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Time of India
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Hindu nationalism, tribal identity, Pakistan: What DU doesn't want you to study anymore
Delhi University (DU) is reportedly set to drop several critical texts from its postgraduate Political Science and History programmes. The proposed removals include works by prominent scholars that explore themes of religious nationalism, identity politics, and the sociopolitical underpinnings of South Asian history, many of which have previously sparked public and institutional contention. Jaffrelot, Baviskar among key authors targeted According to media reports, Hindu Nationalism: A Reader by noted French political scientist Christophe Jaffrelot is among the texts slated for removal. The book, currently listed as suggested reading in DU's MA Political Science curriculum, offers a comprehensive analysis of Hindu nationalism from colonial times to contemporary India. Its exploration of issues such as secularism, communal relations, and diaspora politics has drawn criticism from review panelists who reportedly view it as ideologically sensitive. Also under review is In the Belly of the River by sociologist Amita Baviskar, which has been part of the Public Policy in South Asia course. The book delves into the Narmada Bachao Andolan and interrogates the 'Hinduisation' of tribal identities, subjects some faculty members say are being red-flagged for their perceived alignment with anti-majoritarian narratives. Meanwhile, Routine Violence by historian Gyanendra Pandey has already been dropped from the syllabus. The text critically engages with post-Independence political discourse, examining how dominant Hindu-centric ideologies sidelined minority perspectives. Pandey's critique of figures like VD Savarkar and MS Golwalkar, alongside a reassessment of Gandhi's rural idealism, has reportedly contributed to its exclusion. Controversial cuts extend to History curriculum The Political Science department is not the only one witnessing academic realignment. In the MA History programme, several foundational readings are now under scrutiny. Phillip Wagoner's essay Sultan Among Hindu Kings , which examines syncretic court practices at Vijayanagara, and Richard Eaton's The Rise of Islam and the Bengal Frontier , which interprets Islam's spread in Bengal as a product of socio-economic transformation rather than military coercion, are both facing potential elimination. Critics argue that such removals risk eroding the analytical complexity of historical education and silencing scholarly interpretations that deviate from majoritarian narratives. Political undercurrents and post-Pahalgam revisions The latest proposals follow a series of syllabus cuts approved by DU in late June, including entire papers from the PG Political Science programme such as Pakistan and the World, China's Role in the Contemporary World, Islam and International Relations, and Religious Nationalism and Political Violence. Sources within the university allege that these changes were catalyzed by the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed the lives of Hindu tourists. Following the incident, faculty members were reportedly directed to reconsider content that may be construed as 'sympathetic' to Pakistan or China. The resulting revisions are seen by many as aligning with both national security sentiments and prevailing political ideologies. Institutional process and ideological overtones While the Standing Committee of DU is responsible for proposing syllabus revisions, final decisions rest with the Academic and Executive Councils. However, growing concerns remain within the academic community that the restructuring is less about pedagogy and more about ideological conformity. Observers suggest the overhaul is consistent with the broader contours of the National Education Policy (NEP), which has been critiqued for fostering cultural nationalism under the guise of curricular decolonisation.
India Today
08-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Delhi University plans to drop key texts on Hindu nationalism, Islam from syllabus
In a fresh round of proposed syllabus changes, Delhi University is set to drop more critical and controversial readings from its postgraduate Political Science and History the latest texts proposed for removal is Hindu Nationalism: A Reader by political scientist Christophe Jaffrelot. Currently listed as suggested reading in the PG Political Science course, the book traces the ideological roots of Hindu nationalism from the colonial period to the present. It discusses secularism, religious conversions, Hindu-Muslim relations, education, and Hindu identity in the Baviskar's In the Belly of the River, part of the course Public Policy in South Asia, is also likely to be removed. The book covers the Narmada Bachao Andolan and critiques the 'Hinduisation' of tribal communities -- topics considered sensitive by the review book, Routine Violence by Gyanendra Pandey, has already been dropped. It examines the rise of right-wing nationalism and critiques key figures like VD Savarkar and MS Golwalkar, while challenging Gandhi's vision of Hindu villages. The book argues that post-Independence India remained stuck in Hindu-centric frameworks that marginalised TEXTS ALSO UNDER REVIEWThe cuts aren't limited to Political Science. In the MA History programme, several key readings are also on the chopping Wagoner's essay Sultan Among Hindu Kings, which discusses Islamic influence on Hindu court culture at Vijayanagara, and Richard Eaton's The Rise of Islam and the Bengal Frontier, which presents Islam's spread as a socio-economic transition rather than forced conversions, are also facing removal. Critics claim Eaton's views contradict mainstream narratives of RESTRUCTURING IN LINE WITH POLICY AND POLITICSIn late June, DU approved the removal of entire papers from the PG Political Science syllabus that covered Pakistan, China, and Islam in global politics. These included Pakistan and the World, China's Role in the Contemporary World, Islam and International Relations, and Religious Nationalism and Political sources allege that the push to delete these topics came after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, in which Hindu tourists were killed. Professors were reportedly told to review course content seen as 'sympathetic' to Pakistan or the changes, Dr Monami Sinha from DU's Standing Committee said, 'Studies in social science is about discussing problems and finding solutions whether pleasant or unpleasant—there needs to be a discussion. We need to have an objective approach.'According to procedure, the standing committee proposes changes, which are then cleared by the academic and executive councils. Many believe these revisions align with the government's National Education Policy.- Ends advertisement
Indian Express
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Govt probe underway, 10 road works stopped: Why no FIR lodged so far?, asks activists
EVEN as the rural development department of the state government launched a probe into a fake GR (government resolution) case that led to sanctioning and tendering of development works worth Rs 6.94 crore in Ahilyanagar district, activists have raised eyebrows, seeking to know why no FIR has been filed in the case so far. The fake GR carried the issue date as October 3, 2024. It was issued days before the Model Code of Conduct came into place on October 15 for the Maharashtra Assembly polls scheduled to be held in November. The fake GR authorised infrastructure works under budget head '2515 1238' meant for providing basic amenities to villages in Ahilyanagar, based on recommendations by elected representatives. 'We had issued tenders…some works were alloted and as many as 10 road works were set rolling in four talukas of in Ahilyanagar,' Laxmikant Jadhav, executive engineer of the state public works department told The Indian Express. Even as the road works started, officials in Mantralaya realised that they were being done through a fake GR. 'The officials came to know about the fake GR only when the contractors sought payment for the works undertaken so far. The rural development department immediately alerted us and all the works were cancelled. The government also stopped the payment,' B S Baviskar, superintending engineer, PWD, told The Indian Express. The rural development department had issued a circular on March 28 this year, directing all Zilla Parishads and Superintending Engineers of the Public Works Department to disregard the said GR and also verify correspondence related to budget head '2515 1238' through the government's official email ID, officials said. The circular also asked officials to remain vigilant while sanctioning works and inform higher authorities in case of doubts in GRs. It also directed them to initiate criminal proceedings if need be. The '2515' scheme of the rural development department facilitates small-scale rural works such as village roads, drains, roads to cemeteries and farms (also called pandan roads), public toilets, repairs to gram panchayat offices, gymnasiums and market stalls. 'These works typically cost between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 30 lakh and are carried out through Zilla Parishads or the PWD, often based on recommendations of local MLAs. Under the scheme, works costing Rs 1,500-2,000 crore are undertaken annually in Maharashtra,' the official said. Baviskar said the funds to the tune of Rs 6.94 crore were sanctioned but were not utilised, neither any payment was done by the government. 'After it was realised that the GR was fake, the executive engineer's office stopped all the works and issued notices to all contractors. They were told that we will not accept liability for any work. The executive engineer's office then submitted a report to the state government. The PWD had also taken legal advice and accordingly informed the government,' said the superintending engineer. Baviskar said the government had given instructions to file an FIR. 'I have also issued instructions to the executive engineer's office to file an FIR in the matter…,' he said. PWD officials said the copy of the GR is received by them from Mantralaya either through email or is collected by their officials from Mantralaya. 'In this case, the GR copy was delivered by someone at the sub-division office of the executive engineer,' said Jadhav. Kumbhar said the government should ensure that all official correspondence are received by the district collectors and ZP CEOs through official e-mail ID only. 'There should be one official email ID for say Pune District Collector or other collectors. They should not receive official mails on their personal IDs,' he said. Kumbhar said, 'This seems to be the tip of the iceberg. I think the government should carry out a comprehensive investigation to find out if there were other fake FRs issued and whether works worth crores have been undertaken.' 'Despite the fact that the government realised in April that a work worth crores got sanctioned through a fake GR, why are officials silent and why did they not file a police complaint? The rural department official sitting in Mantralaya and under whose signature the fake GR was issued should have been the first person to file the FIR,' said activist Vijay Kumbhar. Echocing the same views, activist Avinash Chilekar said, 'It has been four months since the fake GR issue came to light. But no minister is talking about it openly. They are busy criticising the Opposition but are silent about the wrong happening under their nose. It seems this is not an isolated case. This practice must be common in rural areas. The government should widen its probe to include all the districts now that the fake GR case has come to light.' -With inputs from PTI
Hindustan Times
07-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Maha sees sharp drop in heatstroke cases this year
Maharashtra has recorded a significant drop in heatstroke cases this year, with only 124 cases reported thus far as compared to 347 cases during the corresponding period last year. Furthermore, not a single heatstroke-related fatality has been reported this year although three suspected deaths linked to heat-related illnesses were reported, officials said. This, despite 2025 being one of the hottest years with several parts of the state reporting temperatures as high as 40 degrees Celsius which placed immense stress on healthcare systems and communities. In 2024, three suspected heatstroke deaths and one confirmed heatstroke death were reported in Bhandara district. Whereas in 2023, a record 3,191 heatstroke cases including 16 suspected heatstroke deaths and 14 confirmed heatstroke deaths were reported across the state. State health officials said that the decline in numbers this year is due to increased public awareness, timely health advisories, and better preparedness to combat extreme heat conditions. Dr Kailas Baviskar, deputy director of health services, said, 'Regular updates through media, early warning systems, and distribution of guidelines to district administrations helped reduce the impact of the heatwave this year.' Dr Baviskar further said that in addition to public awareness campaigns, the government had set up cold rooms in hospitals; ensured availability of drinking water at key locations; and instructed field-level health workers to monitor vulnerable populations, especially the elderly and outdoor workers. 'Citizens have also become more cautious, avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours and staying hydrated,' he said. Meanwhile, Maharashtra has recorded the maximum number of heatstroke cases this year including 20 in Yavatmal district, followed by 16 in Buldhana, 10 in Kolhapur, and nine in Palghar. Pune district reported only one case of heatstroke. Whereas all three suspected heatstroke deaths were reported in Nagpur district, officials said. Heatstroke is a serious heat-related emergency that occurs when the body is unable to control its internal temperature due to exposure to heat. A patient is diagnosed to have suffered a heatstroke if he/she has an elevated body temperature equal to more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit, and has an altered mental status including disorientation, delirium and seizure. While the number of heatstroke cases has fallen this year, health experts have warned about climate change continuing to pose long-term challenges, stressing on the need for continued vigilance and proactive planning in the coming years.
