MP Govt asks all schools in the State to celebrate Guru Purnima

Bhopal (MP) – The BJP Government in the State has directed all Government and private schools to organise a two-day programme on the eve of Guru Purnima on the 20th and 21st of July. Congress has opposed this.

1. An order circulated by the education department of the Madhya Pradesh Govt. said that following the morning prayer, teachers will elaborate on the significance of Guru Purnima and the Guru-Disciple tradition. Following this, students will participate in an essay writing programme focusing on the Gurukul system prevalent in ancient times and its impact on Indian culture.

2. The next day, i.e. 21st July, will feature a prayer ceremony dedicated to the Goddess Saraswati and the Gurus, a lamp-lighting ritual, and a flower offering. Guru and teachers will be honoured on this occasion, and both teachers and students will share personal stories highlighting their mutual relationships.

3. The order circulated by the Education Department on 16th July, asked to invite Saints, teachers and students on the second day of the Guru Purnima festival. Additionally, the retired teachers and former students of the respective schools have also been asked to be invited during this period.

‘Celebrating Guru Purnima in schools is against the spirit of secularism’ : Congress spokesperson Abbas Hafeez

The opposition party Congress opposed the Education Department’s directive saying it was against the spirit of secularism, which is an integral part of the Constitution. Congress’ State Spokesperson Abbas Hafeez said India is a secular country, where students from all religious backgrounds study in schools and colleges; thus, introducing a new tradition related to any one religion in schools can create controversy. If traditions associated with one religion are made binding for all, students from other communities may demand that programmes related to their traditions be introduced as well.

Editorial Perspective

• Guru tradition does not belong to any religion but is associated with disciples and students. The anti-Hindu Congress does not even know this !
• Congress should also clarify whether its Hindu leaders also have such an ideology !