Originally posted by: flipfl0p
West may not include Jesus under history. But they have religion as a compulsory subject in school. Christmas plays are most common in every primary school. But India does not teach Ramayana, Mahabharata for school children. At least they should be used as nativity plays.
Religion is NOT taught as a subject in school unless kids are in parochial school. Not compulsory, not elective. It's a big no no in public schools in the U.S.
Greek and Roman mythology get taught as mythology and literature.
Nativity plays, yes. It is more cultural than religious. Similar stuff happens in India too, IIRC. In Kerala, Onam is celebrated in schools with the usual flower carpets.
I wish the Epics were taught in India in schools as ancient Greek and Roman litt are in the West. Problem is for a huge majority of Indians, the Epics are part of religion. They cannot be taught as simply literature. They cannot be taught as religion either even if a secular government found a way to do it. It will create trouble. No, not with just minorities. Different regions, different sects, have their own interpretation. It will be like teaching Bible in school as a subject in the West (which doesn't happen as I said before).
I don't know if there is a solution to it except teach them as sort of cultural heritage subject perhaps. Which would then include non Hindu texts as well. Razm Nama, the version of Mahabharata commissioned by the Mughals would be an interesting read.
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