Gita Abhiyaan to conclude in January

Addressing a gathering on Saturday, Shri Gangadharendra Saraswati Swamiji of the Swarnavalli Mutt, which is conducting the convention, said the programme will be inaugurated in the City on October 29.

The Abhiyaan, which was initiated in 2007 in Hubli, has so far been held in 27 districts where around 24 lakh people have participated.

He said the objective of the convention is to instill morals, national integrity, social harmony and develop personality, especially in students.

“It is not a Hindu text, it is a book on psychology. Gita does not reflect any bearings of the Hindu religion. It is not wrong to spread the teachings of any religious text,” he said, adding that an abridged version of all religious texts maybe incorporated as syllabus in schools.

In an attempt to suppress any future controversy, the seer claimed it was not a “government programme or a government sponsored programme”.

“It is not mandatory and only those interested can participate. Lessons were conducted for only eight days in schools and not throughout the year. The Abhiyaan has gained tremendous support from non-Hindus. The teachings are not restricted to any caste, creed or religion. In fact, a Muslim girl won the first prize in a competition held in Gadag, while conventions have been held in mosques in Siddapur in Uttar Kannada district,” he added.