Lucknow- The Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has sparked controversy by mandating summer workshops on the Ramayana and Vedas in government schools across the state. Organized under the aegis of the International Ramayana and Vedic Research Institute, Ayodhya, these workshops will include activities like Ramlila, Ramcharitmanas recitation, Vedic chanting, painting, and mask-making. However, Bhim Army chief and MP Chandrashekhar Azad has vehemently opposed the move, labeling it a violation of the Constitution and an attack on India’s social diversity.

In a strongly worded statement, Chandrashekhar argued that the decision promotes religious polarization under the guise of education. He cited Article 28 of the Indian Constitution, which prohibits religious instruction in state-funded educational institutions and forbids compelling students to participate in religious activities. Terming the move “a murder of the Constitution,” he questioned Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, asking, “What is this if not a conspiracy to impose one religion in the name of education?”

According to a directive issued by Santosh Kumar Sharma (IAS), Director of the Culture Department, Uttar Pradesh, the workshops will be conducted across all 75 districts of the state for 5 to 10 days. The programs aim to instill “cultural values” and foster an interest in art among students. Schools have been requested to provide managerial support and coordinate with designated organizers. The directive also allows for changes in venues or coordinators, provided they are communicated to the institute.

Chandrashekhar highlighted the diverse student population in Uttar Pradesh’s government schools, which includes children from Dalit, Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh, Christian, and tribal backgrounds. He argued that workshops centered on one religion are discriminatory and infringe upon students’ religious freedom and constitutional rights. He proposed that if workshops are to be held, they should focus on the Constitution, fundamental rights, scientific thinking, social justice, and civic responsibilities.

Chandrashekhar said, "The clear stance of Bhim Army and Azad Samaj Party (Kanshiram) is that if workshops are to be held on any subject, they should be based on the Constitution, fundamental rights, scientific thinking, social justice, and civic responsibilities. Children should be provided with knowledge of self-empowerment, equality, and legal rights. They should be inspired to develop a rational, scientific, and humanistic perspective in accordance with Article 51(A). Even if religious or cultural subjects are included, they must follow the principle of ‘Sarv Dharma Sambhav’ (equal respect for all religions), and the child’s choice and religious freedom must be fully respected. The purpose of education should not be religious propagation but the creation of rational citizens. This is the soul of India, this is the call of the Constitution."