Gandhian studies has many takers from India, abroad

PUNE: Reading up on Mahatma Gandhi, the man and his principles, fascinated Wani Emmanuel so much that he quit his job as an assistant inspector of labour in South Sudan in 2012 and joined the Institute of Gandhi Studies, in Wardha, Maharashtra. After completing an eight-month post-graduate diploma course in Bapu's principles, the Sudanese national returned to his job but also joined an NGO that works towards development and non-violence.
Like Emmanuel, there are many from India and abroad who are inclined to learn more about Gandhi and his life. Institutes offering these courses say most of the foreign students are from Africa, Europe and the US.
Colleges offering modules on Gandhian thoughts and principles say the enrolment for such courses is on the rise. Panjab University, which started one such course in collaboration with the University Grants Commission in 1965, had a mere intake of 15 students in the first year. In 2011, however, the course saw 163 enrolments, which went up to 193 in 2012 and 276 last year.
Similarly, the Wardha institute received 250 applications for its 35 seats last year as against 200 applications in 2011-12. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi, which started a similar course in 2010 with 16 students, saw 24 students enrolling this year. Likewise, there has been an increase in the number of applications for the 21 seats for a course at Bangalore University.
The Wardha institute, which was established in 1987, is overwhelmed by the response from students. Siby K Joseph, dean of the institute, says, "Although intended for the youth, these courses are attracting people from different age categories and from all walks of life. People working in the field of development, panchayati raj and environment, show particular interest in such courses. They feel that these courses not just help them in their work but also help enrich their personal lives."
Manish Sharma, dean of the Department of Gandhian Studies, Panjab University, says, "We have people even in their 70s attending our course. They believe the course has helped bring about positive changes in their lives." Jeevan Kumar, head of the Department of Gandhian Studies at Bangalore University, says many of the applicants for the course have impressed the interviewers with their understanding of Gandhi.