Bhopal: The Barkatullah University would be launching a short-term course to groom an ideal ‘bahu’, said media reports on Friday. The three-month course will be launched from the next academic session. Speaking to The Times of India, Vice-Chancellor Prof DC Gupta said the idea was to “make girls aware so that they can adjust to the new environment after marriage”. “As a university, we have a few responsibilities towards society, as well. We should not be limited to academics alone. Our objective is to prepare such brides who will keep families intact,” he said. (Also read: No Slippers, Shorts Outside Rooms, Says AMU Advisory) Also Read - Speaking About Sanitary Napkins From Red Fort: Why Twitter is All Praises For PM Modi

Calling it a part of “women empowerment,” Gupta said the course will be started in the departments of psychology, sociology and women’s studies as a pilot project. As far as the course content is concerned, he said, “We will include various related topics from sociology, psychology. and such. Our aim is that after completing the courses, girls should be in a better position to understand the dynamics of families. It is our effort to bring about a positive change in society.” Also Read - Historic! Women Soldiers Of Assam Rifles Deployed On Combat Duty Along LoC For the First Time Ever

The first batch would have 30 young women. The minimum age to enrol for the course hasn’t been decided yet because the university was still working out the specifics. “It is too early to comment on this,” said Prof Gupta. Sources said BU will also take feedback from parents of the girls who complete the course. Also Read - 'Challenge Accepted' Origin: Shared a Black & White Pic on Instagram? Femicide in Turkey is The Real Reason Behind the Viral Trend

Psychology department head Prof K N Tripathi hailed the concept, and said, “It is a noble thought. VC Gupta wants to a make difference in society. I can’t comment about the rest.” Women’s studies HoD Prof Asha Shukla told the daily she didn’t know about the course. Other educationists aren’t so upbeat about the concept. “This is a funny idea; if BU indeed plans to implement it. The bigger need is to improve infrastructure, exams, classes and address the demands of students instead of venturing into such courses,” said retired professor HS Yadav.

The university had earlier tried to start short-term courses but could not continue them. “Stem cell engineering is the best example. BU had to discontinue it mid-way. It was a sheer waste of time for the 30 students who had taken admission,” said a senior professor.