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Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Kishori Pednekar proposed making daily recitation of Manache Shlok, a spiritual text by Samarth Ramdas Swami, compulsory in civic and aided schools. AIMIM opposed, calling schools secular and urging focus on the Constitution. The proposal, aimed at instilling discipline and moral values, has sparked political controversy ahead of BMC discussions.

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator and former mayor Kishori Pednekar has submitted a proposal to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to introduce compulsory recitation of Manache Shlok, a collection of verses by Samarth Ramdas Swami, in all civic-run and private-aided schools across the city.

The notice of motion has, however, sparked strong objections from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), which has opposed the inclusion of spiritual texts in secular municipal schools and instead recommended that students be taught the Constitution.

Pednekar, who is also the Leader of Opposition in the BMC, moved the proposal, seeking to mandate the recitation of the 17th-century saint’s verses in schools where Marathi is a compulsory subject.

According to the motion, Manache Shlok, written in simple language, is intended to instill discipline, moral values, and intellectual growth among students. It further states that regular recitation could encourage self-reflection, help reduce stress, and bring about positive behavioural changes in children.