Opposition leaders have blasted Yogi Government for introducing chapters on the lifespan of Baba Gorakhnath, the Guru of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and his contribution in spreading Hindutava across eastern Uttar Pradesh, in class VI.
life history on BJP founder Shayama Prasad Mukherjee and its ideologue Deen Dayal Upadhaya has also been included in the school books from class VI to VIII. life history of freedom fighters like Shahid Bandhu Singh, Rani Avanti Bai and warrior brother Aalha-Udal have also been included in the syllabus. Shahid Bbau Bandhu Singh belonged to Gorakhpur — the city to which CM belongs. Opposition have taken affront to inclusion of a chapter on Baba Gorakhnath in the course books. He is the deity of the Nath sect — the sect which is followed by Chief Minister. Infact, Yogi is Mahant, Chief Priest, of the temple in Gorakhpur called Gorakshnath dham which has been set up in remembrance of Bara Gorakhnath. There are millions of followers in eastern UP who revere Baba Gorakhnath.
“Nath sect has done tremendous work in eastern Uttar Pradesh. The children should know their contribution towards society and how this sect has worked in the welfare of the people,” SureshwarKumar Singh, a senior official in Basic Education department said.
The opposition has called these changes as an attempt to saffronise education. “The Yogi government has deliberately included some chapters to influence the impressionable minds of the students. They are sowing the seeds of hatred by saffronising education which is a dangerous trend,” Congress spokesman Amarnath Agarwal said.