Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is set to introduce an elective course on Indian Knowledge Traditions (IKT) for students across all disciplines, including engineering, management, and the humanities. The initiative aims to acquaint students with India’s rich intellectual heritage and integrate traditional systems of knowledge into modern academic frameworks, according to university sources.
The course will be offered through all schools and centres, with each department customising content to suit its field of study. For instance, engineering students will explore traditional engineering practices and their relevance in contemporary contexts, while management students may study ancient economic and administrative systems. Humanities students may engage with classical literature, philosophical texts, and historical practices.
IKT refers to indigenous systems of knowledge developed in India over centuries, covering areas like Vedic sciences, ancient engineering, traditional medicine, architecture, astronomy, and philosophical thought. This initiative aligns with the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) recommendations to incorporate India’s intellectual and cultural heritage into higher education. UGC guidelines suggest dedicating 5% of total undergraduate and postgraduate credits to such courses, making them an integral part of students’ academic journeys.
According to sources, the elective may be rolled out as early as the next academic session. Students will be able to opt for the course alongside their primary fields of study, earning academic credits while gaining insights into the foundational principles of traditional Indian knowledge.
JNU’s Academic Council recently approved the proposal and has instructed all schools to develop customised syllabi for their respective disciplines. This approach ensures relevance for students across varied academic backgrounds while maintaining the depth and diversity of the content.
In addition to the IKT elective, JNU has taken significant steps to promote traditional knowledge systems by establishing dedicated centres for Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist studies. These centres aim to facilitate advanced research and foster a deeper understanding of India’s spiritual and philosophical traditions.
With 13 schools housing 38 centres dedicated to specialised academic disciplines and 8 special centres designed to enhance academic offerings, JNU continues to innovate and expand its educational landscape. The IKT program is expected to inspire interdisciplinary research and nurture a generation of students who are well-versed in India’s intellectual and cultural legacy while being equipped to address contemporary global challenges.
This initiative underscores JNU’s commitment to bridging the past and the present, fostering a holistic understanding of knowledge that transcends conventional academic boundaries.
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