Draft UGC curriculum puts focus on ‘ancient wisdom’ , Pg10

Key Highlights:

• The UGC has released draft Learning Outcomes-based Curriculum Framework (LOCF) for various subjects, emphasizing the inclusion of Indian knowledge systems.
• The new curriculum is being introduced amidst protests from non-BJP-ruled States, who allege ‘saffronisation’ of the curriculum.
• The LOCF includes suggestions to teach Kautilya’s Arthashastra in commerce and V.D. Savarkar’s Indian War of Independence in courses on Indian independence.
• The curriculum prioritizes single-major pathways, allocating most credits to discipline-specific courses, which leaves limited room for multidisciplinary exploration.

Detailed Insights:

• The LOCF aims to integrate Indian systems of knowledge into various disciplines, from mathematics to chemistry and commerce.
• In mathematics, Mandala geometry, yantras, rangoli, kolam, temple architecture, and āyādi ratios will be included, exploring contributions of Indian mathematicians.
• Commerce education will incorporate ‘Bharatiya philosophy’, emphasizing holistic learning and ethical decision-making, drawing insights from Kautilya’s Arthashastra.
• Economics courses will cover Indian concepts of wealth, the role of the king in the economy, trade and labor ethics, guild codes, ecological values, and indigenous exchange systems.
• Chemistry will include traditional Indian fermented beverages and the concept of Parmanu, alongside modern concepts of atomic structure.
• Anthropology will explore the symbiotic relationship between nature and culture as discussed by ancient thinkers like Charaka, Sushruta, Buddha, and Mahavira.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Learning Outcomes-based Curriculum Framework (LOCF): A framework that focuses on defining expected learning outcomes for each subject.
• Bharatiya Philosophy: Ancient Indian philosophical systems emphasizing holistic development and ethical values.
• Saffronisation: A term used to describe the promotion of Hindu nationalist ideology, often in the context of education and culture.