Urdu Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana Purchase: Jammu and Kashmir Government Takes U-Turn, Withdraws Circular on Religious Books

Srinagar, October 23: In a U-turn, Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday extracted a circular regarding the purchase of copies of the Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana for libraries in educational institutes. The state chief secretary issued a new order which stated, "Circular issued by the Education Department regarding the introduction of some religious books stands withdrawn."

The state government on Monday issued an order asking educational institutions to purchase copies of the Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana for their libraries. The decision to buy religious books was taken during a meeting chaired by BB Vyas, advisor to Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik, on 4 October. Bangalore Muslim Boy Wins First Prize in Bhagavad Gita Contest.

“The school education department, higher education department, director colleges, director libraries and cultural department will consider purchasing sufficient number of copies each of Urdu version of Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and KoshurRamayan authored by Shri SarwanandPremi for making these available in schools, colleges and public libraries of the state,” the previous order had said.

The order led to widespread criticism. Criticising the circular, former chief minister, Omar Abdullah tweeted on Monday: "Why just the Gita and Ramayana? If religious texts are to be placed in schools, colleges and government libraries (and I'm not convinced that they need/should be) then why is it being done selectively? Why are other religions being ignored?"

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 23, 2018 03:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).