currently in place
The University of Delhi (DU) implemented the module in 2014. Satyabhama Das Biju, Professor, Department of Environmental Studies, DU, says, “Initially when the module was introduced, students questioned the feasibility of studying about the environment when their main subject was economics or mathematics. However, , Realizing that every profession today has an impact on environmental sustainability, the attitudes of students have been revolutionized.”
In fact, today students are demanding that the curriculum should be spread over more than just one semester, says Radheshyam Sharma, professor, Department of Environmental Studies, DU. Even some of the universities offering UG courses have introduced the UGC compulsory module. Sarat Kumar Palita, Vice Chancellor (in-charge), Central University of Odisha says, “The university offers only one UG course in Integrated Mathematics. We introduced the ‘Environmental Studies’ module in the UG curriculum a few years back, and it continues till date,” he says.
As a professor of animal science and biodiversity conservation for nearly three decades, Palita says student interest in environmental studies is increasing. Palita says, “Students of our Integrated Maths UG course work on projects that enable them to find a connection between their core subject and the environment, leading to more practical and in-depth research during their Postgraduate (PG) courses. Opportunities abound.”
future actions
Most of the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) either offer courses on environmental studies or are in the process of introducing them. PK Shahjahan, Dean (Academic Affairs), Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai says, “Creating a generation that understands environmental sustainability is essential to building a resilient future. While we do not have specific modules on this for our UG programs in Social Science and Social Work, we do have various components in these programs that are related to environmental awareness. ,
In line with the National Policy on Education (NEP) 2020, the institute is in the process of introducing a common/value added curriculum focusing on environmental awareness in all UG programmes. “For 2022, we are launching a new UG program on Analytics and Sustainability Studies. We are waiting for UG program structure and guidelines from UGC to implement it from our next academic session.
At DU, UG students of specialization have wholeheartedly adopted the module. “Most of the students understand that if the environmental indicators are not correct, it shows the lack of development in all the sectors. Many UG students are involved in sustainability projects like recycling of waste, recycling of water and even contributing towards making the campus green. Environmental awareness enables holistic development among students,” says Sharma.
Keeping this in mind the university is in the process of introducing skill enhancement courses in addition to the compulsory six months module at UG level to help the students become green warriors.