Ramanujan College of Delhi University has mandated a 20-day certificate-cum-refresher course on the Bhagavad Gita for its teaching and non-teaching staff. The course, running until January 9, is being conducted both online and offline from 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm.
Principal SP Aggarwal said that such programs are designed for the staff to sensitise them to the Indian Knowledge System (IKS). He stated, “This course is in line with the setting up of the Indian Knowledge System Centre at the college. In view of this, it is our responsibility to first sensitise ourselves through such programmes.”
However, this decision has sparked discontent among teachers who fear it might promote ‘sectarian beliefs.’ The Democratic Teachers’ Front (DTF) has called for the withdrawal of mandatory registration, claiming that the principal has overstepped by compelling staff to attend the course beyond official duties.
The DTF expressed its dissatisfaction, stating, “Illegally coercing teachers and non-teaching staff to remain engaged till 6.30 pm beyond official duties and the added burden of conducting the ongoing semester examinations of students is unacceptable.”
This move aligns with broader initiatives by the Ministry of Education to incorporate Indian Knowledge Systems into the curriculum, bridging the gap between modern and traditional education. The Indian Knowledge System, established in October 2020 under the Ministry of Education, promotes interdisciplinary research to spread the rich heritage of the country across various fields.
