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.

AP POLYCET 2025 Registration On till 15 April 2025, Details Here

AP POLYCET 2025 Registration On till 15 April 2025, Details Here
Published at : 14 Mar 2025, 7:57 PM IST
Updated at : 14 Mar 2025, 7:58 PM IST

AP POLYCET 2025 registration is on till 15 April 2024 at ‘https://polycetap.nic.in/Default.aspx’

The application submission started on 12 March 2025.

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AP POLYCET 2025 Registration

About AP POLYCET 2025

Its complete name is Andhra Pradesh Polytechnic Common Entrance Test and is popular as AP POLYCET.

It is a state-level exam conducted every year for students who are focused on polytechnic (diploma) courses in engineering and non-engineering streams in colleges located across Andhra Pradesh.

The exam is conducted by State Board of Technical Education and Training of Andhra Pradesh.

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Test will be conducted offline, as a pen and paper-based test where the answers have to be marked on an answer sheet provided separately at the test centers which will be situated across Andhra Pradesh.

Who can take up AP POLYCET 2025 registration?

The eligibility to take up AP POLYCET 2025 registration is a pass in the 10th standard from a recognized educational institution located anywhere in Andhra Pradesh.

Admission Open in LPU for 2025

Applicants must belong to the state of Andhra Pradesh. Candidates who appeared or are appearing for the 10th class or equivalent examination and whose results are yet to be declared can also take up AP POLYCET 2025 registration.

These students have to pass the exam and provide proof of it by the time of admission. There is more to it than meets the eye as far as AP POLYCET 2025 is concerned.

AP POLYCET 2025 Registration

The URL to reach it is ‘https://polycetap.nic.in/Default.aspx’

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1. The URL mentioned above has to be typed into the browser of the computer and the website has to be allowed to download.

2. Once the web page is available in the browser, candidates must click the button Online Application

2A. Candidates other than SSC qualified and Telangana State applicants can choose to register with their mobile number.

2B. Candidates from AP who have completed SSC can choose to register with their SSC Hall Ticket Number.

3. Candidates can provide details like their name, date of birth, and email id and create an account comprising a username and password.

4. Once the account is ready, candidates can log in and start AP POLYCET 2025 registration, filling the application form for AP POLYCET.

5. The form has to be filled and AP POLYCET 2025 registration fee has to be paid and submitted.

6. Post submission, applicants have to wait for the message indicating successful submission, once it is obtained, it can be downloaded and a printout of it has to be taken and preserved for future use.

Registration fees

Candidates from OC/BC categories have to pay Rs 400 as fee while taking up AP POLYCET 2025 registration. Those from SC/ST categories have to pay Rs 100 as fee while taking up AP POLYCET 2025 registration.

Hall Ticket

Candidates who have successfully completed their AP POLYCET 2025 registration can alone download the admit card from the official website ‘https://polycetap.nic.in/Default.aspx’

1. The URL mentioned above has to be typed into the browser and then submitted to allow the webpage to download.

2. Once the webpage is ready, the link for hall ticket download has to be clicked.

3. After clicking the link, information like application number, date of birth have to be entered and submitted to view the hall ticket. Once the hall ticket is visible, candidates can download it and take a printout.

AP POLYCET 2025 Registration

Counselling is the process where the candidates can choose the college to study the course of their choice.

The process of counselling can be conducted in more than one round. Students who get a seat can convey the acceptance and pay the fees and join the college.

Students who do not get a seat in the first round of counselling connected with AP POLYCET 2025 can perhaps try in the subsequent rounds.

The schedule for counselling will be declared shortly after the release of the AP POLYCET 2025 results.

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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