Mumbai corporator proposes Hindu shlok mandatory in schools; row

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator and former Mayor Kishori Pednekar has moved a proposal in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) seeking to make the recitation of 'Manache Shlok' verses, composed by Samarth Ramdas Swami, mandatory in all civic and private-aided schools in the city, PTI reported.

Pednekar's notice of motion, however, has drawn sharp criticism from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), which has opposed the imposition of spiritual literature in secular municipal schools and has suggested teaching the Constitution instead.

The Leader of Opposition in the BMC moved a proposal on March 23, seeking to make the recitation of the 17th-century saint's verses compulsory in all civic-run and private-aided schools where Marathi is a mandatory subject.

'Manache Shlok', composed in simple language, aims to foster mental discipline, moral values and intellectual development among students, the notice of motion stated.

Regular recitation would help inculcate self-reflection, reduce stress and promote positive behavioural changes among children, it said.

The former mayor urged the civic administration to mandate a daily period or time slot in schools for the recitation of the verses, and approach the state government to extend the directive to all private schools in Mumbai.

She also requested the municipal commissioner to examine the feasibility of implementing the proposal and submit a report on its execution.

The motion, which is expected to come up for discussion in the upcoming general body meeting, has already triggered a political row.

Vijay Ubale, the AIMIM's group leader in the BMC, suggested that the Constitution be taught in schools instead to better equip students for civic life.

"BMC schools are secular and making spiritual literature of a particular religion mandatory is tantamount to imposing it," Ubale said.