Vadodara: The Maharaja Sayajirao University in Vadodara has formally integrated a study of “Modi Tattva” into its Master’s in Sociology programme to examine the societal impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. According to departmental officials on Saturday, the new module is part of a broader course titled “Sociology of Patriotism” designed to provide a scientific analysis of charismatic leadership and the evolution of cultural nationalism in India. Dr. Virendra Singh, the head of the sociology department, explained that the curriculum seeks to explore why the Prime Minister’s influence has remained a dominant force in the political and social landscape for an extended duration. The study will draw academic parallels between the leadership style observed in the current administration and the charismatic leadership theories famously proposed by sociologist Max Weber, which have historically been applied to figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King.
Beyond individual leadership, the syllabus includes a historical and sociological inquiry into the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh or RSS. This inclusion stems from departmental observations made during field surveys for NITI Aayog projects, where students noted the significant role played by RSS-affiliated groups in implementing public policies within remote villages. The course aims to investigate the organisational structure and social reach of the RSS through a rigorous academic lens. Additionally, the programme will scrutinise specific national policies such as demonetisation, the digital revolution, and the establishment of the Jal Shakti Ministry to understand how these initiatives resonate with public aspirations and contribute to widespread political support. By focusing on media and digital nationalism, the module intends to decode the mechanisms of contemporary identity politics and the formalisation of national pride in the digital age.
The “Sociology of Patriotism” course is structured into four distinct papers, each involving 15 hours of instruction. It integrates modern political developments with the legacies of prominent social reformers, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, known for the concept of Hindu Swaraj, and the erstwhile ruler of Baroda, Sayajirao Gaekwad III. By examining these historical figures alongside contemporary topics like citizenship and dissent, the university intends to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Indian nationalism from both a cultural and global perspective. Dr. Singh emphasised that discussing the Prime Minister’s role is essential for any serious study of India’s current political field, framing the “Modi Tattva” element as a scientific subject that will remain relevant to the study of Indian society for a long time.
