Uttar Pradesh: Rajarshi Tandon University To Teach RSS History In UG & PG Courses
**Prayagraj: RSS History to be Included in University Curriculum under “Indian Knowledge Tradition” Program**
Uttar Pradesh Rajarshi Tandon Open University has announced that the history of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will now be included in undergraduate and postgraduate courses as part of the “Indian Knowledge Tradition” program. This decision was formally declared on Gandhi Jayanti by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Satyakam.
Prof. Satyakam emphasized that the RSS ideology is closely tied to Indian cultural heritage and highlights principles such as self-reliance, indigenous thought, tolerance, and unity. According to him, the inclusion of RSS history in the curriculum will strengthen national identity among the youth and promote values like *Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam* — the concept of the world as one family.
He further argued that this addition to the curriculum would contribute to building a developed nation deeply rooted in traditional Indian values.
However, the decision has met with strong opposition from the Congress party. Rajya Sabha MP Pramod Tiwari criticized the move, stating that teaching RSS history could “tarnish the country’s image.” He questioned whether the course would also address controversial aspects, such as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s post-Gandhi assassination letter that blamed RSS’s “poisonous ideology” and the subsequent government ban on the organization.
Tiwari also alleged that during the 1942 Quit India Movement, the RSS urged citizens not to participate and instead support the British. He asked whether such historical episodes would be included in the course content presented to students.
The announcement has sparked a sharp political debate, with both ruling and opposition parties expected to escalate their arguments in the coming days.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/uttar-pradesh-rajarshi-tandon-university-to-teach-rss-history-in-ug-pg-courses
