Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath proposed on Thursday that schools include verses from the Bhagavad Gita or Ramcharitmanas in their morning assemblies to impart spiritual education. Speaking at a state award ceremony for basic and secondary education, Adityanath urged teachers to avoid behaving like trade union members, as it diminishes the respect associated with their profession.

Adityanath suggested that incorporating spiritual elements, such as a five-minute address based on these sacred texts, could have a lasting positive impact on students. He advised teachers to present their demands democratically and assured them that clear, issue-focused memorandums would be treated with serious consideration.

At the ceremony, awards were given to 41 teachers from the basic education sector and 13 from secondary education. Adityanath personally handed out the awards, including to Moolchand from Aligarh, who was honored despite an injured leg.

The Chief Minister spoke of India’s long-standing reverence for teachers, quoting scriptures that place the teacher above even the divine. He emphasized that genuine knowledge comes through hard work and dedication, not merely academic qualifications. Adityanath urged teachers to embrace the National Education Policy (NEP) and focus on innovation in education to drive progress.

He instructed the education department to utilize the expertise of award-winning teachers in developing curricula and textbooks. Emphasizing the role of education in shaping the nation’s future, Adityanath encouraged teachers to work towards creating a clean, beautiful, and green school environment, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed India by 2047.

Adityanath concluded by extending Teachers’ Day greetings and recalling the contributions of former President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, highlighting his role as a scholar and philosopher. Minister of State for Basic Education Sandeep Singh also spoke, reinforcing that progress is rooted in culture and education, and commended the Uttar Pradesh government’s efforts to strengthen and organize the education system under Adityanath’s leadership.

Source: PTI

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