Open university introduces Masters course in Bhagavad Gita studies; Details inside

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has announced the launch of a new Master of Arts (MA) course in Bhagavad Gita Studies, starting from the 2024-2025 academic session. This program is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the Bhagavad Gita, one of the most revered texts in Hindu philosophy. The course will be offered through open and distance learning (ODL), making it accessible to a wide range of students across India and beyond.
The official notification for the course was released on July 3, 2024, and it has generated significant interest among students and scholars alike.The program will be coordinated by Dr. Devesh Kumar Mishra, a renowned scholar in the field of Hindu studies. Dr. Mishra has been instrumental in developing the curriculum, which aims to cover various aspects of the Bhagavad Gita, including its philosophical, ethical, and spiritual dimensions.
The MA in Bhagavad Gita Studies will be conducted under the School of Humanities at IGNOU. The course duration is flexible, ranging from two to four years, allowing students to complete it at their own pace. The program carries a total of 80 credits and will be taught in Hindi, with plans to introduce an English medium in the future. The fee structure is set at Rs 6,300 per year, with a total cost of Rs 12,600 for the entire course. This makes it an affordable option for students from diverse economic backgrounds.
Eligibility for the course requires a bachelor’s degree or higher from a recognized university in any discipline. This broad eligibility criterion ensures that the program is open to a wide audience, including those who may not have a background in religious or philosophical studies. The course content will be delivered through a combination of printed materials and digital resources, providing a comprehensive learning experience.
The approval for this course was granted during the 81st Academic Council Meeting of IGNOU, held on December 19, 2023. This meeting saw the introduction of several new programs, but the MA in Bhagavad Gita Studies has garnered particular attention due to its unique focus. The 700-verse Hindu text known as the Bhagavad Gita, or Gita, is a part of the Mahabharata, an epic story from India. This is a dialogue between Prince Arjuna and his charioteer, the god Krishna. The moral and philosophical conundrums that Arjuna encountered on the Kurukshetra battlefield are discussed in the text.

IGNOU’s decision to introduce this course aligns with its mission to provide inclusive and quality education. The university has a long history of offering innovative programs that cater to the educational needs of diverse populations. By offering a specialized course in Bhagavad Gita Studies, IGNOU aims to promote a deeper understanding of this ancient text and its relevance in contemporary times.
Students interested in enrolling in the MA in Bhagavad Gita Studies can register through the official IGNOU admission portal. The course is expected to start in July 2024, and there are a total of 500 seats available. This new program is part of IGNOU’s broader initiative to expand its academic offerings and provide students with opportunities to explore various fields of study.