Academic Council Votes to Remove Iqbal Chapter: Modern Indian Political Thought

Academic Council Votes to Remove Iqbal Chapter

The Academic Council of Delhi University has voted in favor of removing a chapter on Pakistan’s national poet Muhammad Iqbal, also known as Allama Iqbal, from the political science syllabus. The decision, confirmed by members of the statutory body, involves the elimination of the chapter titled ‘Modern Indian Political Thought’ from the BA’s sixth-semester paper. The matter will now be presented to the Executive Council of the university for a final decision.

Iqbal’s Background and Significance

Born in Sialkot, undivided India, in 1877, Muhammad Iqbal is renowned for his famous song ‘Saare jahan se achha’ and is credited with giving birth to the ‘idea of Pakistan’. However, due to the recent decision, his inclusion in the syllabus has been removed, sparking discussions and debates about the significance of his contributions.

Reactions from Academic Council and ABVP

The Academic Council member responsible for the motion confirmed the removal of the Iqbal chapter, while the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) welcomed the development. The ABVP, in its statement, referred to Iqbal as a “fanatic theological scholar” and highlighted his involvement in India’s partition, stating that he was as responsible as Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Course Objectives and Diversity

The syllabus for the political science course at Delhi University aims to provide students with a critical understanding of modern Indian thought. It includes the study of important themes through various thinkers, such as Rammohan Roy, Pandita Ramabai, Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, and Bhimrao Ambedkar. The course is designed to explore the richness and diversity within Indian political thought, examining different perspectives and historical trajectories.