In Madhya Pradesh, Makhanlal Chaturvedi University to remove right-wing influence, introduce Karl Marx, Jawaharlal Nehru in its curriculum 

Bhopal/New Delhi: The Makhanlal Chaturvedi University of Journalism and Mass Communication in Bhopal has decided to introduce the teachings of German economist Karl Marx and India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, in its curriculum from the next academic session. The university is also likely to remove references to right-wing leaders from the syllabus as well as the study material from the library.

The chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, Kamal Nath, who is also the head of the governing council of the university, has replaced the vice-chancellor of the university, Jagdish Upasane, with journalist Deepak Tiwari, on February 25. The university has also decided to initiate inquiry into the alleged misuse its funds by the way of channelling them to some right-wing organizations during the Bharatiya Janata Party rule in the state.

Speaking to reporters, Tiwari, while claiming that the journalism university should support study of all ideologies, said, “I am in favour of study of all ideologies by students. A journalism university should be ideology-neutral. An 11-member committee will suggest changes in the syllabus. We have also started an ‘Idea of India’ lecture series.”

According to media reports, the VC has also replaced the photo of Deendayal Upadhyaya with the photos of BR Ambedkar and Jawaharlal Nehru in his office. The VC has claimed that the service of news agency that was affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has been discontinued and services of two national news agencies have restored.

While expressing concern about changing curriculum with the change of government, a former vice-chancellor, BK Kuthiala, said the glorification of ancient Indian culture should not be treated as an undesirable element in a system of learning.

“It would be a mockery of the autonomy of universities if with change of government the course curricula are changed,” he said.

However, Tiwari also said a probe has been initiated to look into the allegations that the university’s funds were made available to certain right-wing organizations. “I was surprised to see this flow of university money to these organisations,” he said.

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