The Hindu : New Delhi News : Now JNU offers Peace Studies

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Nov 17, 2004

New Delhi

New Delhi

Now JNU offers Peace Studies

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, NOV. 16. With peace studies increasingly gaining importance across the world, the Capital's universities clearly don't want to be left behind. After Jamia Millia Islamia, which started a certificate course in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution this year, it is now the politically conscious Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) that seems all set to follow suit.

Already in talks with the United Nations University of Peace (UPEACE) to chalk out the details of a programme on the subject, this week will see academicians and educationists discuss the importance of the course as well as draw out the map for a curriculum that would suit the need of students wanting to pursue such a programme.

As part of its efforts to promote conflict resolution and peace studies in the country, JNU and the UN University of Peace (UPEACE) will be organising a two-day national seminar-cum-workshop on "Peace education and conflict resolution studies''.

To be inaugurated on November 23, the opening day of the session will have former Union Minister and Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and now JNU Chancellor, Karan Singh, deliver the inaugural address. The seminar will end with a valedictory address by the Union Minister for Human Resource and Development, Arjun Singh.

"We have been looking at the possibility of introducing the subject for some time now. Peace studies have remained neglected in the education system for long now. The workshop will have educationists coming together and pooling in their thinking and perspectives to design a curriculum for the subject. Since representatives from other universities will also be present at the event, we are hoping that the idea of starting the course will be taken up by others too,'' said Prof. R.R Sharma, the Dean of JNU's School of International Studies.

With JNU currently in talk with the UPEACE for finalising the Memorandum of Understanding for the course, University officials believe the workshop will help give shape to a possible curriculum and structure for the much needed course.

"Peace Studies is now offered in many universities in the West. And the introduction of the course is also part of the recommendations to be submitted to the restructuring committee of the University,'' Mr.Sharma said.

This week will also see JNU hosts its annual day function. While the first day of the event -- November 18 -- will have Dr.Karan Singh deliver a lecture, the following day will witness meritorious students being awarded and cultural programmes being presented by students.

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