Delhi University to introduce courses on Vedic Literature and Bhagavad Gita
These courses include "Introduction to Vedic Literature," "Upanishad Parichaya," "Dharma and Religion," "Bhagavad Gita for Humanity," "Hindu Thinkers," and "Purana Parichaya."
In the process of expansion of its academic scope, Delhi University is planning to introduce courses focused on Vedic Literature and Bhagavad Gita. These proposed additions are based on the recommendations made by the Governing Body of the Centre for Hindu Studies. The initiative aims to provide a wider range of elective options for students, particularly those interested in Hindu Studies.
The Centre for Hindu Studies at Delhi University has put forward a proposal to introduce six new elective papers. These courses include “Introduction to Vedic Literature,” “Upanishad Parichaya,” “Dharma and Religion,” “Bhagavad Gita for Humanity,” “Hindu Thinkers,” and “Purana Parichaya.” These electives are designed to improve the university’s curriculum and offer students the opportunity for understanding deeper into Hindu philosophy and literature.
The proposal is currently waiting for approval from the Academic Council of the university, which is scheduled to meet on July 12. If approved, these courses will be available to students as minor electives, providing them with an alternative to traditional electives such as Commerce, Political Science, or Computer Science.
Comprehensive Curriculum with Vedic Literature and Bhagavad Gita
An official from the Centre for Hindu Studies explained the reason behind these additions, stating, “We have proposed these electives to make our course curriculum more comprehensive and aligned with students’ needs. As a relatively new establishment, our effort is to make our programmes well-rounded.”
The course “Introduction to Vedic Literature” will cover the literary works of prominent Vedic and Upanishadic commentators, from the Rigveda to Vedangas. The “Upanishad Parichaya” elective will introduce foundational Hindu concepts as analysed in the Upanishads.
The “Bhagavad Gita for Humanity” course aims to acquaint students with foundational Indian spirituality as depicted in the Bhagavad Gita. Similarly, the “Purana Parichaya” paper will explore Hindu history, culture, geography, architecture, and other knowledge systems.
Other proposed electives, like “Hindu Thinkers,” will familiarise students with the prominent thoughts of distinguished Hindu thinkers from both ancient and modern times. The “Dharma and Religion” course will introduce and develop foundational concepts of Hindu spirituality and Dharma, comparing them with Western religious traditions.
For the students who are not majoring in Hindu Studies but have chosen Commerce, Political Science, or Computer Science as their main subjects, the Centre also plans to introduce two general electives: “Hindu Jivana Drishti” and “Manovijnana.” These courses’ motive is to provide a foundational understanding of Hindu philosophy and psychology.
Additionally, the Centre for Hindu Studies is planning to offer six new interdisciplinary electives specifically for Political Science students.
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