New course on Bhagavad Gita proposed in DU's Political Science syllabus
The revisions in the MA programme syllabus under the new Postgraduate Curriculum Framework are in line with the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework that will be implemented from July.
As per the 'course objective', it aims to instil Bhagavad Gita's 'universal teachings and socio-ethical relevance in modern times'. It also looks to explore concepts such as 'Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and their practical applications, and understanding the nature of the self (Jiva) and its relationship with the supreme'.
The proposed course also aims to provide insights into 'Dhanya Yoga for mental clarity and focus and applying the teachings of the Gita to address contemporary challenges like stress, conflict, and ethical dilemmas'.
'The course enhances critical thinking, emotional resilience, and decision-making skills, empowering students to lead balanced and purposeful lives,' states the 'course outcomes section'.
The course is divided into four units — 'History and Background of Srimad-Bhagavadgita', 'Gita and its Commentaries', the concepts of 'Sthitaprajna (a person of steady wisdom)' and 'Svadharma (one's purpose or duty)', and the idea of 'Niskam Karma (desireless action)'.
In the proposed course, which carries four credits, many of the recommended readings are by Swami Vivekananda, Sri Aurobindo and Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
'No critical texts'
Prof. 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.'
However, Harendra Nath Tiwari, a member of the Standing Committee, said, 'I have nothing against Dr. Ambedkar or Periyar, but this is not the right context to study them.' He added that the course is 'crucial' as it 'exposes students to concepts that will liberate them'.
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