Delhi University Faces Academic Rift Over Dropping Papers on Islam, Pakistan, and China

Delhi University Faces Academic Rift Over Dropping Papers on Islam, Pakistan, and China

Last Updated Jun - 26 - 2025, 04:00 PM | Source : Fela News

Delhi University’s removal of PG political science papers on Islam, Pakistan, and China sparks sharp debate, splitting faculty over academic freedom, ideologica

A controversy has erupted at Delhi University following its decision to remove several elective postgraduate papers from the Political Science syllabus, including topics on Islam, Pakistan, and China. The Standing Committee for Academic Matters recently decided to drop courses such as Islam and International Relations, Pakistan and the World, China’s Role in the Contemporary World, and State and Society in Pakistan. Another proposed paper, Religious Nationalism and Political Violence, has been put on hold and will be reviewed in the next committee meeting scheduled for July 1.

The decision has triggered a divide among faculty members. Critics argue that dropping these subjects limits students' ability to critically engage with important geopolitical and regional issues. Professor Monami Sinha expressed strong opposition, calling it a form of “ideological censorship” and warning that it undermines academic inquiry. She emphasized the importance of studying neighboring countries and sensitive issues like caste, communal violence, and gender diversity, which she claims are also being quietly excluded from other revised curricula in Sociology and Geography.

On the other side, proponents of the move defend it as a step toward a more balanced and “India-centric” curriculum. Committee member Professor Harendra Tiwari questioned the exclusive focus on certain topics and suggested a broader representation of Indian traditions and challenges. He stated that dropped papers would only be reconsidered if they aligned with national academic priorities. The upcoming meeting in July is expected to witness further discussion, as the issue now extends beyond academic content to debates around political influence, inclusivity, and freedom of thought in higher education. With students and faculty awaiting final clarity, Delhi University finds itself at the center of a national conversation on the future of academic discourse.

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