Meet ‘philosophers’ Yogi, Ramdev — their yoga books to be taught as philosophy in UP varsities.

New Delhi: The Uttar Pradesh committee on implementation of the new National Education Policy has recommended books authored by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and yoga guru Baba Ramdev for philosophy students in universities across the state. 

Chaudhary Charan Singh University (CCSU), Meerut, a university run by the state government, has already incorporated the books in its syllabus. Adityanath’s Hathyoga Ka Swaroop va Sadhna 

and Baba Ramdev’s Yog Sadhna va Yog Chikitsa Rahasya will now be part of the second semester undergraduate philosophy curriculum in the university. 

The two books have been recommended as suggested reading under the philosophy course in all universities and their affiliated colleges in the state. 

The recommendations have been made by a committee, formed by the state government to look at a “common minimum syllabus for all UP state universities and colleges” in line with the NEP 2020. It has suggested syllabus for all subjects including in arts, literature, humanities, and science. 

The UP government’s committee consists of Monika S. Garg, additional chief secretary, Department of Higher Education Uttar Pradesh, who is the Chairperson of the Steering Committee; Prof Poonam Tandan from the Department of Physics, Lucknow University; Prof Hare



Krishna, Department of Statistics, CCS University, Meerut, among others. 

‘Books chosen for academic, literary value’A member of the syllabus 

development committee, who did not wish to be named, told  that the books have been chosen for their “high literary value”.

“All the books were chosen to be there because of their high academic and literary value. Some are suggested readings and some are a part of the credit-based course,” the member said.  The views were echoed 

by D.N. Singh, convener, Board of Studies, CCSU. 

“The books recommended by the expert committee have a very high academic value. Especially the book by Adityanathji; it teaches the practical aspect of Yoga,” Singh said. “We need literature like this to learn about Yoga, our ancient science. Similarly, Ramdev’s book is also a good addition for Philosophy students because he is the Yoga guru… He has taken Yoga to the masses.” Singh heads the Philosophy department at the Meerut College. Head of Department, Faculty of Arts at CCSU, Prof Navin Chandra Lohani, told ThePrint, “The books will be taught not just at CCSU but all other universities and colleges across the state. They have been included in the syllabus to teach the ancient cultural heritage and philosophy to students.”