Delhi University may offer Bhagavad Gita elective in postgraduate political science program

Delhi University's political science department has proposed a new elective course titled "Reading Bhagavad Gita" for first-year MA students as part of its revised curriculum under the new Postgraduate Curriculum Framework.

The proposal will be reviewed at the Standing Committee on Academic Affairs meeting on July 1. If cleared, it will be placed before the Academic Council on July 5 for final approval.

The updated syllabus aligns with the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework set to launch in July.

According to the proposed course outline, the objective is to help students understand the Bhagavad Gita’s "universal teachings" and its "socio-ethical relevance" in the modern world.

The course will examine key ideas such as "Jnana Yoga," "Karma Yoga," "Bhakti Yoga," and the philosophical connection between the individual ("Jiva") and the supreme.

The curriculum also includes sections that explore how teachings from the Gita can be applied to address real-world issues like ethical conflicts, personal stress, and decision-making.

"The course enhances critical thinking, emotional resilience, and decision-making skills, empowering students to lead balanced and purposeful lives," said the course outcomes section.

Divided into four main modules, the course will cover the historical background of the "Srimad Bhagavad Gita," various interpretations of the text, and key philosophical ideas such as "Sthitaprajna" (steady wisdom), "Svadharma" (personal duty), and "Niskam Karma" (action without desire).

The proposed four-credit course includes suggested readings by Swami Vivekananda, Sri Aurobindo, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak.

The proposal, however, has drawn criticism from some faculty members. Professor N Sukumar of the political science department said, “Studying the Bhagavad Gita is a good idea, but we have to see whether different perspectives are included in the syllabus.”

“Perspectives that challenge the Gita, such as those of Dr B R Ambedkar and Periyar, are not included, despite the two having written extensively on the subject. This is how we can tell that the course caters to the Hindutva agenda and not an academic agenda,” Sukumar added.

In response, Standing Committee member Harendra Nath Tiwari defended the proposal. “I have nothing against Dr Ambedkar or Periyar, but this is not the right context to study them,” he said.

He also noted that the course is “crucial” as it “exposes students to concepts that will liberate them.”

A final decision on the course will be made by the Academic Council.