Impact of Bhagavad Gita Course on College Students: A Study Based on Students Feedback

Srimad Bhagavad Gita, one of the most authentic scriptures of India, is being taught as an elective or regular course in various universities around the world. I have been teaching Gita in Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Hyderabad campus (BPHC) since 2012. This paper presents some feedback given by the students revealing the impact of the course on them and possible improvements in its pedagogy. Twelve batches of students (a little over 2000) have studied this course between January 2012 and May 2019. From these, 300 students volunteered in giving individual written feedback. In this elaborate write-up, they shared their experience of the course and possible improvements that they would suggest in its teaching. This includes 28 alumni, who came back to meet the author. An analysis of the student input reveals that the impact is at various levels which are broadly placed under three categories here: (1) an immediate effect of sanctity and strengthening of faith, (2) improved clarity of the mind, better focus, calm and content disposition in general and (3) long-term effect on personality traits like development of leadership and problem-solving abilities. They have also suggested a combination of traditional and modern methods of teaching for better comprehension and participation.