Kurukshetra University introduces course on Gita

The Kurukshetra University has started a unique academic course on Bhagavad Gita which would enable students to lead a stress-free life through ancient Indian scriptures. Vishal Joshi reports.

The Kurukshetra University has started a unique academic course on Bhagavad Gita which would enable students to lead a stress-free life through ancient Indian scriptures.

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Introduced from this academic year, the one-year certificate course on the great ancient Indian book has received an encouraging response from students.

Chairman of the department of philosophy Dr RK Deswal told Hindustan Times on Wednesday that KU is the only institute in India offering a full-fledged academic course on Gita.

He said the need to have a regular course based on Gita, which is associated with the holy city of Kurukshetra, had been felt for long.

Jyotisar, the sacred place where Lord Krishan is believed to have delivered the message of Gita to Arjuna, is about 6kms from Kurukshetra University campus.

Dr Deswal clarified that teaching Gita is not associated with any religion and it is worldwide accepted as a significant source of wisdom showcasing how to live a meaningful life.

Translated in almost all languages of the world, several eminent persons have written commentaries about the inspirational ancient Indian scripture.

"Against a sanctioned 30 seats, 25 students from districts as far as Sirsa (about 275 kms from here) and Hisar have taken admissions for this regular course. As it is taken very well in the first year and we have planned to upgrade it as a diploma course from next year," said Dr Deswal.

The student roll also includes senior citizens and youngsters who are keen to study Bhagavad Gita as an academic subject.

"In the modern era of fast-paced life and cut throat competition right from school, there is a dire need to inculcate moral values among youngsters for building national and humanist character. Our course is aimed at providing a platform where students pursuing regular courses enroll and understand spiritualism," he said.

KU is planning to waive off the condition of studying Sanskrit as a compulsory subject in class 10th.

The university has planned a regular visit of scholars on Gita to delivering various commentaries written by eminent persons.