Delhi University has removed case studies on Kashmir and Palestine from its psychology syllabus following a review by the Standing Committee on Academic Matters last week. The decision, reportedly led by committee chair Professor Shri Prakash Singh, is drawing criticism from faculty and academic circles who see it as part of a larger ideological shift in education.
The removed section, part of an elective paper titled Psychology of Peace, focused on conflict and conflict resolution and previously included both domestic conflicts (like in Northeast India) and international case studies (such as Kashmir and the Israel-Palestine conflict). Singh reportedly told members that “Kashmir is resolved” and there’s “no need to teach about Israel-Palestine.”
Instead, he recommended including “Indian ways of thinking” through epics like the Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita.
“There’s an overrepresentation of Western ideas. We need a more Indianised approach,” Singh is reported to have said during the meeting.
But faculty members have objected, arguing that removing these topics limits students’ understanding of real-world conflict.
A proposed paper on digital dating and relationship psychology — including dating apps.
Sections on Minority Stress Theory and workplace diversity aimed at helping students understand mental health challenges related to caste, gender, and marginalisation.
Professor Monami Sinha, a member of both the Standing Committee and Academic Council, expressed concern and said, “These topics are vital for a modern understanding of Indian society. Ignoring them reduces the relevance of psychology in addressing lived realities.”
Singh reportedly defended the removal of relationship studies by citing India’s “excellent” arranged marriage system and low divorce rates.
A panel has now been formed to redraft the syllabus, but concerns are mounting about the ideological steering of academic content at one of India’s top universities.
As of now, neither Singh nor the head of the Psychology Department, Professor Urmi Nanda Biswas, has issued an official statement.
