A college under Delhi University (DU) has started a refresher course for faculty members and research scholars on "Shrimad Bhagavad Gita: Enlightenment and Relevance", raising questions about the choice of the topic.

Ramanujan College has started the course based on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. It will run till January 10, 2024. According to two faculty members, this is the first time a DU college is offering such a course.

There will be 20 sessions including 18 lectures. The selected lectures include Arjuna Vishad Yoga, Sankhya Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Karma Sanyasa Yoga, Dhyana Yoga, Vijnana Yoga, Akshara Parabrahma Yoga, Raja Vidya Yoga, Vibhuti Yoga, Vishwarupa Sandarshan Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Moksha Sanyasa Yoga, according to a concept note issued by the college.

“The course endeavours to delve into each adhyaya of the Bhagavad Gita, unravelling its philosophical intricacies and timeless teachings. Through a meticulous examination of the verses, the participants will embark on a deep exploration of the spiritual wisdom encapsulated in this revered scripture,” said the note.

By engaging with the teachings enshrined in the text, participants will not only enrich their spiritual understanding but will also connect with the cultural and philosophical heritage of Bharat, it said.

“Participants will gain insights into the philosophical underpinnings of the scripture, its relevance to contemporary life, and the practical application of its teachings,” the note said.

DU academic council (AC) member Maya John questioned the rationale behind offering the three-week-long course on the Bhagavad Gita to college teachers.

“Bhagavad Gita is not part of any syllabus of college students, whether history, or political science or English literature. The question is whether offering this course enhances the skills of the teachers to teach students. Is it enhancing the research skills? How? There is no answer to these questions,” John said.

She said the refresher courses are open to teachers across disciplines. Usually, these courses focus on teaching and research methodology and updation of knowledge.

John said the focus of refresher courses offered at academic staff colleges, now known as Madan Mohan Malaviya centres, in recent years, has been on teaching religious scriptures, that too from a particular religion.

“The refresher courses are conducted to promote Hindutva ideology rather than designing them for capacity building of teachers to teach the syllabus. People associated with the RSS and the VHP are called experts who have no relation with teaching or research. This is political cronyism at its peak,” John said.