New Delhi Mar 25 PTI Officiating chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities Syed Shahezadi on Friday said the Bhagavad Gita is not a religious book but one on philosophy days after the Gujarat government announced making it a part of school syllabus The Gujarat government last week announced in the state Assembly that the Bhagavad Gita would be a part of the school syllabus for Classes 6 to 12 across the state from the academic year 2022-23 A few days later Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said a decision on introducing the Bhagavad Gita in school curriculum would be taken after discussions as he maintained that the scripture imparts moral values Asked about the Gujarat governments move and other states talking about introducing the Bhagavad Gita in school curriculum Shahezadi said in her personal opinion it is not a religious book it is a philosophy book It can be looked at from the point of view of philosophy Studies are also being done on it abroad she said at a press conference at the NCM headquarters here Asked why the Quran or other religious texts were not being proposed to be introduced in school curriculum the officiating chief of the NCM said We do not stop anyone We want that respect for each others religion should increase We want books made available from all religions We have made many recommendations to the Education Ministry In my personal opinion we did not tell anyone to read Bhagavad Gita or dont read Quran it depends on the individual We can look at it from the point of philosophy also something that is related to the country and its identity Shahezadi said Asked about the Hijab issue she said The country does not run on yours and my sentiments it runs on the Constitution The court has given an order and we have to follow it There is a court judgement and it has to be accepted she added Her remarks come a day after the Supreme Court refused to accord urgent hearing on the pleas challenging the Karnataka High Court verdict which dismissed the petitions seeking permission to wear hijab inside the classroom and stated that the headscarf is not a part of the essential religious practice in Islam PTI ASK SMN