Latest news with #StandingCommitteeonAcademicMatters
India Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Delhi University announces new MA in Hindi journalism on Hindi Journalism Day
Delhi University's Standing Committee on Academic Matters has given clearance to introduce a Hindi-medium master's programme in journalism. The course will start in the 2025-26 academic year, and this is a big move towards developing regional language media new postgraduate programme will be taught under the Department of Hindi, which is located in the Faculty of Arts. The programme has been created in accordance with the university's Postgraduate Curriculum course, however, will need to be approved in its final form by the Academic Council so that it can be officially launched. The declaration falls on Hindi Journalism Day, which is celebrated annually on May 30 to mark the first Hindi-language newspaper Udant Martand published in 1826. The day reminds one of the very important role that journalism plays in democracy, particularly in indigenous members also announced that an English-medium version of this course is planned and is to start in the 2026–27 academic year under the Department of UPDATES SYLLABI ACROSS DISCIPLINESThe Standing Committee convened on Friday to examine and finalise the syllabi of various undergraduate and postgraduate include the seventh and eighth semesters of BA programmes in education, geography, and Hindustani music (programme and honours), which conform to the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework (UGCF).advertisementPostgraduate syllabi for philosophy, economics, geography, sociology, political science, and mathematics were also debated and updated according to the new academic guidelines of the latest changes come after a series of meetings previously held on May 2, 6 and 8, where syllabus updates were argued and ultimately cleared despite opposition in the its Hindi-medium journalism course going according to plan, Delhi University is hoping to increase access to media education and sustain journalism in local languages -- an initiative viewed as timely and much-needed in a multilingual India.
News18
4 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Delhi University Introduces MA In Hindi Journalism, Course Begins This Year
Last Updated: Delhi University will introduce a Master's in Hindi-medium journalism in 2025-26, approved by the Standing Committee on Academic Matters. On Hindi Journalism Day, Delhi University's Standing Committee on Academic Matters approved the introduction of a Master's programme in Hindi-medium journalism, scheduled to begin in the 2025–26 academic session, panel members confirmed, as reported by PTI. Observed annually on 30 May, Hindi Journalism Day commemorates the 1826 publication of Udant Martand — India's first Hindi-language newspaper — and underscores the vital role of journalism as the fourth pillar of democracy. The newly approved postgraduate programme will be offered by the Department of Hindi within the Faculty of Arts. The course adheres to the university's Postgraduate Curriculum Framework, aligning with its broader academic vision for multidisciplinary and vernacular education. However, the programme requires final approval from the Academic Council before implementation. According to the PTI report, committee members also disclosed that an English-medium MA in Journalism, offered by the Department of English, is anticipated to launch in the 2026–27 academic session, further broadening DU's media education portfolio. The Standing Committee convened on Friday to discuss and approve syllabi for several undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. These included the seventh and eighth semesters of BA courses in education, Hindustani music (both programme and honours), and geography — all structured under the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework (UGCF). Postgraduate syllabi for subjects such as philosophy, economics, geography, sociology, political science, and mathematics were also reviewed and updated to comply with the new curriculum structure. The committee had previously met on 2, 6, and 8 May to deliberate on various syllabus revisions. Many of these changes have already been approved by the university's Academic and Executive Councils, despite some dissenting voices. First Published: May 31, 2025, 10:47 IST
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Delhi University approves MA in Hindi journalism, course to begin in 2025-26
On the occasion of Hindi Journalism Day, the Delhi University's Standing Committee on Academic Matters approved the introduction of a master's programme in journalism in Hindi medium, which is set to commence in the 2025-26 academic session, according to the panel members. Celebrated annually on May 30, Hindi Journalism Day marks the publication of 'Udant Martand' in 1826 — the first Hindi-language newspaper in India — and highlights the significant role of journalism as the fourth pillar of democracy. The newly-approved postgraduate course will be offered under the Department of Hindi and is part of the Faculty of Arts. It is designed in alignment with the university's Postgraduate Curriculum Framework. However, for the course to be implemented, it must receive a final nod from the Academic Council. The committee members confirmed the launch of the Hindi-medium course and revealed that an English-medium counterpart, to be offered under the Department of English, is expected to start in the following academic session, 2026-27. The committee convened on Friday to discuss and approve the syllabi for several undergraduate and postgraduate courses. These included the seventh and eighth semesters of various BA programmes, such as education, Hindustani music (both programme and honours) and geography, all structured under the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework (UGCF). The postgraduate syllabi in disciplines, including philosophy, economics, geography, sociology, political science and mathematics, were also reviewed during the session, with changes made in accordance with the new curriculum framework. The committee had held meetings on May 2, 6 and 8 to deliberate on syllabus revisions, many of which were later approved by the academic and executive councils, despite instances of dissent.
Indian Express
06-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Replace Afro-Asian philosophy paper with Indian traditions course, recommends DU panel
Delhi University's Standing Committee on Academic Matters has recommended replacing the proposed Afro-Asian Philosophy paper with a course on Indian philosophical traditions in the 8th semester of BA (Hons.) Philosophy programme, The Indian Express has learnt. The panel aims to introduce an 'Indian perspective' and reduce focus on global traditions, 'shaped by Western colonialism', as per sources. As per the objectives stated by the department, Afro-Asian Philosophy, which is a generic elective (GE 8D), aims 'to introduce students to diverse philosophical traditions of Asian and African countries; highlight the importance of indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage in the backdrop of Western colonialism; promote intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding between Asian and African civilizations; and encourage students to appreciate and respect diverse philosophical perspectives.' The recommendation, discussed by the committee last Friday, comes amid a wider curriculum overhaul across departments, as part of the National Education Policy 2020, which calls for integrating Indian knowledge systems and reviewing undergraduate course structures across disciplines. The paper is open to final-year undergraduate students, including those from outside the Philosophy department. Speaking to The Indian Express on condition of anonymity, an official familiar with the committee's deliberations said, 'The panel believed this is a generic elective; [these are] usually offered to students from outside the department too. So, they wanted a paper on Indian philosophy to be introduced to help students develop a basic understanding of Indian philosophical perspectives.' 'It was also pointed out that the paper on Indian philosophy is richer in tradition than the Afro-Asian course,' the official added. It is learnt that the new course will cover the basics of classical Indian schools of philosophy, such as Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, and Purva Mimamsa, among others. The suggestion has prompted criticism from a section of the faculty, who argued that the proposed shift undercuts the comparative and postcolonial emphasis of the existing syllabus. 'Why would someone want to teach the basics of Indian philosophy in the eighth semester?' said a faculty member, speaking on condition of anonymity. 'There are already several courses in the earlier semesters that cover these foundational schools. The point of Afro-Asian Philosophy was to allow comparative engagement and critical dialogue across global traditions — this change diminishes that aim.' Structured over four units, the syllabus of the African-Asian Philosophy course introduces students to Indian, Chinese, Japanese, African, and Arabic philosophical traditions. Authors featured include P T Raju, Tsenay Serequeberhan, Karl Potter, Kwasi Wiredu, and Samuel Oluoch Imbo. Students explore how colonial histories shaped these philosophies, and students are encouraged to 'develop broader and more inclusive understanding of global philosophical thought,' as per the course outcomes. Several faculty members described the committee's recommendation as part of a trend toward curricular narrowing, with an overemphasis on repetition of Indian philosophy and Indian perspectives across syllabi. The Indian Express reached out to Enakshi Mitra, Head of the Department of Philosophy, who declined to comment. The proposal will be tabled before the Academic Council in the coming weeks, where a final decision is expected.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘No place for Western ideas': DU committee axes topics on Israel-Palestine, Kashmir, and dating apps, stirs controversy
A recent meeting of the Standing Committee on Academic Matters at Delhi University has ignited a debate over academic freedom after certain key topics were allegedly removed from the proposed psychology syllabus , as reported by TOI. Topics such as the Israel-Palestine conflict , the Kashmir issue , and the impact of dating apps on mental health were reportedly struck from the curriculum, sparking concern among faculty members about political interference. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack India strikes hard! New Delhi bans all imports from Pakistan How Pakistan is preparing for the worst as India weighs response If India attacks Pakistan, China & B'desh should seize 7 NE states, says Yunus' aide According to faculty members present at the meeting, the Chair of the committee, Prof Shri Prakash Singh, voiced objections to the inclusion of what he described as an "overrepresentation" of Western thought. As a result, Unit 4 of the 'Psychology of Peace' paper, which covered conflict resolution and included case studies on both the Israel-Palestine and Kashmir conflicts, was reportedly removed. 'Kashmir is resolved,' Prof Singh allegedly remarked as per a TOI report, adding, 'we don't need to teach Israel-Palestine.' Rejection of dating apps and diversity topics In addition to the controversial removal of conflict topics, the committee also rejected proposals to include the psychology of dating apps under the digital media section. This topic had been added to the syllabus in light of increasing concerns over suicides linked to the misuse of such platforms. Urmi Nanda Biswas, head of the psychology department, argued that understanding dating apps was vital for students, especially given their role in recent youth suicides. However, the committee chair dismissed the need to include this, stating that "our Indian family system is strong" and there was no need to adopt "Western ideas" in relation to dating culture. Live Events Another significant proposal that was struck down concerned the inclusion of the Minority Stress Theory and topics on caste discrimination , misogyny, and prejudice in Indian society. Despite some committee members arguing for the importance of teaching about these contemporary issues, Prof Singh reportedly dismissed these topics as overly negative. Concerns over academic autonomy and political interference Dr Monami Sinha, a member of both the Academic Council and the Standing Committee, raised concerns about the chair's influence on the syllabus. 'It is concerning that the autonomy of the department seems to be overlooked, as the chair's actions appear to be politically motivated and represent unwarranted interference in academic decision-making,' Dr Sinha commented. Her remarks underline broader concerns about academic freedom, with critics fearing that the syllabus is being shaped by external political pressures rather than academic merit. A new panel to rework the syllabus As a result of the controversy, a new panel has been formed to revisit the syllabus. The revised proposal will be presented again to the Standing Committee. The rejected Unit 4, titled 'Conflict and Conflict Resolution', aimed to offer students a psychological perspective on the nature of international and ethnic conflict. This included the psychological impacts of aggression and structural violence, with case studies on the Israel-Palestine conflict, Kashmir, and the India-Pakistan dispute, as well as tensions in India's Northeast, specifically Nagaland and Manipur. In addition, the department had proposed an elective titled Relationship Science (DSE), which aimed to delve into the psychology of love, attraction, and online relationships, including the use of dating apps. The department argued that this topic was important to help students foster healthy relationships in a rapidly changing social landscape. Another elective, Diversity and Inclusion at the Workplace (DSE 12), was also part of the proposal. This included frameworks like the Minority Stress Theory, widely used in understanding the mental health challenges faced by marginalised groups in professional environments. However, this too was rejected by the committee. The evolving psychological needs of India's youth Dr Sinha argued that these topics are crucial for understanding modern Indian society, especially in the context of the evolving psychological challenges faced by youth in the digital age. She highlighted the importance of addressing issues like caste discrimination, prejudice, and the mental health impacts of online relationships. 'Understanding the psychology of oppression and prejudice, as well as the evolving mass psychology of youth in the age of AI and online relationships, is crucial for the development of a comprehensive psychological framework,' Dr Sinha said. The controversy surrounding the syllabus proposal highlights a larger debate within India's educational system about the balance between tradition and modernity, and the role of academic institutions in addressing pressing societal issues.
