Pednekar Withdraws Proposal to Include Manache Shlok in BMC Schools After MIM Opposition

Kishori Pednekar, a leader of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction, withdrew a proposal to make the Manache Shlok — a composition by Samarth Ramdas Swami — a part of the curriculum in schools run by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, after AIMIM raised objections. The withdrawal came alongside a statement from Pednekar in which she expressed regret over remarks she made connecting the text to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, which drew criticism from multiple quarters.

Pednekar, who had also served as Mayor, had put forward the proposal with the stated aim of instilling values in students across BMC schools. The Manache Shlok is a composition of 205 verses, written by Samarth Ramdas Swami in the Bhujangaprayat meter, with each line consisting of 12 syllables.

AIMIM group leader Vijay Ubale opposed the proposal, stating that schools are spaces for learning and that mandating the teachings of any one religion within them is not appropriate. Ubale said students should instead be taught the values in the Constitution and the fundamental duties outlined therein. Following the objection from AIMIM, Pednekar withdrew the proposal in its entirety.

After the opposition surfaced, Pednekar said, “I have learned that someone has objected to the Manache Shlok. There is no need to oppose them. If we look at the childhood of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, we can see the influence of the Manache Shlok upon his mind.” She added that the Manache Shlok should not be seen as belonging to Hindus alone, and that the aim was to instil values in children across castes, religions, and sects.

The statement drew a wave of criticism. Opposition parties took a position against her remarks.

Pednekar subsequently issued a clarification. “I will not make such a connection again. If anyone’s sentiments have been hurt through this, I offer my apologies,” she said. She added that her intention had been to convey that a citizen, regardless of caste or sect, should develop an understanding of the duties and rights in the Constitution. “But from this point forward, such a connection will not be made,” she said.

The Manache Shlok was authored by Samarth Ramdas Swami and consists of 205 verses composed in the Bhujangaprayat meter.