KEY POINTS
- Academics warn this move threatens critical thinking and geopolitical understanding among future students
- Critics accuse the Indian government of fostering a narrow, ideologically driven curriculum that undermines academic freedom
- Experts emphasise the strategic necessity of studying neighbouring countries and global religions for a well-rounded education
- The syllabus changes reflect a broader trend since 2014 under the National Education Policy 2020, stirring debates over politics, ideology, and educational autonomy
ISLAMABAD: Academics from India and neighbouring Pakistan have criticised Delhi University’s decision to drop Political Science courses related to Pakistan, China, and Islam.
They warned the Indian government that such a move won’t erase these crucial subjects from reality but will instead stunt the intellectual growth of future generations, depriving them of the critical thinking and geopolitical insight essential in today’s complex world.
Critics argue this act reveals the Modi administration’s shrinking worldview, reflecting a troubling narrowness that could have far-reaching consequences for education and understanding.
Postgraduate political science students at Delhi University may soon face a dramatic overhaul or complete elimination of several elective courses, should the Standing Committee on Academic Matters get its way.
The committee’s proposal has ignited a storm of debate, with scholars voicing deep worries over threats to academic freedom and fears of political meddling in education.
During its recent session, the committee recommended cutting courses such as ‘Pakistan and the World,’ ‘China’s Role in the Contemporary World,’ ‘Islam and International Relations,’ ‘Pakistan: State and Society,’ and ‘Religious Nationalism and Political Violence.’
Each of these courses serves as a critical window into complex global and regional realities:
‘Pakistan and the World’ unpacks the rich chronicle of Pakistan’s historic journey, politics, and diplomacy.
‘China’s Role in the Contemporary World’ investigates the far-reaching impact of China’s rise on the global stage.
‘Islam and International Relations’ explores the nuanced and often fraught connections between Islam and world politics.
‘Pakistan: State and Society’ delves into the intricate social fabric and internal dynamics of Pakistan.
And ‘Religious Nationalism and Political Violence’ probes the volatile crossroads where faith and politics collide.
Speaking to WE News English, Prof. Dr. Nazir Hussain, former Dean of Social Sciences and Director of the School of Politics and International Relations (SPIR) at Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad, described the decision as utterly absurd and rooted in bias.
Dr. Nazir argued that the Indian government’s move reflects a narrow, self-serving agenda focused solely on national interests and state ideology.
“If they refuse to teach about Pakistan, China, or Islam, does that mean these entities cease to exist?” Dr. Nazir questioned.
He highlighted two key points: first, understanding your adversary is essential—without teaching these subjects, Indian students won’t truly know their so-called enemies. Second, Islam is the world’s second-largest religion; ignoring it in education is both illogical and shortsighted.
He called the policy a joke and warned that such restrictions confine education within political and ideological borders.
“This is a harmful and condemnable step by Delhi University and Indian lawmakers. Education should have no barriers—whether political, geographical, or ideological. Knowledge is meant to connect, not divide,” he maintained.
Vice Chancellor of Punjab University, Lahore, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali Shah, told WE News English that education knows no boundaries, and therefore, removing these courses from the syllabus is unjustifiable.
He acknowledged that while there may be some reservations, they should not lead to erasing important subjects. “This is a setback for education, knowledge, and awareness,” he remarked.
Prof. Shah emphasised the importance of understanding even those countries we have differences with, saying, “It’s crucial to study their politics, religion, culture, and civilisation. While we are well-informed about our allies, we must also be aware of the systems of countries considered adversaries.” He said that, in his view, this decision is a disservice to all knowledge seekers.
Prof. Dr. Munawar Hussain from the American Study Centre at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, warned that this decision could backfire on India.
Reflecting on the 1971 India-Pakistan war, he recalled how a lack of understanding of the region’s culture, politics, history, and economy was deemed a diplomatic failure.
Now, by removing these courses from Delhi University’s syllabus, future Indian bureaucrats, politicians, and professionals risk being ill-prepared to grasp critical regional dynamics.
Dr. Munawar also sees this move as a political gambit—perhaps revenge for recent border clashes with Pakistan—but insists it won’t harm Pakistan, China, or Islam.
He noted growing criticism of India under Narendra Modi’s leadership, with terms like “Duffer Zone” gaining traction, ringing Kashwanat Singh’s 2003 book End of India.
Citing Col. Ajai Shukla’s recent work predicting the decline of Indian democracy, Dr. Munawar sees this decision as a symptom of the Modi government’s tunnel vision and narrow-mindedness, a strategy that risks plunging future generations into ignorance, unable to engage meaningfully with the world.
Dr. Ilhan Niaz, Professor of History at Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, reflected, “If Delhi University’s decision holds, it could signal a setback for India’s global perspective—something that may inadvertently benefit China, Pakistan, and the wider Muslim world. From an academic standpoint, however, it’s a regrettable move; when a major nation like India narrows its worldview, it risks inspiring similar insular choices elsewhere. Pakistan, meanwhile, should seize this moment to deepen its focus on studying India, the Muslim world, and China.”
Dr. Monami Sinha, a committee member, underscored the critical need to study Pakistan and China, given their strategic weight for India, warning that dropping these courses risks undermining academic rigour and the development of critical thinking.
The move follows Vice Chancellor Delhi University Yogesh Singh’s push to remove content seen as glorifying Pakistan, especially after the Pahalgam incident- a decision critics say fuels growing Islamophobia and anti-Pakistan bias in academia.
Voices like Dr. Sinha and activist Abha Dev decry this narrowing of academic freedom, while others question the committee’s power to reshape syllabi without broader consensus.
Amidst silence from university officials, departments are set to revise curricula—part of a wider trend since 2014, where Delhi University’s courses, particularly in history and sociology, have been reshaped under the National Education Policy 2020, sparking fierce debates over ideology, academic independence, and the true purpose of education.
