Stress on the content of the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita to make students understand the psychology of peace
NEW DELHI — In a move toward saffronisation of syllabus, the chair professor of Delhi University’s psychology curricula has proposed dropping chapters on Israel-Palestine conflict, the Kashmir issue, dating apps, and minority stress.
Instead, the standing committee on academic affairs, headed by Shri Prakash Singh, a political science faculty member and director of the university’s South Campus, suggested content on the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita to make students understand the psychology of peace.
Singh also suggested that the Kashmir matter has been resolved.
The syllabus came under scrutiny during the standing committee meeting of the varsity’s academic affairs on Friday.
Raising concerns over the syllabus content, the chair professor pointed out that Unit 4, which covers “Conflict and Conflict Resolution”, addresses the Israel-Palestine conflict and the Kashmir issue.
The chair stated that the Kashmir issue stands resolved, and there is no point in teaching the Israel-Palestine conflict. He also insisted on removing dating apps as a topic. He also suggested removing dating apps as a topic, stating that Indian family systems and arranged marriages are superior and that students shouldn’t be taught about Western practices.
However, the Head of Department (HoD) resisted the proposal, citing the importance of understanding the psychology of social media, particularly in light of recent tragic incidents, such as a sharp increase in suicide cases.
Additionally, the chair requested the removal of the Minority Stress Theory, which is a crucial area of study in psychology, particularly in understanding the experiences of marginalised groups.
Dr Monami Sinha, a member of the Academic Council and standing committee on academic affairs, also defended the topics, saying they are significant in understanding issues like caste discrimination, misogyny, and the psychology of marginalised groups.
The proposed changes have raised concerns about the potential politicisation of the syllabus and the impact on academic freedom.
Delhi University had in 2022 introduced a four-year undergraduate programme as per the National Education Policy and the syllabi for all courses are being revised. After the standing committee ratifies the syllabus, it is sent to the academic council.
