Lady Shri Ram College launches online course on Bhagavad Gita and Psychological insights
Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR) held an inaugural session for its second short-term certificate course titled, 'Timeless Lessons – Gita & Psychological Insights'.
Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR) held the inaugural session of its second short-term certificate course titled 'Timeless Lessons – Gita & Psychological Insights'. This 10-day online course is part of LSR's Summer School 2025 programme, 'Virasaat: Tapestries of Indian Culture', and aims to promote self-awareness and mental well-being through the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.
Chief Guest Pavan Kumar Varma and Guest of Honour Professor Urmi Nanda Biswas and Acting Principal Dr Kanika Ahuja.
The session began with a welcome and a token of appreciation to Chief Guest Pavan Kumar Varma and Guest of Honour Professor Urmi Nanda Biswas, presented by Acting Principal Dr Kanika Ahuja. Dr Ahuja spoke about the relevance of the Gita in modern life, especially in the context of recent global events. She said the Gita offers psychological support in uncertain times, encouraging strength and reflection.
Varma, author and former diplomat, highlighted the importance of cultural identity and called for the younger generation to reconnect with India's intellectual heritage.
He said ancient texts like the Gita offer guidance for both personal and professional challenges. 'The Gita's lessons on identity and detachment are not just spiritual—they are also psychological tools,' he said.
The learning objectives of the course are to develop an appreciation of the need for culturally informed systems of knowledge within our education system, an understanding of the linkages of psychology with Indian texts, and understanding how the lessons of the Bhagavad Gita can help to enhance psychology's acceptance in India.
Professor Urmi Nanda Biswas, Head of Psychology at the University of Delhi, connected the Gita with positive psychology. She emphasised that its teachings can help regulate emotions and reduce material anxiety. The course is open to students and early career scholars. It covers Indian psychology, dharma, meditation, and the Gita's application in daily life.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
24 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Urgent need seen for integrating Indian Knowledge Systems in today's education
There is an urgent need to integrate the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) into the current education system, Ashok Rao, retired professor from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) said in Dharwad on Thursday. 'We should all realise its importance and efforts should be made to give it due prominence,' Prof. Rao said. He was delivering a special lecture on Indian Knowledge Systems as part of an eight-day refresher programme titled Perspective and Sensitivity of the New National Education Policy, organised by the Malaviya Mission Teachers Training Centre at Karnatak University. Prof. Rao emphasised that the Indian education system has traditionally held its own unique significance. He explained that globally, there are five major knowledge systems—Western, Arabic, Indian, and Indigenous knowledge systems—among which the Western Knowledge System has had a dominant influence on India's current educational structure. He noted that the Western model has greatly impacted the economic, social, and industrial sectors across the world, including India. 'However, we must now focus on understanding and strengthening Indian Knowledge Systems,' he said. Highlighting the pluralistic and multicultural dimensions of Indian education, Prof. Rao said the importance of transmitting the Indian Knowledge Systems to the current generation through well-structured educational institutions. He called for reforms in both the curriculum and institutional-focused education models to better reflect Indian values. Indian Knowledge Systems is deeply rooted in culture, ethics, religion, diversity, wellness, traditions, and heritage. However, currently, there is a shortage of qualified teachers to effectively impart this knowledge. Prof. Rao said that Gautam Buddha deserves credit for introducing the concept of meditation from India to the world.
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
Opinion: Beyond The Mat - Yoga, The Return To The Centre
What is Yoga? You hear a familiar answer: a way to stay fit, reduce stress, or maybe a sequence of well-practised postures. You see glossy images: flexible bodies on Yoga mats, people meditating with closed eyes and calm faces. The worn-out cliche rings hollow: the union of mind, body and soul. Suppose Yoga were about the physical demonstrations that we are incessantly subjected to. Why would Arjuna, one of the physically fittest and finest warriors of his time, stand helpless on the battlefield? Why would Shri Krishna, the Yogeshwar, speak at length about Yoga not to someone physically unfit or unwell, but to someone already as physically competent as Arjuna? Yoga must mean something else. Yoga Through Krishna: Five Foundational Verses That Define It Let's turn to the Gita, not through interpretations, but through Shri Krishna's own words. These five verses open a different window into what Yoga truly means. 1. Renouncing attachment, and keeping the same attitude towards success and failure, you must act. This equanimity of mind is Yoga. Krishna isn't saying, "Accept whatever happens." He's asking us to drop the idea of winning or losing altogether. Not detachment after chasing goals-but freedom from the need to chase at all. Yoga here is about being free of the inner compulsion to chase outcomes, unaffected by inner turbulence. 2. True Yoga is when action comes from inner clarity - when actions are performed with equanimity and wisdom, they do not bind one. This "clarity" Krishna speaks of isn't about being sharp or strategic. It's the freedom to act without the ego pulling the strings. Even admired actions, if done with self-interest, stir up inner noise. But when action flows from detachment and understanding, it leaves no scar. Whatever quietens the ego is virtue. Whatever feeds it is sin. Yoga is when your core remains undisturbed, even as you act. 3. He who sees inaction in action and action in inaction is wise among men; he is a Yogi and a true performer of all actions. Krishna redefines action here. Most of our "doing" is reactive, compulsive, anxious movement without clarity. Though outwardly busy, we're inwardly inert. That's inaction in action. And when something shifts quietly inside - not out of emotion, but out of understanding - that's action in inaction. Yoga begins when we're no longer taken in by appearances and start looking at what's really driving us. 4. When the renunciate, having given up all desires and resolves, is no longer attached to sense objects or actions, then he is truly said to be established in Yoga. A yogi doesn't fight urges, he just sees through them. There's no rush to get something or become someone. He acts when there's clarity, and stays still when there is none. It's not suppression, it's the absence of inner pressure. The one who used to be driven is simply not there anymore. 5. He who is satisfied by knowledge and realisation, who is steady, self-controlled, and regards a lump of clay, a stone, and gold alike-he is a yogi. Here is Krishna's complete image of the yogi: one whose knowledge is not academic, but alive. He is not pretending to be calm - there's nothing left in him to be agitated. He doesn't crave applause, nor does insult shatter him. What's valuable or worthless to the world doesn't disturb his vision. His eyes don't flicker. His mind doesn't chase. That's Yoga. So, What Is Yoga? Yoga is not something you do - it's what remains when falsehood falls away. It is the union, through conscious acsendence, of your current (ordinary and lowly) state with your highest possibility. You can hold a pose, repeat a chant, or study scripture. But if your actions are still driven by fear, comparison, or insecurity, it's not Yoga - it's ego in disguise. Even spirituality can become another of the ego's tactics. That's why Yoga begins in honesty: "Why am I really doing this?" "Is it freeing me, or feeding my image?" Yoga is Not an Isolated Practice - It Must Pervade Your Entire Life It's tempting to treat Yoga like a morning ritual: before coffee, before emails. But it's not a wellness hack. Yoga is a fundamental shift in perception - when you begin seeing through the false. You can't spend your day driven by restlessness and expect peace from a few minutes of breathwork. Yoga isn't an act of willpower. It is submission to truth by way of resolute rejection of the false. Not greater effort, but deeper honesty. That honesty must inform your conversations, decisions, and relationships. Otherwise, it remains just another ritual: comfortable, but hollow. The Ego Can Hijack Yoga The ego is cunning. It will use anything, even Yoga, to sustain itself. You may start with good intent. But soon you want to "master" poses, impress others, be admired for being 'spiritual'. And Yoga becomes another project, another chase. But Yoga isn't here to refine the ego. It is here to dissolve it. When you start asking honestly - What am I chasing? That's when the real practice begins. The Inner Victory Krishna uses the term 'vijitendriya', who has conquered the senses. But victory doesn't mean suppression. You don't overcome the senses by fighting them; you outgrow them. When the ego stops craving pleasure and approval from the world, the senses stop rebelling. When the heart finds something real, the rest naturally settles. It's not denial, it's dissolution. When the false drops, nothing remains to control. This Yoga Day, Don't Just Celebrate. Inquire. Mass gatherings will happen. People will pose, chant, and post hashtags. But real Yoga doesn't begin in a group. It begins with honest observation. So take a moment, not to just display stillness, but to truly understand it. Ask: "Am I more at ease than last year?" "Have I moved toward simplicity or complication?" "Do my actions reflect deeper clarity?" If the answer is yes, even hesitatingly, then something false is already dropping. Stay with it. If not, just see that clearly. That seeing itself is the beginning. Because Yoga isn't a display. It's the quiet undoing of all that is false. (Acharya Prashant, a modern Vedanta exegete and philosopher, is a national bestselling author, columnist, and founder of the PrashantAdvait Foundation. An IIT-IIM alumnus, he is a recipient of the OCND Award from the IIT Delhi Alumni Association for outstanding contribution to national development.)
Mint
2 hours ago
- Mint
10 stylish chimney options that blend beauty and performance: Top picks with strong suction for Indian cooking
Your kitchen deserves to look amazing and feel fresh at the same time. That's where the right chimney makes all the difference. We've rounded up the 10 stylish chimney options that are practical and seriously good-looking. These chimneys come packed with features like motion sensors, powerful suction, and auto-clean functions. Each one is designed to handle heavy Indian cooking while blending beautifully into your space. Product Rating Price BEST OVERALL Elica 90 cm 1350 m3/hr Filterless Autoclean Kitchen Chimney with 15 Years Warranty (WDFL 906 HAC LTW MS NERO, Touch + Motion Sensor Control, Black) View Details INALSA EKON 60cm 1100 m³/hr Pyramid Kitchen Chimney With Elegant Look|Push Button Control|Efficient Dual LED Lamps & Filterless|5 Year Warranty on Motor ( EKON 60BKFL, Black) View Details Faber 90cm 1500m3/hr Autoclean Chimney, Lifetime Wty on Motor, 2Yr Comprehensive Warranty, Autoclean Alarm, Mood Lt (HOOD PRIMUS PLUS ENERGY IN HCSC BK 90, Baffle Filter,Touch & Gesture Control,Black) View Details VALUE FOR MONEY View Details Hindware Smart Appliances | Marvia 60 cm Chimney | 1000 CMH | Pyramid | Push Button | Efficient Dual LED Lamps and Double Baffle Filter | 5 Yrs Warranty on Motor & 2 Yrs on Product (Black) View Details View More This list is full of smart choices for the best chimney for kitchen that are easy to use, easy to clean, and built to last. From curved glass designs to filterless bodies, these picks bring both performance and personality. Finding the best kitchen chimney is no longer just about function. It's about matching your taste and upgrading your lifestyle. Get ready to discover chimney models that make cooking more stylish and stress-free. Built for heavy-duty Indian cooking, this Elica chimney stands out for its smart features and powerful suction. The elegant curved glass and sleek black finish bring modern style to the kitchen. Motion and touch controls make it easy to operate even with messy hands. It's one of the best chimney models available today, especially for larger stoves and frequent use. The oil collector and filterless design also make cleaning less of a hassle. Dimensions 90 x 47.5 x 42.6 cm Mounting Type Wall-mounted, curved glass Powerful suction for Indian cooking Low maintenance filterless design May be oversized for compact kitchens What are buyers saying on Amazon? Smooth performance, attractive finish, and suction strong enough for daily Indian cooking needs. Choose this if you want strong suction, long-term warranty, and hands-free controls in a stylish black design. This compact yet powerful chimney from INALSA blends classic design with smart functionality. The pyramid shape adds a neat visual touch to the kitchen, while dual baffle filters handle oil and fumes effectively. Perfect for those seeking one of the best chimney options under budget, it offers reliable suction, push-button operation, and efficient dual LED lighting. It easily earns a spot among the 10 stylish chimney picks for smaller kitchens. Dimensions 60 x 47.5 x 52 cm Mounting Type Wall-mounted, pyramid shape Simple and sturdy controls Strong metal build Not filterless What are buyers saying on Amazon? Fits well, works smoothly, and gives great value for small to mid-size kitchens. Opt for this if you prefer a trusted brand, minimal design, and easy operation for light to regular cooking. The Glen Hood Aqua chimney provides simple functionality in a reliable package. It combines a robust stainless-steel baffle filter and thermal overload protection to ensure both safety and performance. The pyramid shape suits Indian homes and traditional interiors. It's a strong candidate among the best chimney picks for homes wanting classic looks without skipping modern features like LED lighting and energy efficiency. Dimensions 60 x 43 x 62 cm Mounting Type Wall-mounted, pyramid shape Strong build with motor safety Effective for small kitchens Lacks modern touch controls What are buyers saying on Amazon? Good quality product, minimal noise, easy controls, and fits Indian kitchens well. Select this if you want a safe, budget-friendly chimney with solid construction and basic yet dependable features. Faber's 90 cm curved glass chimney is built to impress, both in looks and performance. The high suction capacity of 1500 m³/hr easily handles smoke from intense cooking. Its mood lighting adds a soft glow to your kitchen, while the auto-clean alarm reminds you to maintain it on time. It's easily one of the best chimney choices for homes with 3 to 5 burner stoves and demanding cooking routines. Dimensions 90 x 48 x 60 cm Gesture control is smooth Auto-clean alarm Slightly pricier What are buyers saying on Amazon? Performance is top-notch, and mood lights make the kitchen feel premium and modern. Go for this if you want superior suction, elegant lighting, and long-term durability in a modern design. Designed for those who love high performance in a compact size, this Elica model brings top-notch suction in a 60 cm frame. It uses advanced BLDC motor technology for energy efficiency and quieter operation. The filterless design cuts down on cleaning effort, while touch and motion controls add convenience. Among the 10 stylish chimney options, this T-shaped model stands out for its blend of power, simplicity, and longevity. Dimensions 60 x 45.5 x 43.8 cm Controls Touch + Motion Sensor (9-speed) Energy-efficient motor High suction in compact size No filter may not be suitable for all What are buyers saying on Amazon? Cleans well, quiet motor, works great for medium cooking needs without taking up much space. Pick this for strong airflow, minimal maintenance, and a compact design that works in any modern kitchen. This KAFF chimney is all about blending style with performance. The curved glass front and matte black finish make it a standout piece in any modern kitchen. A 1450 m³/hr suction capacity handles strong odours and smoke with ease. The thermostatic touch panel and gesture controls add a smart touch. Among the 10 stylish chimney models, this one offers a perfect balance of functionality and visual appeal—making it one of the best chimney picks in its class. Dimensions 59.5 x 49 x 53.8 cm Mounting Type Wall-mounted, curved glass High airflow for tough cooking Gesture and thermostatic controls Slightly louder at high speed What are buyers saying on Amazon? Powerful suction, smart features, and a sharp design that enhances the look of any modular kitchen. Choose this for modern looks, efficient airflow, and tech-smart features that simplify your cooking experience. Livpure Alder Neo is a dependable chimney for small to medium kitchens, especially for those who prefer a simple, no-frills design. It features a sturdy baffle filter that traps grease efficiently and is easy to clean. This model also includes dual LED lights and user-friendly push-button controls. For daily cooking, it's among the best chimney choices for low-maintenance users looking for value under the list of 10 stylish chimney options. Dimensions 60 x 47.5 x 75 cm Mounting Type Wall-mounted, pyramid style Easy-to-use control panel Good suction for daily meals No filterless tech or auto-clean What are buyers saying on Amazon? Effective for regular use, easy setup, and simple controls make it a solid kitchen companion. Go for this if you want straightforward functionality and low maintenance at a pocket-friendly price. Hindware's Marvia chimney is a solid pick for budget-conscious buyers who want clean air without extra complications. The 1000 m³/hr suction power handles light to moderate frying, while the double baffle filters trap grease efficiently. The pyramid-shaped body adds a classic look, making it one of the best chimney models in the budget range. If you're looking for a compact model in the 10 stylish chimney segment, this one checks all the basics. Dimensions 60 x 47.5 x 52 cm Mounting Type Wall-mounted, pyramid shape Classic pyramid shape Affordable pricing Basic functionality only What are buyers saying on Amazon? Compact and efficient, good suction, and ideal for small kitchens with basic frying needs. Pick this for its sturdy build, effective filtration, and affordability that suits most Indian kitchens. The Crompton QuietPro Plus redefines silent performance. It runs quieter than most, thanks to its advanced BLDC motor, and smartly turns itself on when the stove heats up—thanks to its heat-sensing Smart On tech. It also features intelligent auto-cleaning after every 30 hours of use. As one of the best chimney models for modern tech lovers, it easily belongs in the 10 stylish chimney shortlist for larger kitchens. Dimensions 89.7 x 84.8 x 84.8 cm Mounting Type Inclined wall mount Turns on automatically when needed Intelligent auto-clean system Higher price point What are buyers saying on Amazon? Very quiet, modern features are impressive, and suction is more than enough for everyday cooking. Opt for this if you want noise-free performance, smart features, and the highest suction in a sleek design. This isn't just a chimney, it's an upgrade to your kitchen's personality. The Beyond Asteria blends smart design with high utility, featuring built-in Bluetooth speakers, a smart display, and powerful suction. Perfect for tech-savvy homes, it also includes chef-curated recipes on-screen. The filterless design and auto-clean technology keep maintenance effortless. As one of the most innovative entries in our 10 stylish chimney list, it easily qualifies as one of the best chimney picks for modern homes. Dimensions 60 x 50 x 57 cm Mounting Type Wall-mounted, curved glass Entertainment + cooking integration Smart recipe suggestions Higher initial price What are buyers saying on Amazon? Impressive features, looks futuristic, and works well for both function and fun in the kitchen. Select this if you love smart tech, easy controls, and entertainment while you cook. Wall-mounted curved glass or pyramid-shaped chimneys are popular for stylish kitchens. They combine aesthetics with strong suction and easy installation. Look for features like auto-clean, filterless design, and LED lights for a great blend of form and function. Smart features like motion sensors, infotainment screens, Bluetooth speakers, and auto-on technology offer convenience. These features make your chimney more than just an exhaust, it becomes an interactive part of your kitchen, enhancing your cooking and cleaning experience. Yes, many budget-friendly chimneys like those from Glen, Livpure, or Hindware offer pyramid designs, LED lighting, and sleek finishes. While they may skip premium features, they still fit well into modern kitchens and deliver reliable performance. Suction Power : Choose 1000–1500 m³/hr based on cooking style. : Choose 1000–1500 m³/hr based on cooking style. Filter Type : Decide between filterless (low maintenance) or baffle (great for oil-heavy cooking). : Decide between filterless (low maintenance) or baffle (great for oil-heavy cooking). Size : 60 cm for 2–4 burners, 90 cm for 3–5 burners. : 60 cm for 2–4 burners, 90 cm for 3–5 burners. Controls : Look for touch, gesture, or motion sensor options. : Look for touch, gesture, or motion sensor options. Noise Level : Prefer chimneys under 60 dB for a quieter kitchen. : Prefer chimneys under 60 dB for a quieter kitchen. Auto-clean Feature : Helps reduce manual maintenance. : Helps reduce manual maintenance. Lighting : LED lamps improve cooking visibility. : LED lamps improve cooking visibility. Design & Finish : Match the look with your kitchen—curved, pyramid, T-shaped, matte, or glossy. : Match the look with your kitchen—curved, pyramid, T-shaped, matte, or glossy. Smart Features: Bluetooth, infotainment screens, or auto-on features are great for tech-savvy users. Top 10 stylish chimney Filter Type Noise level Special feature Filterless 58 dB LED Lighting, Built-In Oil Collector, Auto Clean Filterless 65 dB 58 dB Comes with a Thermal Overload Protector Baffle Filter 59 dB Filterless 58 dB Perforated Filter 58 dB Baffle Filter 58 dB Double Baffle Filter 58 dB 46 dB Beyond Appliances Asteria 60cm Auto Clean Kitchen Chimney Filterless 63 dB Smart Screen & Speakers Disclaimer: Mint has an affiliate marketing partnership, which means we may get some commission on purchases you make through the retailer sites links provided. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, which is free from any bias or marketing pitch. We strive to provide accurate and unbiased information to help you make informed decisions. We recommend verifying details with the retailer before making a purchase.
