Chaudhary Charan Singh University (CCSU), also known as Meerut University, has recently incorporated ancient Indian epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata into its journalism course. This initiative, announced on Saturday, aims to integrate India's rich intellectual heritage with modern journalism education. The university has introduced a new paper titled 'Bhartiya Sanchar ke Praroop' (Models of Indian Communication) within the MA in Journalism and Mass Communication (MA-JMC) program.
Professor Prashant Kumar, director of the Tilak School of Journalism and Mass Communication (TSJMC) at CCSU, emphasized that the course is designed to "fuse India's ancient intellectual heritage with contemporary journalism education." He highlighted the relevance of traditional communication methods as depicted in the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. For instance, he cited Sanjay's narration of the Kurukshetra war to the blind king Dhritarashtra through divya drishti (divine vision) as a "classical example of live reporting." Furthermore, the course will explore how "Hanuman served as a vital communication link between Lord Rama and Goddess Sita during her captivity."
The curriculum extends beyond mythology, encompassing historical and spiritual figures such as Maharshi Narad, often regarded as the 'first communicator,' along with Krishna, Gautam Buddha, Mahavir, Emperor Ashoka, Adi Shankaracharya, and Maharshi Patanjali. Each of these figures employed distinct modes of communication that hold significance even today.
Professor Kumar clarified that the goal is not to replace Western theories but to provide equal importance to Indian communication traditions. He pointed out that just as the Bhagavad Gita is taught in several countries for management education, ancient Indian communication practices, some of which are thousands of years old, remain relevant and will continue to be so in the future.
The university aims to explore ancient systems of knowledge transmission, such as Shruti (oral transmission) and Smriti (memory-based transmission), which laid the groundwork for preserving and conveying information across generations. Moreover, the course will also delve into unconventional modes of communication, including a model on how food communicates different emotions in the body. The syllabus will cover cultural methods, history, and even artificial intelligence.
This initiative by Meerut University to include the Ramayana and Mahabharata in its journalism course reflects a growing recognition of the value of indigenous knowledge systems in contemporary education. By studying these epics, students can gain insights into traditional communication methods, ethical principles, and cultural values that are still relevant in today's world. It also provides a unique perspective on the evolution of communication and its role in shaping society.
