Prashant Bhushan takes dig at Smriti Irani, says 'Will HRD be renamed Hindu Rashtra Development Ministry?'

New Delhi: Activist lawyer and Swaraj Abhiyan leader Prashant Bhushan on Thursday took jibe at HRD Minister Smriti Irani over asking IITs to teach Sanskrit to students.

Bhushan, took to Twitter, and wrote, “Irani wants IITs to teach Sanskrit texts! Seriously? Will HRD be renamed, Hindu Rashtra Development Ministry?'

IITs have been asked to teach Sanskrit language for facilitating study of science and technology as reflected in its literature, Lok Sabha was told on Monday.

A panel, chaired by former CEC N Gopalaswami, in its report had suggested that IITs may facilitate study of science and technology as reflected in Sanskrit literature along with inter-disciplinary study of Sanskrit and modern subjects, HRD minister Smriti Irani said in a written reply.

"Accordingly, IITs have been requested to teach Sanskrit language especially with reference to study of works which contain scientific knowledge," Irani said.

However, later clarifying the stand, the HRD ministry said IITs have been requested to offer Sanskrit as an elective subject or as a language course for students who wish to study it.

(With PTI inputs)