**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1204, addressed on July 28, 2025, the Ministry of Education clarified the inclusion of the Bhagavad Gita, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and Periyar in Delhi University's (DU) syllabus. Delhi University, as an autonomous organization, independently manages its academic decisions, including curriculum finalization, through its statutory bodies. The University has incorporated the Bhagavad Gita into its syllabus as part of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) studies, aligning with the New Education Policy 2020 and Undergraduate Curriculum Framework 2022. The Ministry also stated that DU has integrated lessons on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Periyar into the syllabus, covering their intellectual contributions and philosophical insights. Other Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) of repute also teach the Bhagavad Gita.
Key Entities Referenced
Bhagavad Gita: A Hindu scripture discussed for inclusion in the Delhi University's Political Science syllabus and as part of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) studies.
Delhi University: A Central University established under the Delhi University Act 1922, involved in decisions regarding course finalization and incorporation of IKS.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: A prominent Indian jurist, economist, and social reformer whose lessons have been incorporated in the syllabus of Delhi University.
Periyar: An Indian social reformer whose lessons have been incorporated in the syllabus of Delhi University.
Ministry of Education: The Indian government ministry responsible for education, which received a question in Lok Sabha regarding the syllabus of Delhi University.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India, where a question was raised regarding the inclusion of Bhagavad Gita and lessons on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Periyar in the Delhi University syllabus.
Indian Knowledge System (IKS): A framework under which Central Universities, including Delhi University, are incorporating Indian philosophies and knowledge into their curriculum.
New Education Policy 2020: A policy under which Delhi University offers papers on Bhagavad Gita.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1204
ANSWERED ON 28.07.2025
Inclusion of Bhagavad Gita in Syllabus of DU
1204. Prof. Sougata Ray:
Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:
(a) whether there is any proposal to include Bhagavad Gita in Delhi University’s Political Science
syllabus;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether there is any proposal to include lessons about Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Periyar in the
syllabus; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
(DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR)
(a) to (d): Delhi University is a statutory autonomous organizations established under Delhi
University Act 1922 and governed by provisions of this Act and Statutes and Ordinances made
thereunder. The administrative and academic decisions including finalization of courses are taken
by the University with the approval of its Statutory bodies such as Executive Council, Academic
Council and Court. Central Universities including Delhi University, have taken several initiatives
for incorporation of Indian Knowledge System (IKS) Studies in their curriculum under which there
is a continuous effort to learn from great Indian philosophers and their philosophies. Thought of
Bhagavad Gita is an important part of IKS studies focusing on betterment of human living. Delhi
University offers papers on Bhagavad Gita as a part of the New Education Policy-2020 and
Undergraduate Curriculum Framework-2022. Thought of Bhagavad Gita is also taught by several
other Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) of repute. Further, the University has informed that
the lessons on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Periyar have also been incorporated in the syllabus which
cover their intellectual contributions and philosophical insights.
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