UGC To Add Saraswati Vandana In Chemistry, Savarkar’s Book In History; Sparks Row | Education and Career News
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As per the updated syllabus by UGC, the Mathematics curriculum will draw inspiration from temple architecture, while Saraswati Vandana will be included in Chemistry.
The new draft is based on the Learning Outcome-Based Curriculum Framework (LOCF) according to the new education policy. (Image: UGC/File Photo)
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has drafted a new course that aims to link education with culture and Indian knowledge tradition rather than just focusing on facts. In this updated UGC syllabus, the Mathematics curriculum will draw inspiration from temple architecture, while Saraswati Vandana will be included in Chemistry. This new syllabus has sparked controversy. As soon as the draft was released, opposition-ruled states labelled it an attempt at ‘saffronisation’.
The new UGC syllabus proposes including V.D. Savarkar’s book, “The Indian War of Independence,” in the history curriculum. From the draft, it’s clear that the syllabus is based on the Indian knowledge tradition. The new educational system has shifted the curriculum from being teacher-centric to learner-centric, with a framework designed to make studies more practical and interactive through fieldwork, lab work, and assignments.
The new draft is based on the Learning Outcome-Based Curriculum Framework (LOCF) according to the new education policy. Its aim is to make education learner-centric, extending beyond books to include field research, lab work, and assignments. This approach will help develop a practical understanding along with theoretical knowledge. UGC asserts that these changes will foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and self-directed learning.
The new UGC draft includes chapters related to the Indian knowledge tradition in various subjects:
Mathematics: Temple architecture, Yantra, and Mandala geometry studies based on Indian mathematical and architectural traditions.
Chemistry: Saraswati Vandana and traditionally used Ayurvedic drinks.
Commerce: References to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by linking Kautilya’s Arthashastra and ‘Ram Rajya’.
Anthropology: Incorporating thoughts from ancient scholars like Charaka and Sushruta.
History: Proposing the inclusion of V.D. Savarkar’s “The Indian War of Independence” in the syllabus.
The new syllabus has been met with protests upon its release. Many opposition-ruled states criticize it as ‘saffronisation.’ The Students Federation of India (SFI) has strongly opposed the inclusion of Savarkar’s book in history, warning of a march to the UGC office and plans to burn copies of the syllabus, arguing that the history of the freedom struggle is sensitive and such chapters could lead to a one-sided perspective.
Suggestions on this draft are invited until September 20, 2025.
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