Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Sunday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s gifting of the Bhagavad Gita to Russian President Vladimir Putin during his recent New Delhi visit as a “fine gesture,” highlighting that there is nothing inappropriate about sharing India’s spiritual heritage with leaders of other nations.

The gift, a copy of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita translated into Russian, was among several presented by PM Modi to President Putin during his official visit from December 4 to 6, 2025. The Bhagavad Gita, a revered scripture from the Mahabharata, encompasses Lord Krishna’s guidance to the warrior Arjuna, focusing on duty, spiritual wisdom, ethical living, self-control, and inner peace.

Commenting on the gesture, PM Modi himself had noted on social media that the Gita’s “timeless wisdom inspires ethical living, mind control, and inner peace, with translations making it accessible to modern readers worldwide.” He emphasized that sharing such a text enables people from different cultural backgrounds to gain insights into India’s civilizational and spiritual thought.

Responding to the gifting of the scripture, Shashi Tharoor clarified that he does not see any problem in the Prime Minister presenting the Gita to President Putin. He pointed out that the scripture is an integral part of India’s ancient civilization and cultural history, and that sharing it with leaders from other nations is a way of conveying some of the enduring lessons of India’s spiritual and philosophical heritage.

Tharoor elaborated that giving the Gita in Russian is meant to communicate these ideas in a language that the recipient can understand. He emphasized that the gesture was not an attempt to convert President Putin to Hinduism, but rather a symbolic sharing of India’s civilizational values. “It’s a way of just showing him something that he can understand in his language. It’s a fine gesture because it reflects what we are,” Tharoor said, speaking to reporters.

In his comments, Tharoor also touched upon broader conversations about teaching Indian epics and cultural texts in schools. Referring to Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy’s recent remarks on the inclusion of the Bhagavad Gita in school education, Tharoor drew attention to his longstanding advocacy for understanding Indian literature and philosophy in modern education.

He cited his own book, The Great Indian Novel, published in 1989, as an example of how ancient texts like the Mahabharata can be retold in contemporary contexts, making them accessible and relevant to younger generations. Tharoor emphasized that reading epics such as the Mahabharata and the Ramayana in school should not be seen as problematic, even in English-medium education. He argued that these texts form a vital part of India’s cultural and moral foundation, and their study enriches students’ understanding of ethical and philosophical principles.

Through his statements, Tharoor reinforced the view that gifting the Bhagavad Gita to an international leader is consistent with India’s long-standing tradition of sharing its philosophical and cultural heritage with the world. By translating the text into Russian, the gesture was intended to bridge cultural gaps and foster mutual understanding, reflecting India’s approach to diplomacy that combines respect for tradition with global engagement.

The exchange also highlights the broader use of cultural diplomacy in India’s foreign policy. By presenting a text of profound philosophical significance, the Indian government seeks to convey principles of duty, ethics, and moral responsibility in a universal language, accessible to individuals regardless of their religious affiliation. The choice of the Bhagavad Gita as a gift underscores India’s confidence in the universal appeal of its spiritual and philosophical teachings, which have inspired thinkers, scholars, and leaders globally.

Tharoor’s remarks come at a time when discussions about India’s cultural heritage and its role in contemporary education are gaining renewed attention. While debates around incorporating religious or philosophical texts in the curriculum often provoke differing opinions, Tharoor reaffirmed that engagement with these texts enriches students’ understanding of India’s history, values, and ethical frameworks.

In conclusion, Shashi Tharoor expressed unequivocal support for PM Modi’s decision, describing it as a gesture that embodies India’s civilizational identity and its commitment to sharing knowledge across cultures. By gifting the Bhagavad Gita to President Putin, India not only showcased a piece of its spiritual heritage but also promoted a message of universal wisdom, ethical conduct, and cross-cultural respect. Tharoor emphasized that such gestures, when executed thoughtfully, reflect positively on the nation, encouraging dialogue and understanding between countries while honoring India’s rich philosophical and cultural traditions.