JNU introduces Indian knowledge elective for all, including engineering, management

Students at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), including those in engineering and management, will now have the option to study traditional Indian knowledge under a newly introduced elective course titled Indian Knowledge Traditions (IKT), say university sources.

In Short

• JNU introduces Indian Knowledge Traditions elective
• Focus is on Vedic, ancient engineering, and economics
• Course spans engineering, management, and sciences

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is set to introduce a new elective course on Indian Knowledge Traditions (IKT), that will offer students across various disciplines, including engineering and management, a chance to explore India's ancient systems of knowledge.

University sources have revealed that this initiative is part of broader efforts to integrate India's rich intellectual heritage into modern education and teach students about ancient India's rich technological advancement that can be utilised in today's scenario in tackling problems at various levels.

The elective course will be available across all schools and centres within JNU, with departments tailoring the curriculum to align with their specific fields of study.

For instance, engineering students may learn about traditional engineering techniques, while management students could explore ancient economic and administrative systems that will add a blend of ancient and modern learning.

This approach ensures the content remains relevant to students from diverse academic backgrounds.

TOPICS UNDER 'INDIAN KNOWLEDGE TRADITIONS'

IKT encompasses a wide range of subjects, such as Vedic sciences, traditional medicine, ancient engineering practices, and philosophical literature.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has been advocating for the inclusion of such courses to familiarise students with India’s cultural and intellectual legacy.

JNU's new elective is designed to align with these guidelines, and it will contribute to the recommended 5% of total credits at undergraduate and postgraduate levels dedicated to IKT studies.

The proposal for this course was approved in a recent meeting, and schools within the university have been asked to provide suggestions for finalising the syllabus.

The elective is expected to be introduced in the next academic session and will carry academic credits, offering students an additional dimension to their education.

JNU has been actively promoting traditional knowledge systems, recently establishing dedicated centres for Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist studies on its campus.

With 13 schools, 38 specialised centres, and eight additional special centres, the university continues to expand its academic offerings, blending traditional wisdom with contemporary education.

(With inputs from PTI)