Allahabad University’s Hindi Department Unveils Major Syllabus Overhaul Under NEP-2020
Prayagraj, India – In a significant move reflecting the ongoing implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020, Allahabad University’s Hindi department has announced a comprehensive revision of its undergraduate Bachelor of Arts (BA) syllabus. Approximately 30% of the curriculum has been updated, introducing a host of new literary works and a refined focus on diverse literary traditions.
A highlight of the revision is the replacement of Asghar Wajahat’s popular play ‘Jis Lahore Nai Dekhya’ with Bhishm Sahni’s acclaimed drama ‘Kabira Khada Bazaar Mein’ in the BA curriculum. This strategic change aims to broaden students’ exposure to different dramatic styles and influential playwrights within Hindi literature.
The revised syllabus, meticulously approved by both the Board of Bachelorate and the Faculty Board, is designed to align with the core objectives of NEP-2020, emphasizing multidisciplinary approaches, critical thinking, and a deeper engagement with India’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage.
Professor Kumar Virendra, Head of the Hindi department, elaborated on the rationale behind these changes. "The revisions are an integral part of the university’s ongoing exercise to align our curriculum with the transformative objectives of NEP-2020," he stated. "Our goal is to provide students with a more comprehensive and contemporary understanding of Hindi literature, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century."
The second semester of the BA Hindi syllabus will now feature Sahni’s ‘Kabira Khada Bazaar Mein’ as a central component of Hindi drama studies. In another notable addition, ‘Teen Apahij’, a work penned by former physics department professor Vipin Agrawal, has also been incorporated into the second-semester curriculum. This inclusion underscores the department’s commitment to exposing students to a wider spectrum of literary forms and writers, potentially bridging disciplinary boundaries and fostering interdisciplinary appreciation.
The third-semester syllabus has also undergone significant transformation. Alongside Tulsidas’ enduring Ayodhya text, the revered Chitrakoot Gyan Sabha has been added, enriching the understanding of spiritual and philosophical dimensions within Hindi literature. Furthermore, the section dedicated to the history of Hindi literature has been expanded to include a more detailed exploration of the sources and traditions of writing, offering students a robust historical context for their studies.
A particularly noteworthy aspect of the revised section is the special emphasis given to writers associated with Prayagraj, a city historically significant in the development of Hindi literature. Literary figures such as Ramkumar Verma, Lakshmisagar, and Mohan Awasthi will now receive dedicated attention, allowing students to connect with the local literary heritage and understand its broader contributions.
The department anticipates that these thoughtful additions will empower students to develop a more profound and nuanced understanding of different periods, literary genres, and influential writers within Hindi literature. The revised curriculum, having received approval at both the departmental and faculty levels, is now set to be implemented, promising to offer greater diversity and a wider, more contemporary perspective in the study of Hindi literature at Allahabad University. This proactive approach by the Hindi department sets a precedent for other disciplines within the university to adapt and evolve in response to the evolving educational landscape mandated by NEP-2020.
