Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the beloved Father of the Nation, fondly known as Mahatma Gandhi, was an epitome of peace who preached the need for truth, practise of non-violence and that hard work never fails. Gandhian studies will examine peace education and get into the depth of these Gandhi’s ideals. His thoughts will be looked into from a political, ideological, educational and social view. Research can be done in various aspects of Gandhi’s life, work and thoughts. MA, PhD and PG Diploma in Gandhian Studies are available in various colleges across India. Those who complete their course can work in the field of social work (in schools, psychiatric clinics, criminology and correctional centres and medical centres), community organisation, rural upliftment, child and labour welfare, consultanting, teaching or do research in a related field.
■ Central University of Gujarat
The Centre for Gandhian Thought and Peace Studies under the University’s School of Social Sciences offers both an MPhil and PhD in Gandhian Thought and Peace Studies at the Gandhinagar campus. Some peace research topics include mediation and negotiation, third party involvement in civil wars, peace processes, electoral violence, and communal conflicts. Gandhian philosophy, political theory, human rights and critical philosophical traditions are some topics that are also discussed. Peaceful transformation of societies and the challenges of post-conflict peace building in the international scenario are also studied.
VISIT: www.cug.ac.in/SSS.html
■ Devanga Arts College, TN
Affiliated to the Madurai Kamaraj University in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, the college was set up in 1970. the Gandhian Studies Centre at the college offers a Diploma and a Certificate in Gandhian Principles. The subject will look into the Gandhian Method and aims to create awareness of Gandhi’s ideals in everyday life. The PG Diploma is a two-year course with limited intake. The college has been re-accredited and graded with an A by NAAC.
VISIT: www.devangaartscollege.com/acdm_courses.html#Gandhian
■ Panjab University
Established in the year 1965, the Department of Gandhian Studies, first offered a certificate course in Gandhian Philosophy and in 1972 it was converted to a PG Diploma. It now offers an MPhil and MA programme. The department has a dedicated library for Gandhian Studies and National Freedom Movement. The University Grants Commission had selected the department for Special Assistance twice for teaching and research in the field.
VISIT: www.gandhianstudies.puchd.ac.in/
■ Bangalore University
The Centre for Gandhian Studies of Bangalore University, was established on October 2, 1969, marking Gandhi’s birthday. The Centre offers a post-graduate diploma in Gandhian Studies that has an intake of 21 students. Graduates of any discipline can apply for this course. For dissertation students will have to undergo field work in a village. It also offers a certificate course in the same field which is considered an add-on course that consists of two papers for 100 marks each. Several workshops and seminars are also held. A Pictorial Biographical Museum of Mahatma Gandhi is in the pipeline.
VISIT: www.bangaloreuniversity.ac.in/faculties/center_gandhian_studies.aspx
■ Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu
The Faculty of Arts and Indian Languages offers an MA in Gandhian Studies. The structure of the master’s programme consists of core courses, electives and dissertation/project work. A candidate with a bachelor’s in any discipline/professional degrees can apply for this course. NAAC has accredited the University with a B++ grade. Admissions are open for the course at the University. Candidates will be short-listed though a personal interview. You can download the application form online. Last date to submit the forms is July 15.
VISIT: www.annamalaiuniversity.ac.in
■ Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala
The School of Gandhian Thought and Development Studies was established in 1983 and was one of the primary departments of the University. It offers an MA and an MPhil in Gandhian Studies. The MA is a two-year course while the MPhil is a nine-12 months course. Some major thrust areas include Gandhian Thought, Panchayati Raj, participatory Methods, Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies, Rural Development and Social Work.
VISIT: www.mgu.ac.in
