Teachers question why Delhi University College is asking staff members to enrol in Gita courses.

  • Dec. 28, 2023, 12:50 p.m.

A group of lecturers at Delhi University's Ramanujan College are not happy about a "compulsory," paid course on the Bhagavad Gita. The course is "highly relevant," according to the principal, while some teachers disagreed that a "religious course" is necessary.

Participants must pay Rs 950 to attend the "refresher certificate course," which is being held online or offline from 4.30 to 6.30 pm on all days of the week between December 22 and January 10.

"It has been decided that all newly recruited teaching staff in the last year must register and attend the program," stated Principal S P Aggarwal in an email to teachers on December 18. They must participate in the offline mode. The remaining faculty members must attend as well, but they are free to choose to do it online or in person.

It said further: "In a similar vein, attendance at the program in offline mode is mandatory for all non-teaching staff members. This is consistent with our goal of establishing an ecosystem within which we can demonstrate how our education is in line with the Bharatiya Gyan Parampara, the Indian Knowledge System.

"In view of this, it is our responsibility to first sensitize ourselves through such programs because we will be conducting a series of such programs not only on "Bhagavad Gita" but other Vedas applicable to the Indian Knowledge System," the email stated, adding that the course is "in line with the setting up of the Indian Knowledge Centre in the college."

On December 21, the teachers received a second email reminding them to register. The email said, "Those who haven't registered yet, please do so as soon as possible as we need to send the registration data to the Chairman, the Governing Body of the college."

What kind of message is this particular email sending? Those who desired to take part did so. What is the purpose of sending an email? stated a teacher, adding that they signed up following the second letter.

Instructors stated that no such course had ever been offered at the college and that they were unaware of any other DU college that might be offering one.

Such a religious education has never been offered before. We were asked to register in several emails that we got. I'm here as we were informed that attendance is required. Christmas and Sunday were mandatory attendance days. After finishing their exam work, teachers attend this. Another teacher stated, "The Indian Knowledge System is not just about Hinduism."

Speaking under anonymity, a third teacher remarked, "This is regrettable. It is unjust and sounds intimidating to receive an email informing us that the Chairman will see the list. Money is at play here. Staff members who are not teachers must also attend this.

Aggarwal responded, "There is a choice, but we were requesting they attend because it is related to the National Education Policy," when asked if the course is required. Anyone can enroll in the course. This course is quite pertinent; it is an academic diversion rather than a sermon. We are discussing its significance in the modern world. A maximum of thirty percent of educators are present.

When questioned about the email, he stated, "We have asked for them. It's not my opinion, but the regulating organization is asking that everyone comply with this requirement before they may begin teaching new NEP courses.

Author : Rajdhani Delhi Representative

Rajdhani delhi representative

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