• On 18 June a Jury headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi unanimously decided to select Gita Press as the recipient of the Gandhi Peace Prize for the year 2021, in recognition of its outstanding contribution
What is the Gita Press?
• Founded in 1923 in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh by Jaydayal Goyandka and Hanuman Prasad Poddar.
• Its main aim is to publish and distribute Hindu religious texts, particularly the Bhagavad Gita.
• Other titles, primarily in Hindi, include the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Upanishads, Vedas, Puranas, Agamas, Yoga texts, various samhitas (compilations) and a monthly magazine called “Kalyan”.
Total number of books published by Gita Press: 417100000
• The publisher is known for its affordable prices and making religious literature accessible.
Controversies
• 1964: Gita Press faced its first major controversy when allegations emerged that the organisation had altered the original text of the Bhagavad Gita. Critics claimed that certain verses were modified to suit the organisation’s ideological stance.
• 1977: Muslim organizations and scholars accused Gita Press of misrepresenting and distorting the original teachings of Islam. The publication faced strong criticism and protests, leading to its withdrawal from circulation.
1994: The Press became embroiled in a legal dispute with the Shri Ramacharitamanasa Nyas over the copyright of the Ramayana, written by Tulsidas. The Nyas claimed exclusive publishing rights. The case was eventually settled in the Nyas’ favor in 1997, limiting Gita Press’s authority to publish the Ramayana.
2016: The Ministry of Home Affairs suspended Gita Press’s license to receive foreign donations under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). It was accused of violating FCRA regulations by allegedly funding religious conversions. The ban was eventually lifted after Gita Press provided clarifications.
Ongoing: Gita Press continues to be a subject of controversy, primarily due to its perceived ideological stance and its influence on Hindu religious discourse. Critics argue that the organisation promotes a conservative interpretation of Hinduism and contributes to religious polarisation.
