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Exploring VAC Culture and Communication

Jan 16, 2025

Lecture on VAC Culture and Communication

Introduction

  • Lecturer: Peush Chri, Assistant Professor, Department of English, HRJ College, University of Delhi
  • Course: Value Addition Course (VAC)
  • Focus: Culture and Communication
  • Audience: Students across University of Delhi

Overview of VAC

  • VAC: Set of courses offered by University of Delhi under NEP 2020
  • Taught primarily by the Department of English
  • Aim: To explore Indian cultural heritage, values, and communication

Course Structure

  • Syllabus: Discussion on traditional values, readings, and course objectives
  • Readings: Includes seven or eight essential texts

Learning Objectives

  • Focus on traditional values from Indian cultural heritage
  • Understand and reinterpret India's glorious past
  • Celebrate India's diversity and pluralistic culture
  • Develop communication and life skills
  • Encourage teamwork and group activities

Course Outcomes

  • Appreciate ancient Indian wisdom and knowledge systems (IKS)
  • Inculcate values of morality and cultural appreciation
  • Development of communication skills
  • Involvement in extension activities and group work

Brief Syllabus

  • Unit 1: Ethical values from Indian cultural heritage
    • Concepts like "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam", "Unity in Diversity"
  • Unit 2: Developing life skills
    • Stories that teach adaptability, empathy, etc.

Essential Readings

  1. Shri Aurobindo's Introduction to the Bhagavad Gita
  2. S.P. Dhaniel's English and Soft Skills
  3. A.N.D. Haksar's Chanakya Niti Shastra
  4. Keshav Malik’s "Dehumanised Environment"
  5. Sudha Murthy’s "How to Beat the Boys"
  6. A.K. Ramanujan's "A Flowering Tree"
  7. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's "Vande Mataram"
  8. Swami Vivekananda’s Speech at the World’s Parliament of Religions

Detailed Discussion on "Vande Mataram"

  • Bankim Chandra Chatterjee: Emphasis on the national identity through nature and femininity
  • Imagery: Streams, orchards, winds, fields signify India’s richness and fertility
  • Mother India: Symbolizes richness, fertility, and a deep connection to nature

Key Themes and Analysis

  • Nature and Femininity: Representation of India as a mother figure
  • Cultural and Philosophical Roots: Connection to Indian philosophical and ecological thought
  • Warrior Spirit: Reference to India's strength and the promise of its sons to defend the nation
  • Divine Representation: India likened to Goddess Durga and Lakshmi, highlighting its strength and prosperity
  • Value Addition: Reflects cultural pride, historical significance, and national unity

Conclusion

  • VAC Significance: Reinforces cultural values and appreciation for Indian heritage
  • Future Lectures: Continuation of lectures on VAC Culture and Communication

Full transcript