Pushkar Dhami's government faces tough questions; many see the move as political and discriminatory
NEW DELHI – The Muslim community in Uttarakhand views the state government’s decision on recitation of Gita Shlokas in schools as an unjust and one-sided order meant to promote majoritarian ideology.
The ruling BJP, under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, claims this move will help inculcate “moral values.” The controversy comes at a time when the Dhami government has already been under the spotlight for alleged targeted action against Muslim religious places and madrasas in the past few months. Critics say that the new policy not only ignores India’s secular values but also deepens the fear of religious bias among minorities.
Muslim community members across Uttarakhand and other parts of India have raised serious objections to the new education rule. Their argument is straightforward: If the verses of the Gita can be read in schools, then why can’t verses of the Qur’an or texts from other religions also be included?
Speaking to the media, Mohammed Arshad, a social worker from Roorkee, said: “We respect the Gita, but this is a secular country. If students are being taught the Gita in schools, then there should be no objection to also teaching them about the Qur’an or the Bible. Why single out one religion?”
Several Muslim groups have warned that if this rule is not changed or balanced, they will hold peaceful protests. Many have already submitted petitions to local education officers and MLAs to reconsider the order.
Fatima Begum, a teacher at a government school in Nainital, said: “We teach children from all backgrounds. Our job is to promote unity and respect for all. This order makes it feel like only one religion matters in our schools. That’s not what India is about.”
Critics of the Dhami government have linked the timing of this order to upcoming elections and political calculations. They believe the move is aimed at gaining the favour of the majority Hindu population by showing loyalty to Hindu religious values, even at the cost of hurting others.
Dr Afroz Alam, an academic and columnist based in Dehradun, said: “Whenever elections approach, such moves are made to polarise the people. First, it was bulldozing madrasas, now it’s the Gita in schools. Tomorrow it will be something else. The real problems, like unemployment and education quality, are forgotten.”
Rashid Qureshi, a retired government officer, said: “Our Constitution gives equal respect to all religions. The government should be focusing on better schools, not imposing religious practices on children. This is not good for our country’s unity.”
This isn’t the first time the Dhami government has taken steps seen as hurting Muslim sentiments. In recent months, there have been reports of demolitions and restrictions on Muslim prayer places and institutions, particularly madrasas.
Many from the community feel that they are being made scapegoats in the name of law and order or development. Such actions, when followed by religious impositions in education, raise further alarm bells.
Imam Adil Khan, from Haridwar, said: “We are not against any religion. But it seems that the government is deliberately creating issues to show Muslims in a bad light. When our places of worship are demolished and now children are forced to read from one scripture, what message does it send?”
The sentiment is echoed in several towns and villages where Muslim leaders have held community meetings to discuss the situation. Some are also planning to approach the courts if no action is taken by the state.
Interestingly, not all Muslim leaders are opposing the order. Mufti Shamoon Kazmi, President of the Uttarakhand Madrasa Board, has come out in support of the government’s move. He has welcomed the decision, calling it a “step towards unity and growth.”
In a statement, Mufti Kazmi said, “Teaching the Gita in schools will help children understand the lives of Lord Ram and Krishna. It will also build a sense of brotherhood. This is a good step and we are ready to support it.”
He also revealed plans for a partnership between the Madrasa Board and the Sanskrit Department to teach Sanskrit in madrasas, saying this would help students become more educated and open-minded.
However, many Muslims have criticised his statement, saying it does not reflect the views of the community at large.
Sanaullah Sheikh, a local activist in Haldwani, responded: “Mufti Kazmi is speaking for himself. Most of us do not agree. Children should not be forced to read religious texts in a state school. Religion should be taught at home or in places of worship, not in government classrooms.”
Several education experts and human rights defenders have expressed concern over the growing influence of religious politics in school education. They warn that such policies may increase division among children of different faiths.
Prof Zeenat Parveen, an education researcher, noted: “India’s strength lies in its diversity. By promoting one religion in government schools, we are teaching children that some faiths are more important than others. That can be very harmful in the long run.”
Similar concerns were raised by Sajjad Hussain, a parent in Almora, who said: “My child goes to a government school. He should be learning Maths, Science, History — not religious texts. If one religion is promoted, it will affect how children from other communities feel.”
Many Muslim parents are now thinking of shifting their children to private schools or religious institutions where they feel their culture and faith are respected.
The controversy in Uttarakhand has also sparked debates in other states. Muslim leaders from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and even South India have called out the “double standards” of the BJP government. They question whether similar rules would ever be accepted if the Qur’an were made compulsory in schools.
Maulana Arshad Madani of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind said, “Would the same people who support teaching the Gita in schools support the idea of teaching Qur’anic verses daily in classrooms? We all know the answer. This is not about education. This is about using religion for politics.”
Social media platforms have been flooded with videos and posts condemning the Uttarakhand government’s decision, with many using hashtags like #QuranInSchool, #StopReligiousBias, and #EqualEducationForAll.
As per Article 28 of the Indian Constitution, no religious instruction can be provided in any educational institution wholly maintained out of state funds. The only exceptions are schools run by religious trusts or organisations.
Many legal experts are now arguing that the Uttarakhand government’s order may violate this article, especially if it does not allow space for teachings from other religions.
A PIL (Public Interest Litigation) has also reportedly been filed in the Uttarakhand High Court challenging the order.
Advocate Nizam Pasha, who is associated with several minority rights cases, said: “The government has no business promoting any religion in state schools. If they want to include teachings about all religions in a balanced way, that’s different. But making the Gita compulsory is a clear misuse of power.”
Despite the anger and disappointment, many Muslim leaders are still hoping that the government will rethink its decision and start a proper dialogue with all communities.
Mohd Alam, a youth leader in Uttarakhand, said: “We want peace and equality. Our fight is not against any scripture. But the government must listen to us. We are citizens of this country, too. Our children should not feel like outsiders in their own schools.”
Community members have urged the government to organise public hearings and discussions before bringing religious elements into education.
The current situation in Uttarakhand is more than just a state issue. It reflects the broader challenge of maintaining India’s secular and inclusive spirit at a time when politics is becoming increasingly polarised.
The question is simple — if one religion’s teachings are allowed in public schools, will others be given the same respect? Or will the education system become another battleground for political and religious power?
For now, Muslims in Uttarakhand and across India wait and watch — and some prepare to act, not with violence, but through law, protest, and their constitutional rights.
