- Siddaramaiah calls Kumaraswamy ‘Manuvadi’ over school Bhagavad Gita proposal
- Kumaraswamy urges Gita’s inclusion citing moral values amid political debate
Hyderabad: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has sharply criticized Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy for suggesting that the Union government include the Bhagavad Gita in school curricula. Speaking at the Vidhana Soudha after paying tribute to Dr B.R. Ambedkar on his Mahaparinirvana Day, Siddaramaiah labeled Kumaraswamy a ‘Manuvadi’, a term used in political discourse to denote supporters of the Manusmriti’s social hierarchy.
Siddaramaiah highlighted the ideological shift in Kumaraswamy’s stance after partnering with the BJP. He said, “Kumaraswamy has become a Manuvadi after joining hands with the BJP.” The Manusmriti is an ancient text containing social codes widely criticized for promoting discrimination against lower castes and restricting women, hence the term’s negative connotation.
Kumaraswamy had sent a letter to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan urging the inclusion of the Bhagavad Gita in the school curriculum. He described the text as embodying “timeless, value-based ideals” that support moral education, aligning with the National Education Policy. According to Kumaraswamy, teaching the Gita’s principles would foster clarity of thought, moral courage, and strong character among students.
He also referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the Udupi Sri Krishna Math, noting the Gita recitation event and the emphasis on values like ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. Kumaraswamy argued that these messages remain relevant and should be integrated into education in a structured manner.
In contrast, Siddaramaiah reaffirmed his government’s commitment to constitutional values. He praised Ambedkar as “the architect of the country’s constitution” who fought for equal opportunities and social justice. Siddaramaiah noted the state’s efforts to teach the constitution’s preamble in schools, helping students understand their rights and duties.
He further contextualized Ambedkar’s conversion to Buddhism as a protest against entrenched social barriers, quoting, “He said he was born a Hindu but would not die one.”
This exchange encapsulates ongoing debates in Karnataka about the role of religion and social values in education amid larger political alignments.
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