Students of classes XI and XII will study lessons on ancient India, says HRD minister Prakash Javadekar; Madhya Pradesh to register all gurukuls in state.
New Delhi: The BJP-led NDA government’s new education policy is likely to incorporate inputs and suggestions given by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and educationists associated with the Sangh-backed gurukul system, HRD minister Prakash Javadekar has indicated.
“We would want to have a subject in class XI and class XII looking at ancient India and its contribution to various fields like science and astronomy,” Javdekar said speaking at the Virat Gurukul Sammelan in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain Saturday.
The event was organised jointly by the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh and Mahrishi Sandipani Rashtriya Ved Vidya Pratisthan. Bhagwat and Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan were also present at the event.
‘Ancient India’ as a separate subject
Classes XI and XII students will study a subject called ‘Bharat Bodh’ that will contain lessons on ancient India.
Javdekar said that he has received 34,000 suggestions on the proposed curriculum.
Madhya Pradesh likely to register gurukuls
While Javdekar hinted at inclusion of Vedic education in the new education policy, CM Chouhan pledged his government’s support to provide legal status to the gurukul system of education.
“The state will register the gurukuls and treat them on a par with mainstream schools. Every district will promote the gurukul system and the government will help trusts to open new gurukuls,” Chauhan said.
“We will try to make the gurukul education autonomous,” added the CM.
Bhagwat stresses on ‘holistic development’ of kids
Bhagwat asked the existing gurukuls not to depend on governments for support. He said more parents are adopting homeschooling in the absence of an education system that could ensure holistic development of their children.
“The education should be changed if needed. Even science undergoes change,” said the RSS chief.
“Newton was challenged by Einstein and Einstein was challenged now by recent discoveries of quantum physics,” he said.
Minister of state for HRD Satyapal Singh, who was also present, said, “We are coming with a new education policy and I believe including Vedic education will make education system holistic.”
Those attended the event included RSS functionaries ‘Bhaiyyaji’ Joshi, Suresh Soni, Manmohan Vaidya, Dattatrreya Hosabale and heads of many RSS affiliates.