In a recent circular, the UGC had stated that the present syllabus was not ‘rooted in the national ethos’ and hence needs to be revamped The University Grants Commission’s (UGC) recommendation to revamp syllabi for Psychology courses at undergraduate, post-graduate, and PhD levels across universities has been welcomed by professors in Ahemdabad. In a recent circular, the UGC had stated that the present syllabus was not ‘rooted in the national ethos’ and hence needs to be revamped. In a letter dated October 5, sent to vice chancellors of all universities, the UGC said the prevalent course contents commonly taught in the classroom were not rooted in the national ethos. UGC, therefore, constituted a committee of experts to look into different aspects of teaching and research in psychology besides drawing upon the considerable work that is underway for the purposes of developing vibrant model syllabi for different levels. The model syllabi for psychology have been prepared taking into consideration the developments in the field of psychology, with special relevance to the lndian context. Welcoming the decision, professor RS Patel, Head, Department of Psychology at Gujarat University said, “It is a good time that the decision has come. The syllabus needs revision and needs Indian background for psychology. Majority of our syllabus is influenced by Western psychologists and we do not care of Indian psychology, its roots and ancient contribution.” While another psychology professor SS Shukla welcomes the decision of UGC to revamp the syllabus, he however feels that more than the syllabus, the translation should be focussed a lot. He said, “It is always a good idea to bring in new practices in the syllabus and make it more relevant. However, I feel that more than the syllabus, UGC should focus on the language of the books. The language should be used in a way which clears concepts. For Gujarati medium students, the book is a direct translation from English which becomes challenging for students when it comes to concepts.” While emphasizing on the fact that the syllabus does contain Indian views and papers on Indain psychology, a recently retired professor Dr Ashvin Jansari however admitted that the same is not being taught everywhere. He said, “Our sylabbus has Indian views of emotion, intelligence, history of psychology and how it evolved and developed in India. However it is not taught everywhere. For example, the psychological tests that are used focus more on the American way. Similar tests have been developed in Gujarat and across India. Since the cultures of both nations is different, if the tests are done as per Indian context would help. The marital and family lifestyle in India is difference and hence I feel Indain approach is necessary.”

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