GTU’s certificate courses on ancient knowledge system in demand across globe

Apart from students from 21 Indian states, those from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Tanzania and Australia have joined the courses launched by the GTU Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems called ‘Dharohar’ & the Bhishma School of Indic Studies. 

The Gujarat Technological University (GTU) has received enrollment from a total of 889 students for its first batch of 12 online certificate courses of three-month duration related to ancient Indian knowledge systems. 

Keen to learn more about Vedas, Upanishads, Kautilya’s Arthashastra and the progress made by ancient Indian science and technology, people from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Tanzania and Australia have joined online courses launched recently by GTU, officials said.  

The university has received enrollment from a total of 889 students for its first batch of 12 online certificate courses of three-month duration related to ancient Indian knowledge systems.  

Apart from students from 21 Indian states, those from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Tanzania and Australia have also joined the courses launched last month jointly by the GTU Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems called ‘Dharohar’, and the Bhishma School of Indic Studies, an organisation working to spread ancient Indian wisdom, officials said.  

The courses deal with subjects such as Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, ancient Indian science and technology, architecture, arts, culture and traditions, Kautilya’s Arthashastra and political science, Indian kings and emperors, Dharma and religions, classic literature and global footprints of the Indian diaspora.  

‘Study of Vedas’ first choice for admission

According to officials conducting the courses, the topic ‘Study of Vedas’ has been the first choice for admission as 238 people have enrolled for the same. ‘Arthashastra and Political Science’ of Kautilya and ‘Ancient Indian Science and Technology’ are the second and third choice, respectively, in terms of their popularity based on the number of enrollment, they said. 

While the exact number of students from abroad who have enrolled for the course was not provided, officials said a majority from Saudi Arabia have opted for ’Arthashastra and Political Science’ and ’Study of Vedas’, while those from Australia have opted for the ’Study of Vedas’ and ’Ancient Indian Science and Technology.’ A majority of people from Kuwait and Tanzania have opted for the ’Study of Upanishads’, they said. 

“The New Education Policy lays an emphasis on ancient Indian knowledge system and traditions, and a lot of people are keen on gaining better knowledge on subjects like Vedas, Upanishads, Arthashastra, ancient Indian science and technology, etc.,” said Prashant Kunjadiya, secretary of Vigyan Gurjari, the Gujarat chapter of Vigyan Bharati, which works to promote indigenous science. Vigyan Gurjari facilitated the launch of the course at GTU, Kunjadiya said.  

He said people have responded positively as these courses are open to all, irrespective of any limitation of age or degrees. 

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