New Delhi: Delhi University’s psychology syllabus has become the subject of controversy following a proposal from the university’s academic standing committee to remove chapters related to the Kashmir issue and the Israel-Palestine conflict.

The content, previously included under the section titled “Conflict and Conflict Resolution,” examined both global and domestic conflicts, such as those in Kashmir, Palestine, and Northeast India. The decision has prompted a heated debate over academic freedom and the ideological direction of educational content.

Professor Shri Prakash Singh, chair of the standing committee, argued for reducing what he described as an “overrepresentation” of Western concepts in the syllabus. He advocated for replacing case studies on Kashmir and Palestine with content drawn from Indian epics like the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita, suggesting that these texts would provide a more accurate reflection of “Indian ways of thinking.”

The revisions also include the removal of sections on Minority Stress Theory and workplace diversity. These topics were initially designed to address mental health challenges faced by marginalized communities, including those experiencing caste- and gender-based discrimination.

Dr Monami Sinha, a member of both the Academic Council and the Standing Committee, has voiced her opposition to the changes. She described the omitted topics as “vital for a modern understanding of Indian society,” and expressed concern over the unilateral approach to the revisions. Dr Sinha warned that the changes could weaken the subject’s relevance in tackling real-world psychological and societal issues.

A panel has been established to rework the syllabus and present a revised draft. However, the developments have ignited a broader discussion on the balance between academic freedom and ideological influence in shaping the curriculum at one of India’s foremost universities.