7 days ago
IGNOU now offers M.A. in Bhagavad Gita, Disaster Management Diploma, Agricultural Cost Management, and B.A. in Home Science
IGNOU has introduced new academic programmes, including an M.A. in Bhagavad Gita, offering a structured study of Indian knowledge traditions. It also offers a flexible, distance-learning postgraduate diploma in Disaster Management for preparedness and mitigation; a Diploma in Agricultural Cost Management to promote sustainable, profitable farming. It offers a B.A. in Home Science combining theory with skill-based learning in human development, nutrition, and community sciences.
M.A. in Bhagavad Gita
IGNOU offers an M.A. degree in the Bhagavad Gita to teach the Gita in a structured academic format. The two-year course aims to provide an understanding of Indian knowledge traditions, including Vedanta, Upanishads, scientific perspectives, and cultural insights.
This program is designed to help students explore ethical values, leadership principles, conflict resolution, environmental concerns, and socio-political aspects through the Bhagavad Gita.
IGNOU already runs a Master of Arts (Vedic Studies) program, known as MAVS. This program aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Vedic knowledge, including the Vedas, Vedangas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads, and other subjects like Vedic Science, Mathematics, and Art.
Disaster Management
IGNOU offers a postgraduate diploma in Disaster Management, an area that helps deal with disasters of different natures, whether it be floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, or landslides in a systematic manner. The students are intended to be trained in disaster preparedness and response, risk assessment, disaster mitigation, and emergency management. It provides a certificate diploma of six months and a Postgraduate Diploma of one to three years
Angeli Quatra, a renowned disaster management expert, said, 'Even though there are several universities offering courses in Disaster Management, what is unique about IGNOU's courses is that they are offered online by distance learning and are flexible in terms of period. Plus, they have centres all over India.'
Ms. Quatra said, 'The course flexibility is very useful for professionals who wish to learn alongside their job or other occupation. Personnel responsible for planning and response for disasters can enhance their theoretical knowledge base and learn the latest information and technology available by taking up these courses.'
The course covers various aspects of Disaster Management, including disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness, as well as response, recovery, and rehabilitation. It covers most disasters, both natural and manmade.
Agriculture Cost Management
In the area of Agriculture, a few specialised courses have been started, such as the Diploma in Agricultural Cost Management, which aims to sensitise the farming community on cost management and return maximisation. It is being conducted by the School of Agriculture, IGNOU, in collaboration with the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI).
The programme will educate and train individuals in this sector on agricultural cost management, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and help manage farm costs, enhancing crop yields, and improving the well-being of farmers and rural communities. IGNOU also offers a postgraduate diploma in agribusiness, which would attempt to train persons interested in the farming sector on how to make it into a successful commercial venture.
Today agricultural sector has become a competitive high-tech business with global reach. The sector is volatile with fluctuating demands of consumers and markets in terms of the diversified product base, quality, and price. The diploma intends to create agribusiness professionals in agriculture, food, and allied sectors. It intends to encourage entrepreneurship among farmers, intermediaries and traders, and other stakeholders in the Agri-enterprise chain.
Home Science
IGNOU has also started a Bachelor of Arts degree program in Home Science. The program is designed in line with the curriculum and credit framework of the University Grants Commission and the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to meet the growing demand for specialisation in diverse disciplines within Home Science or Community Science.
The programme aims to empower students with a comprehensive understanding of Human Development and Family Studies, Community Resource Management, Food and Nutrition, Extension and Communication, and Fabric and Apparel Sciences.
The programme aims to integrate theory with practical application, providing skill-based learning aligned with contemporary social needs and employability. It would cover Human Development, Food and Nutrition, Resource Management, Fabric and Apparel Sciences, and Extension Education.
