KU sets up centre for research on Bhagavad Gita
THE UNIVERSITY IS ALREADY RUNNING A RESEARCH CENTRE ON SARASWATI RIVER
KARNAL: Already running the Centre of Excellence for Research on Saraswati River, the Kurukshetra University (KU) has now set up a research centre to conduct a “serious study” on Hindu scripture Bhagavad Gita.
The centre has been established on the directions of Haryana governor Satyadeo Narayan Arya, who is the chancellor of the university.
Professor RK Deswal, chairperson of the KU philosophy department, has been appointed as director of the ‘Gita Adhyayan Kendra’ which will conduct research on the teachings and shlokas (hymns) of the scripture.
Talking to HT, Prof Deswal said, “It’s a revolutionary step and the research on Gita will help spread its religious, ethical, spiritual, social, educational, economic, commercial, administrative and political values for the welfare of humanity, nation and theworld.” Asked about the need for such a research centre, he said, “The centre will study how the life in the modern era could be made better by following the teachings of Bhagavad Gita.”he said the centre will provide all the facilities for the purpose of studying, teaching and holding seminars and lectures on Gita at one place. He added that the philosophy department has already prepared the format for the centre’s functioning and a special lecture will be held on a special aspect of Gita. Officials said the KU will approach the state government for funds for the research centre and it plans to launch separate courses on Gita. The university is already running a certificate course on Gita. For development of infrastructure for the centre, the university may utilise funds from a special grant of Rs 100 crore issued by the Union ministry of human resources and the fund for new research centres under the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan scheme.
Notably, the KU has already established a multi-disciplinary Centre of Excellence for Research on Saraswati River for research on mythical river. Prof AR Chaudhri of the geology department is the director of the centre.