The future of Gandhian studies

On Gandhi Jayanti, Express checks out the Gandhian study centres of state universities to find what courses they offer and what are their plans.

UNIVERSITY OF MYSORE
It is one of the first Gandhi Bhavans of the country and was inaugurated by former prime minister Morarji Desai in 1962.
The Centre for Gandhian Studies here offers a 10-month diploma in Gandhian Studies.
Candidates with Pre-University qualifications are eligible for the course.

BANGALORE UNIVERSITY
The Gandhi Bhavan was constructed in 1973- 74 at a cost of Rs 2 lakh. The Centre for Gandhian Studies offers a PG Diploma and a certificate course. Director of the Centre D Jeevan Kumar said besides these courses, the Centre was publishing books on Gandhians.
On Saturday, the 42nd book on a Gandhian will be released.
Plans
The centre is planning to start a post graduation course in Gandhian Studies.
Drawbacks Five teaching faculty members handle five different papers for diploma courses.
“Though there is a demand for the course, all faculty members, including the director, is on deputation from other departments like Philosophy, History and Economics,” Umesh said.
Plans
The university plans to introduce courses on Gandhian Studies for prisoners. A similar initiative has been taken at the Mumbai prison, which has reportedly helped the inmates.
Drawbacks While the PG Diploma in Gandhian Studies is very popular, certificate courses have less takers.

Full report here New Indian Express