Bhagavad Gita Course Controversy: Perspectives and Challenges at Delhi University

Bhagavad Gita Course Controversy: Perspectives and Challenges at Delhi University
Published at : 29 Dec 2023, 7:47 PM IST
Updated at : 30 Dec 2023, 11:11 AM IST

Ramanujan College, Delhi University, is facing a Bhagavad Gita course controversy. The dispute surrounding this ancient book, a cornerstone of India’s intellectual legacy, has raised questions about academic independence, cultural sensitivity, and the complex relationship between mandated courses and personal views.

The Bhagavad Gita course debate has raised new viewpoints and problems that instructors and students must consider as they navigate this story. This investigation extends beyond Ramanujan College to discussions on academic curriculum and the delicate balance needed to integrate multiple cultural and religious viewpoints in an educational institution.

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Du's Bhagavad Gita Course Controversy Perspectives And Challenges At Ramanujan College

Understanding the Bhagavad Gita course Controversy

The genesis of the controversy lies in an email circulated among teachers on December 18, 2023, requesting “mandatory attendance” for a two-hour daily refresher certificate course on the Bhagavad Gita scheduled from December 22 to January 9. The email explicitly stated that newly recruited teaching staff from the past year must register and attend the program offline. In contrast, other teaching staff had the option to attend either online or offline.

Allegations and Objections

Amidst the serene backdrop of academia, objections arose. Some teachers expressed concerns about the course being labelled as mandatory, raising issues of inclusivity and forcing individuals from diverse communities to participate. Additionally, contractual staff voiced fears of potential consequences for not attending, particularly considering the challenges posed during the holiday season.

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Response from College Authorities

In response to the allegations, Jigar Champaklal Inamdar, chairman of the college’s governing board, sought to dispel the controversy. He clarified that the course’s attendance was encouraged but not compulsory. Inamdar highlighted the course’s objective: to impart the teachings of the Gita and facilitate an understanding of its relevance in contemporary times. The two-hour seminars were designed to include interactive sessions, conversations, and question-and-answer segments.

Expansion of the Dispute

The initial dispute took an unexpected turn when a second email was sent to teachers, listing 37 professors who had not enrolled for the course. This development widened the chasm, leading to heightened concerns among teachers about potential repercussions. Some teachers, even if hesitant, opted to register for the course following the receipt of the email, accentuating the perceived pressure on faculty members.

Bhagavad Gita
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Response from Democratic Teachers’ Front (DTF):

As the controversy gained momentum, the Democratic Teachers’ Front (DTF) entered the fray, vehemently urging the withdrawal of mandatory registration and attendance for the Bhagavad Gita course. The DTF accused Ramanujan College’s principal, SP Agarwal, of abusing authority, coercing teaching and non-teaching staff, and termed it an “autocratic trait.” They emphasized the clash between mandatory attendance and the principles of academic freedom and critical thinking.

Course Details

The newly established Centre for Learning, Illumination, and Innovation, “Bharatam,” is in charge of the 20-day Bhagavad Gita refresher certificate course at Ramanujan College, which is a part of Delhi University. Rooted in the essence of Bharatiya Gyan Parampara, the course aims to unravel the profound teachings encapsulated in each adhyaya (chapter) of the Bhagavad Gita. This intellectual journey delves into the philosophical intricacies and timeless wisdom offered by the revered scripture.

The meticulously designed curriculum allows extensive investigation of the Bhagavad Gita’s spiritual elements. Participants study the scriptures to understand their significance today. The course structure encourages interactive sessions, fosters conversations, and provides platforms for question-and-answer segments.

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The course’s inclusive approach includes online and offline involvement. Other teaching staff may select between online and offline modalities; however, newly hired staff from the prior year are recommended to attend offline. This flexibility accommodates varied schedules and interests to provide an inclusive and accessible educational environment.

The course’s scope goes beyond the Bhagavad Gita, coinciding with Ramanujan College’s projected Indian Knowledge System Center. The centre plans programmes for the Bhagavad Gita and other major books like the Vedas to explore the Indian Knowledge System.

Bhagavad Gita ...

Final Note

The Bhagavad Gita controversy at Ramanujan College is a poignant reminder of the nuanced challenges that educational institutions face when navigating cultural courses and individual beliefs. The clash between mandatory attendance and academic freedom highlights the need for a delicate balance, fostering an environment that encourages independent thinking while respecting diverse perspectives. As the echoes of this debate reverberate, the case prompts a broader reflection on the role of cultural courses within the educational landscape and the importance of maintaining a harmonious equilibrium.

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Tanu Bhatnagar

Meet Tanu Bhatnagar, an educational expert with extensive experience in teaching, research and mentoring.With a decade in education and research, Tanu combines academic expertise with engaging storytelling. Her research background ensures every article is well-researched and insightful. Beyond textbooks, Tanu's expertise spans writing, exam preparation, economic trends, and global education, delving into the realms of spiritual awakening. This diverse perspective shines through in his writing, offering a fresh take on education. Join Tanu and CollegeChalo for an enriching learning adventure, where his passion ignites yours, and his words light your way.

AEEE 2025 registration Phase 2 on till 1 May 2025, All Details Available Here

AEEE 2025 registration Phase 2 on till 1 May 2025, All Details Available Here
Published at : 23 Apr 2025, 7:25 PM IST
Updated at : 23 Apr 2025, 7:26 PM IST

AEEE 2025 registration for phase 2 is on till 1 May 2025 at  ‘https://www.amrita.edu/admissions/btech/’ This is for admission into UG engineering in Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham.

The exam will be conducted from  7 to 11 May 2025. AEEE is an entrance exam conducted for providing admission into graduate engineering courses in Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham.

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AEEE 2025 registration

The AEEE 2025 registration is for second phase and the dates have been informed above. AEEE for 2025 will be conducted in two phases. The second phase of AEEE 2025 is to take place from 7 to 11 May 2025.

Candidates who have taken up AEEE 2025 registration can visit the official website regularly for updates.

What is AEEE 2025?

The full name of the exam is Amrita Engineering Entrance Exam (AEEE). It is an institutional level test conducted once every year to provide admission into engineering courses at graduate level.

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AEEE 2025 is meant to be conducted in 2025. Programs in engineering are offered at Amritapuri, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Chennai, Amaravati and Nagercoil campuses of the institution.

Candidates who pass the exam can choose to join the programs in anyone of the campuses mentioned above. Questions in the exam are related maths, physics, chemistry and english.

Test would be conducted in computer based mode and 100 questions from subjects mentioned above have to be answered in 2.5 hours. AEEE 2025 registration fee is Rs 1200.

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Who can take up AEEE 2025 registration?

Candidates who have passed plus-two from a recognized educational institution located anywhere in India can take up AEEE 2025 registration.

Applicants must pass their qualifying exam with a pass percentage of 60 at the minimum. The individual pass percentages in maths, physics and chemistry must be 55% at the minimum.

AEEE 2025 registration

How to take up AEEE 2025 registration?

Candidates willing to apply for AEEE 2025 registration must visit the official website which is accessible at ‘https://aeee.amrita.edu/’

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1. The URL mentioned above must be typed into the browser and submitted to allow the website to download.

2. Once the website is ready, candidates can click the link for Information Handbook to obtain all the details about the admission process.

3. After reading the information handbook, they can click the button Apply Now. This will be located at various parts of the website, they can click the above button at anywhere on the website.

4. Clicking the above button will open another webpage with URL ‘https://aeee.amrita.edu/?utm_source=About&utm_medium=Web&utm_campaign=button

5. Once the webpage with above URL opens, applicants can provide email id, phone number and other details to register and create an account with username and password.

6. After the account is created, candidates can login and fill the application form, upload the required documents, pay registration fee and the submit the form.

After registration

Candidates who have taken up AEEE 2025 registration can download the hall ticket and appear for the exam at the allotted test centre.

The test will be conducted in more than 125 centres located across India. The test has to be passed with the required qualifying marks to be eligible for the next phase of admission.

AEEE 2025 registration

Counselling is where candidates can select the course of their choice and the campus they wish to study.

Selection will likely be done on performance in AEEE 2025, performance in the qualifying exam, choice of course by candidates, availability of vacancies.

Those who have got the seat can convey their acceptance and pay the fees to join the course.

Counselling may likely be conducted in more than one round, those who don’t get a seat in the initial round can try in subsequent rounds.

Students can visit the official website of the institution to know all the details about admission, process of application, process of selection.

They can also watch their email ids as communication regarding admission may be sent there too.

S.
S. Vishnu Sharma

S Vishnu Sharmaa now works with collegechalo.com in the news team. His work involves writing articles related to the education sector in India with a keen focus on higher education issues. Journalism has always been a passion for him. He has more than 10 years of enriching experience with various media organizations like Eenadu, Webdunia, News Today, Infodea. He also has a strong interest in writing about defence and railway related issues.



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