Lead story: Inclusion of IKS in curriculum triggers protests at GNDU

Members of various student organisations on Monday met with officials at the office of Akal Takht and submitted a protest letter, alleging that the RSS is influencing research and curricula within educational institutions to undermine Sikh principles and philosophy. The letter stated that aligned with this agenda, the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab is reportedly appointing heads of educational institutions in accordance with RSS directives, which is an alarming and distressing development.

This comes days after a video of the Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) Vice-Chancellor, participating and addressing a vice-chancellors’ conference organised by Amrita University, Kochi, went viral, as it had the presence of RSS leadership. The backlash resulted in the removal of Vice-Chancellor Prof Karamjeet Singh from the Akal Takht’s committee. Now, students are alleging that the university is implementing the inclusion of “Bharatiya Gyaan” (Indian Knowledge System) in the pre-PhD coursework — a move that deviates from the core principles of Sikh philosophy.

What’s the issue?

In the protest letter, the student organisation, Sath, claims that the Indian Knowledge System (IKS), implemented in the university under NEP 2020, aims to promote Vedic knowledge and principles in contradiction with that of Sikh philosophy and teachings. It states, “Through the Guru Nanak Chair, an effort is being made to connect Vedic teachings with the message of Guru Nanak Sahib — an initiative that directly contradicts the Guru’s teachings.”

Meanwhile, GNDU is not the only university to introduce Indian Knowledge System (IKS) into its curriculum. The IKS, as envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, has been integrated into universities through curriculum changes, research focus, and faculty development. This includes introducing credit-based IKS courses, promoting research and innovation in IKS, especially in the field of STEM through subjects like ayurveda, yoga, mathematics, astronomy and ethics and fostering a multi-lingual learning system. Under the current policy, universities have been encouraged to incorporate IKS as electives or mandatory credit components across all disciplines, while the Central funding agencies may provide research grants for IKS-related proposals or setting up STEM institutions.

The reactions

The student representatives, while choosing to remain anonymous, said they have requested the Akal Takht to summon the GNDU Vice-Chancellor and question him over the issue, the Vice-Chancellor said the allegations are completely baseless.

During the event, the VC shared details about significant projects undertaken by the university, including the digitisation initiative to promote the Punjabi language, environmental campaigns and efforts to spread Sikh consciousness.

“The university has been integrating curriculum changes as designed by the Central agencies, including the UGC, which are implemented across the country without an exception. Also, the alleged ‘infiltration’ claims are baseless as Indian Knowledge System is a credit-based elective curriculum that allows flexibility and not mandatory implementation,” said Vice-Chancellor Prof Karamjeet Singh. Calling these allegations ‘unnecessary attempts to malign his office’, he said ‘speculations must not be made unless one has their facts clear’.