita Divas as it is announcing June 21 as Yoga Day.

OneIndia News