Gandhian Studies: The New Rage

Mahatma Gandhi has inspired great leaders, towards both Gandhian thought and his way of life. And it comes as no surprise that the great leader’s thoughts and ideologies has been transcended into a fully fledged course. The course is the foremost choice of students interested in various aspects of Gandhian thought, the freedom movement, conflict resolution, peace and international studies.

The Department of Gandhian Studies helps students get insight into the life of one of the greatest proponents of non-violence and one of the most charismatic leaders the world has ever seen. “People study Gandhian thought for various reasons. Some come here to understand Gandhi as a person, while others study Gandhian thought in a bid to prepare for the various competitive exams, like the civil services, NET etc,” says Sandeep Singh Panghal, an MPhil student at the department. Ask him what prompted him to take up the subject, and he says, “I had some problems in my life. I am seeking answers to those problems through Gandhi’s way of life and his ‘experiments with truth’.”

Call it a post Munna Bhai phenomenon, but students are suddenly showing a keen interest in courses like Gandhian studies, environment studies, peace studies and conflict management. More and more students from diverse backgrounds like commerce, science and even business studies are applying for the Gandhian Studies course.

When the concept of this course was introduced, only a one-year certificate course in Gandhian philosophy was available. But now, looking at the demand of this subject, there are MA, M.Phil and Ph.D courses also available. There are certificate programmes also available. In recent times, the department of Gandhian studies is making full use of multi-media tools and has introduced many practical subjects in its curriculum.

Fee Structure

A post graduate student can earn as much as Rs. 23, 000 (monthly fellowship).

Click here to know about institutes offering Gandhian Studies in India.

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