Distinction in travel journalism
Is independent travel journalism important to you?
Click here to keep it independent

9 Dec, 2014

Declare Bhagavad Gita national scripture: Sushma – Hindustan Times

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday urged the Centre to declare the Bhagavad Gita a national scripture and applauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for presenting the book to world leaders.

“PM Modi gifted the Gita to US President Barack Obama, which means it has already received the honour of a national scripture. What we require is only a formal announcement now,” Sushma Swaraj said in a public meeting to mark 5,151 years of the Bhagavad Gita at the Red Fort.

Underscoring the importance of the Gita’s role in daily life, she said its message to perform one’s duty without feeling attached to its outcome is what guides her sense of duty at the ministry. PM Modi had also gifted the Gita to Japan PM Shinzo Abe and the Emperor of Japan during his five-day trip in September.

Her comment evoked instant reactions from Opposition parties including the Congress, Janata Dal (United) and the Trinamool Congress. They are likely to raise the issue in the Parliament on Monday.

Read the rest: Declare Bhagavad Gita national scripture: Sushma – Hindustan Times.