Introduction to Indian Psychology Course | IIT Kharagpur | Prof. Anuradha Choudry
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 785 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 26 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Discover the Timeless Wisdom of Indian Psychology for Modern Well-Being
In our fast-paced, high-pressure world, stress and psychological challenges are becoming universal concerns. While mainstream psychology offers valuable tools, there is a growing global interest in ancient, holistic approaches to understanding the mind and fostering resilience. Enter Indian Psychology—a profound system of knowledge rooted in millennia of exploration into consciousness, self, and human potential.
This comprehensive 12-week online course, Introduction to Indian Psychology, offered by the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, serves as your gateway to this transformative field. Guided by the renowned expert Prof. Anuradha Choudry, the course bridges ancient wisdom and contemporary life, providing practical frameworks for self-development and lasting well-being.
Why Study Indian Psychology?
Indian Psychology, particularly through the lens of Yoga, offers a unique paradigm. It doesn't just seek to treat dysfunction but aims for the holistic development of the individual—integrating body, mind, and spirit. It provides:
- A Different Worldview: Understand life goals (puruṣārthas), duty (dharma), and the nature of the Self (Ātman).
- Practical Techniques: Learn time-tested "techniques of consciousness" like meditation (dhyāna), breath control (prāṇāyāma), and sense mastery (indriyajaya).
- Stress Resilience: Gain clarity on life's purpose and cultivate inner poise to navigate modern challenges effectively.
- Civilizationally Rooted Ethics: Build a value system based on daivīsampat (divine qualities) for meaningful living.
Course Instructor: Prof. Anuradha Choudry
Your guide on this journey is a distinguished scholar and practitioner:
- Faculty, Dept. of Humanities & Social Sciences, IIT Kharagpur.
- Coordinator, Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Division, Ministry of Education, Govt. of India.
- A multilingual Sanskritist with deep expertise in Indian/Yoga Psychology and Environmental Humanities.
- Recipient of the Excellent Young Teacher's Award at IIT Kharagpur (2019).
- Prolific author and editor of key texts like Perspectives on Indian Psychology and Happiness: Indic Perspectives.
Who Should Enroll?
This course is designed for a wide audience:
- Students and professionals in Psychology, Mental Health, and Counseling.
- Practitioners of Yoga, Meditation, and Wellness.
- Individuals interested in Self-Development, Applied Philosophy, and Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS).
- Corporate professionals and HR teams focused on employee well-being and holistic leadership.
Industry Support: All industries seeking to enhance employee mental health, resilience, and ethical decision-making will find immense value in the principles taught in this course.
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
| Week | Core Topics |
|---|---|
| Week 1-2 | Foundations: Definitions, scope, and schools of Western Psychology (Structuralism, Psychoanalysis, Humanism). |
| Week 3 | Indian Paradigms: Introduction to Vedānta, Sāṃkhya, Āyurveda, and their models of the being. |
| Week 4-5 | Core Concepts: Self, consciousness, dharma, prakṛti, puruṣārthas, the theory of karma. |
| Week 6-7 | Mind & Body: Conceptions of mind across philosophies; insights from Yogasūtra & Bhagavadgītā on senses, guṇas, and aṣṭāṅgayoga. |
| Week 8-9 | Paths & Practices: Streams of Yoga (Jñāna, Bhakti, Karma, Rāja), cakras, and practical techniques for mastering consciousness and energy. |
| Week 10 | Integral Well-Being: Cultivating happiness (sukha), health (svāsthya), and the state of a sthitaprajña (steady wisdom). |
| Week 11 | Case Studies: Learning from lives of masters like Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Aurobindo, Ramaṇa Maharṣi, and modern spiritual figures. |
| Week 12 | Application: Research methods, therapy, pedagogy, and exploring extraordinary human experiences. |
Key Texts & Reading Materials
The course is enriched by a profound reading list curated by Prof. Choudry, including her own seminal works and classics of the field:
- Choudry, A., & Vinayachandra, B.K. (Eds.). Perspectives on Indian Psychology.
- Rao, K.R., Paranjpe, A.C., & Dalal, A.K. (Eds.). Handbook of Indian Psychology.
- Cornelissen, R.M.M., Misra, G., & Varma, S. (Eds.). Foundations and Applications of Indian Psychology.
- Aurobindo, Sri. The Synthesis of Yoga.
- Saraswati, S.S. Four Chapters on Freedom: Commentaries on the Yoga Sutras.
- Yogananda, Paramahansa. Autobiography of a Yogi.
Embark on a Transformative Learning Journey
"Introduction to Indian Psychology" is more than an academic course; it is an invitation to explore the depths of your own consciousness. By understanding the sophisticated frameworks of Indian thought, you equip yourself with tools for greater clarity, resilience, and purpose.
Whether you are a student of psychology, a wellness practitioner, a corporate leader, or simply a seeker on the path of self-knowledge, this course offers invaluable insights for navigating life with wisdom and poise.
Course Level: Undergraduate/Postgraduate
Duration: 12 Weeks
Category: Humanities and Social Sciences
Take the first step towards a more integrated and fulfilling life. Enroll today and discover the transformative power of Indian Psychology.
Enroll Now →