A trust does not become religious just by teaching Geeta. Historic decision of Madras High Court. – ..

News India Live, Digital Desk: There is often a debate in our society as to how much education and religion should be kept separate. But the Madras High Court has recently given a decision which has given a new direction to this debate. The court has said in clear words that if any institution or trust teaches ‘Bhagavad Gita’ to children, it does not at all mean that that institution has become “religious”.

What was the matter after all?

The fact was that the Central Government (Home Ministry) had rejected the ‘FCRA’ application of a trust. The government’s argument was that the Trust teaches Geeta, hence it is a ‘religious institution’ and not an ‘educational’ one. FCRA registration is the permission through which an organization can take donations from abroad.

The government argued that the work of the Trust was ‘propagation of religion’. But the Trust challenged this in the court and said that they are giving the knowledge of Geeta under Moral Science.

What did the court say? (This is worth noting)

Justice G. Jayachandran understood this matter very deeply. He said that Bhagavad Gita is not just a religious book, but it is also a way of life and philosophy. The court said that if a trust uses Geeta to impart good values ​​to children and teach them morality, then it cannot be considered as ‘religious fanaticism’.

The court said a very important thing – “Being secular does not mean that we should be completely cut off from our culture and God or become atheists.” There is a feeling of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ in the tradition of India, and Geeta is a part of that.

What will be its effect?

This decision is a news of relief for all those organizations which provide knowledge of Indian culture and values ​​along with education. The court made it clear that a trust cannot be refused FCRA certificate just because it teaches Indian philosophy or Geeta.

In simple words, the Court has given the message that learning and teaching good things from our religious scriptures is not ‘communalism’, but it is a part of the process of making a better person.