Editor
Guwahati, Assam - 29 December, 23:
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, known for his daily ritual of sharing a verse from the Bhagavad Gita on his social media, recently found himself in a bit of controversy. The CM addressed the issue promptly and clarified the situation.
On 28 December, Sarma's team posted a sloka from Chapter 18, verse 44 of the Bhagavad Gita with an incorrect translation. As soon as the error was identified, the post was promptly deleted.
In his clarification, CM Sarma emphasized that his daily posts are part of a routine to share wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita. "Till date, I have posted 668 slokas," he mentioned, highlighting the consistency of this practice.
The particular verse in question, Chapter 18, verse 44, was originally posted with a translation that caused misunderstanding. The post mentioned duties associated with different Varnas, stating, "Farming, cow rearing, and commerce are natural duties of the Vaishya, and serving the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas is the natural duty of the Shudras."
CM Sarma later clarified the verse, quoting the actual Sanskrit text and offering a more accurate interpretation. He mentioned, "If the deleted post has offended anyone, I sincerely apologize."
Sarma also took the opportunity to celebrate Assam as a state that reflects a casteless society, attributing this to the reform movement led by Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva. This movement has played a significant role in promoting social harmony and inclusivity in the region.
The Chief Minister's clarification aims to address any misconceptions arising from the earlier post and reaffirm his commitment to promoting unity and understanding among the diverse communities in Assam.