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The Hindu
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
New course on Bhagavad Gita proposed in DU's Political Science syllabus
Delhi University's Political Science department has proposed an elective course, 'Reading Bhagavad Gita', for first-year postgraduate students. It is set to be discussed in the upcoming July 1 meeting of the Standing Committee on Academic Affairs. If approved, the proposal to include it in the syllabus will be listed in the July 5 Academic Council meeting, which is the highest authority on decisions pertaining to syllabus changes. 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'.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Murugan Bhakthargal conference held as a political event, says CPI(M) leader
'The Murugan Bhakthargal conference, which ought to be a religious conference, was conducted as a pure political event which was against the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court's order' said Communist Party of India (Marxist) State Secretary P. Shanmugam. Speaking at a public meeting at Tirupparankundram here on Friday, he said that the Murugan Bhakthargal conference, which ought to be a religious conference was conducted as a pure political event which was against the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court's order. He added that: 'The Madras High Court should take a Suo moto case against the Murugan Bhakthargal conference organisers as it was a contempt of the very court which passes directions.' 'Tamil Nadu government by not initiating any action against the organisers for inciting communal hatred is showing a soft corner to the Hindutva forces,' he added. He thanked the people of the State for ignoring the event, realising that it was a political event. 'When lakhs of people visit Palani hills and other Murugan temples for occasions like Thaipoosam and Panguni Uthiram, however, the Murugan conference, portrayed as a religious event, did not receive response from the people,' Mr. Shanmugam noted. As an RSS leader has spoken about the need to remove the words 'socialism,' and 'secularism,' from the Indian Constitution, their original intent has been exposed, he stated. 'If BJP had won in 2024 with an absolute majority, their first work would have been to replace the Constitution. As it is the only binding force which respects and treats every citizen equally, the BJP government did not want secularism to be followed,' he observed. Madurai MP Su. Venkatesan, addressing the gathering, charged AIADMK leader and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswamy with a delayed reaction to the humiliation of leaders like C.N. Annadurai and Periyar. 'Annadurai and Periyar could not be just treated as political leaders as they have shaped the political landscape of the State and have driven the people towards progressive thinking,' he added. He demanded action against Hindu Munnani for passing a resolution against a religious structure which has been in the faith of people for thousands of years.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
DMK, allies come hard at AIADMK over Murugan event
Chennai: DMK and its allies continued criticism of AIADMK for participating in the BJP 's recent Murugan meet that denigrated Dravidian icons 'Periyar' E V Ramasamy and C N Annadurai. VCK Chief Thol Thirumavalavan expressed shock over the AIADMK's continuance in the NDA despite insults to its party ideologues and asked the party to rethink ties with the BJP. MMK leader M H Jawahirullah too accused AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami of mortgaging his party's principles. These statements come amid speculation about alliances shifting leading up to the elections. Thirumavalavan, wooed by the AIADMK before the 2024 elections, recently stated that VCK had no issue joining hands with AIADMK minus BJP and PMK. On Wednesday, Thirumavalavan called on the AIADMK leadership to explain its stance on NDA for the 2026 election. "They should clarify to the people about their journey with the BJP and right-wing groups, even after Periyar and Anna were defamed," he said. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has not responded to the criticism though he participated in events at AIADMK headquarters over the last two days. In Dindigul, Jawahirullah said the AIADMK's presence at the Murugan conference was "an example of the extent to which Palaniswami is obligated to the BJP; he has his party's principles". by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Doutor: Manter a massa muscular após os 50 anos depende deste hábito noturno Revista do Homem Saiba Mais Undo Jawahirullah accused the BJP of trying to diminish the contributions of Dravidian ideologues. Murasoli, the DMK's mouthpiece, published a strong editorial in its Wednesday edition, accusing the AIADMK of 'mortgaging' Annadurai to the BJP. "You (AIADMK) remove Anna and Dravidam from your party name, and the leader's image from the party flag. Betraying Annadurai is a great betrayal," the editorial said.
NDTV
7 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
MK Stalin Slams BJP's "Fake Devotion Drama" Amid Row Over Religious Event
Chennai: In a scathing political counterattack, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday tacitly targeted the recently concluded Lord Muruga Conference in Madurai, an event organised by the Hindu Munnani and strongly backed by the BJP, accusing the saffron party of misusing religion for political gains. Without naming the event directly, Mr Stalin said the BJP was attempting to "create chaos in a land known for religious amity," and alleged that the party's newfound devotion was "nothing but a drama" in the Dravidian heartland. "The people of Tamil Nadu will not fall for the BJP's fake devotion drama. Religion is not under threat here, as the BJP claims. The only thing under threat in this state is the BJP alliance," Mr Stalin said while addressing a public event. The Lord Muruga Conference, which saw participation from several BJP members and allies including Pawan Kalyan, RSS and Hindu Munnani functionaries, was widely seen as part of the party's strategy to build a religious narrative and expand its footprint in the state ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. Tamil Nadu remains one of the few Indian states where the BJP has minimal electoral presence. Stalin pushed back against the BJP's claims of religious discrimination in the state, pointing instead to the DMK government's record. "This is the land of Periyar, Anna (CN Annadurai), and Kalaignar (Karunanidhi). In our tenure, we've consecrated 3,000 temples. We've spent Rs 84 crore on restoring churches and mosques too. Even in spirituality, the DMK has scored, and they have nothing to talk about," he said. The Chief Minister also launched a fresh attack on the AIADMK for its "silence" over what he called insults to Dravidian stalwarts. Referring to the controversial video played during the Lord Muruga Conference that was critical of Periyar and former Chief Minister Annadurai, Mr Stalin questioned the AIADMK's moral authority. "The party that carries Annadurai's name stood quiet when he was mocked. The party that has mortgaged itself to the BJP will not hesitate to pledge the state too," he said. The AIADMK, which broke ties with the BJP ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and then failed to win any seats, has revived its alliance with the saffron party-a move that Mr Stalin appeared keen to leverage politically. The AIADMK condemned the controversial video following widespread criticism. Senior AIADMK leader RB Udhayakumar said this ought to have been avoided, and the party can't accept insults to Periyar and MG Ramachandran. He also clarified that the party never expected this in the spiritual meeting.
New Indian Express
7 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
‘PMK under my control, tickets only for loyalists' : S Ramadoss
VILLUPURAM: Asserting that he held complete authority over the party, PMK founder S Ramadoss has said only those who stood by him in the ongoing tussle with his son and party president Anbumani Ramadoss and those who attended the consultative meeting held at his residence in Thailapuram on Wednesday would be considered to contest the 2026 Assembly election. Addressing the media after the meeting, Sr Ramadoss said the PMK's electoral alliance is yet to be finalised. 'I can't reveal more at the moment, but it will be a good, distinct, and victorious alliance,' he said. The meeting was attended by district secretaries, state-level functionaries, and party leaders appointed recently by Ramadoss. These appointments have not been recognised by a majority of functionaries in Anbumani's camp. PMK honorary president and Assembly floor leader GK Mani was notably absent due to health reasons. Among the party's four MLAs, three have expressed support for Anbumani, while Salem West MLA R Arul backs Sr Ramadoss. On Wednesday, Ramadoss announced Arul's elevation as joint general secretary of the party. 'Those who attended this meeting are the future MLAs. I have full authority,' Ramadoss said. When asked about his critical remarks made against leaders of the Dravidian movement 'Periyar' EV Ramasamy and CN Annadurai at the Murugan conference in Madurai, Ramadoss, after a long pause, said, 'No one should be insulted,' without elaborating. Meanwhile, MLA Arul, reacting to Anbumani's insinuation that his recent hospitalisation was an excuse to skip a district-level meeting, said, 'Would someone get admitted to a hospital just to avoid a meeting? The cause was mental stress.'
