Bhagavad Gita should be made national scripture, says Sushma

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday said that the Bhagavad Gita should be made the national scripture, adding that the Hindu sacred writ should be read for guidance throughout one's life.

"The Bhagavad Gita teaches us the way to lead life in a happy and stress free manner. It shouldn't be left for old age; it is something that one should read for guidance throughout your life," Swaraj said, while addressing the Gita Prerna Utsav, held in the national capital.

"I have said in Parliament that the Bhagavad Gita should be declared as our 'Rashtriya Granth'. No official announcement has been made in this regard. However, by offering the 'Bhagavad Gita' as a gift to US President Barack Obama, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already given that honour to Bhagavad Gita," she added.

The Global Inspiration and Enlightenment Organisation of the Bhagavad Gita (GIEO Gita) organizes the annual Gita Prerana Utsav to commemorate the anniversary of Bhagavad Gita. According to reports, the organisation claims that this year, the Hindu scripture completes 5,151 years.