In many state universities in Karnataka, interest in Gandhian studies is waning

A view of the Center for Gandhian Studies in Bengaluru on Thursday. | Photo credit: SUDHAKARA JAIN

Academic activities at the Center for Gandhian Studies at Bangalore University’s Jnanabharathi campus have come to a standstill due to lack of student interest, funding issues and other reasons. The university discontinued the diploma and certificate courses offered by the center about five years ago because there were not many of them.

This seems to be the case at other state universities, with some exceptions.

History of the center

The foundation stone of the Center for Gandhian Studies at Bangalore University was laid by former President of India Dr. Manmohan Singh. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan on 8 December

Earlier, the center offered a one-year diploma and a six-month certificate in Gandhian thought. In recent years, however, the number of applicants has been declining. In addition, there have been allegations that some students use the center only to secure hostel accommodation and access to other university benefits.

“Conducting the courses became difficult, which led to discontinuation of the courses during the tenure of the previous director of the centre,” said BN Shreekeerthi, director of the centre. Lack of funds was also cited as the main reason affecting its activities.

“While we portray Gandhiji as a historical figure, we fail to put his principles and ideology into actual practice in the present context. This has been a major obstacle in attracting the youth to Gandhian thought,” he added. Steps are now being taken to start a Diploma Course in Gandhian Philosophy and Contemporary Leadership at the City University Dr. Manmohan Singh Bengaluru. “Our center is also planning to introduce diploma courses,” he said.

No permanent faculty

The situation is not much different at Karnataka University’s Department of Gandhian Studies, established in 1976 and once famous for its distinguished alumni. The department is now headed by the dean of social sciences because it is not headed by a permanent faculty member.

Karnatak University currently offers PG Diploma Course and OEC (Open Elective Course). Teaching is led by Associate Professor Shivanand Shettar, who retired as Chairman a few years ago, and visiting faculty member Siddu Bashetti.

The department used to admit 60 students, now it has reduced to 20. The number of students admitted has also dropped to five this year from 10 last year. 47 students from various departments registered for OEC.

“It is not just about Gandhi studies. Most of the departments offering PG diploma courses have witnessed low admissions in the last three years. Earlier the fee was only ₹570 as concessions were offered. But now students have to pay over ₹10,000 while those from outside the university have to pay ₹15,000 to the department,” said Mr. Bashetti, a guest at the department who was a erstwhile member of fashetti. 21 years old.

According to him, the reason for the declining interest is also the opening of PG centers in universities and the shift in focus towards competitive exams.

A better scenario

In contrast, the Gandhian Studies courses offered by the University of Mysore (UoM) continue to attract students, even after the bifurcation of the university and the restriction of its jurisdiction to Mysuru district.

Most of the students enrolled at the Center for Gandhian Studies come from rural backgrounds and are interested in working in rural development and the NGO sector, according to Gandhi Bhavan.

Gandhi Bhavan offers an MA in Peace and Conflict Resolution and a Diploma in Gandhian Studies, in addition to a PhD program in Gandhian Studies.

Director Gandhi Bhavan Prof. Narendra Kumar said that the masters course currently has 17 students against an intake of 25, while all 19 seats in the diploma course are filled. The center also has nine research staff who receive fellowships, while three others are engaged in research without fellowships.

“Though we have a shortage of students for the master’s course, the enrollment is relatively good as the campus has seen a drop in student strength after the bifurcation of the university,” he said.

Prof Kumar said the university had in the past requested the state government to consider Gandhi Bhavan students for job opportunities in departments such as Rural Development and Panchayat Raj and Women and Child Development.

Published – 1 October 2026 22:05 IST