JNU council rejects proposal on courses in Yoga and Culture

NEW DELHI: In a rebuff to the government, Jawaharlal Nehru University's Academic Council has rejected a proposal for introduction of short-term courses in ' Indian Culture' and ' Yoga' for propagating spiritual and mythological traditions and establishing Indian values in the world.

The proposal was mooted by the varsity administration following communications from UGC and HRD Ministry.

However, the varsity's Academic Council (AC), which is the top decision making body, rejected the proposal at a meeting last Friday.

The proposal to introduce three short-term courses in these subjects had come against the backdrop of right-wing organisations, including BJP's ideological mentor RSS, insisting on propagation of culture in educational campuses to promote India's rich heritage and restore its cultural identity.

"The draft for introduction of three short-term courses on Culture and Yoga was placed before the AC along with the feedback received from various departments on the same. The council unanimously resolved to reject the proposal," an AC member told PTI.

The rejection comes at a time when the government, especially the HRD ministry, is being accused of making attempts at saffronisation of education.

The varsity had last month circulated a draft of three courses among various schools and departments of JNU for their feedback.