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Against the backdrop of a raging controversy over saffronisation of education, JNU has proposed to introduce short-term courses on “Indian Culture” and “Yoga” to propagate the spiritual and mythological aspects of the country and establish Indian values in the world.

The varsity has a proposal ready in this regard and a draft of three such courses has been circulated among various schools and departments of JNU for their feedback. The matter will be placed before the JNU academic council (AC) on October 30.

The HRD ministry officials, however, feigned ignorance over such development. According to the draft, the course on Indian culture aims to expound the importance of the country’s culture as well as explore the etymological, social, spiritual, cultural and mythological aspects.

The course will contain the texts, thoughts and traditions of different cultures and include things like religious systems in Indian culture among others. Besides, it will have portions from Vedas and selections from “epics and Jatakas” and suggestions on readings of Hindu epics like the Ramayana. “Indian values play a huge role in promoting peace and brotherhood. The course will include a basic study of Indian culture to establish Indian rituals and values in the world and derive ways from these sources to make human life better,” a senior varsity official said on the condition of anonymity.

Similarly, a course in Yoga will also be offered with its focus not only on meditation and spirituality but also for good health. “These courses will be offered part-time and whether or not they will be credit courses is yet to be decided. Details about the school offering them and the duration will also be worked out post the AC approval,” the official said.