“Read Gita Along With Quran”: Senior MP IPS Officer’s Republic Day Message To Madrassa Students

SEHORE, MADHYA PRADESH — A senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer in Madhya Pradesh has sparked a conversation on religious harmony and education after advising madrassa students to study the Bhagavad Gita alongside the Holy Quran.

Raja Babu Singh, a 1994-batch officer currently serving as the Additional Director General of Police (ADG) for Training, addressed the students of a madrassa in Doraha village, Sehore district, via video conference on Monday, January 26, 2026.

1. The Republic Day Address

Singh was invited to speak by the madrassa’s head, whom he describes as an old friend. During his address, the officer emphasized that modern education should be inclusive of diverse philosophical thoughts and civic duties.

• The Advice: Singh encouraged students to look beyond their core curriculum. “I asked the students to study the Bhagavad Gita along with the Holy Quran as it has been enlightening humanity for centuries,” he told media.
• Core Values: He urged both teachers and pupils to prioritize environment conservation, scientific temper, and religious tolerance.
• National Unity: Drawing from his experience as the former IG of the Border Security Force (BSF) in Kashmir, he reminded the youth of their responsibility to uphold India’s integrity “from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.”

2. A History of Spiritual Integration

This is not the first time ADG Raja Babu Singh has advocated for the inclusion of Hindu scriptures in institutional training.

• Police Recruits: Previously, Singh made headlines for directing all police training schools across Madhya Pradesh to hold recital sessions of the Bhagavad Gita and Ramcharitmanas for recruits.
• The Rationale: He argues that these texts provide a moral compass for a “righteous” life, which is essential for personnel in law enforcement.

3. Mixed Reactions to the Proposal

The officer’s remarks have drawn a variety of responses:

• Supporters: Many view his stance as an effort toward “Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb” (syncretic culture), encouraging students to understand the diverse religious fabric of India.
• Critics: Some educational activists and opposition leaders have questioned the propriety of a serving officer promoting specific religious texts in a minority educational institution, citing the secular nature of the Indian State.

Profile: ADG Raja Babu Singh