Graduate Certificate in Liberal Arts (GCLA)

What is the Graduate Certificate in Liberal Arts (GCLA)?

The GCLA is a unique programme, offering in-person, experiential sessions exploring the Indian liberal arts. It has been curated for anyone who has a keen interest in the liberal arts but did not have the opportunity to pursue them. In true Takshashila style, the programme will offer a holistic, interdisciplinary curriculum taught by internationally renowned faculty.

Who is it for?

The GCLA programme intends to broaden the level of knowledge of India’s influential and elite citizens, while also expanding their social and intellectual networks. It is open to all.

Where and for how long?

In-person at Bengaluru, as well as in online mode. Spread over 12 Saturdays. Includes 2 in-person experiential/applied sessions.

Director’s Message

“Every ancient civilization, whether it’s Egypt, Greece, or India, valued the humanities not just for the pleasure that they gave and the learnings that they encouraged, but also because they fostered a certain type of thinking that was humane, philosophical, detached, and that allowed for imagination and emotional empathy to be nourished.

For this reason, I believe that studying the liberal arts is not just a way to balance the rational mindset, but also increase your surface area of knowledge and think in a very different way.”

- Shoba Narayan
GCLA Director, Takshashila Institution

Faculty

Objective

The GCLA offers the opportunity of a lifetime to acquire practical knowledge and skills pertaining to the liberal arts. Learn how to appreciate a work of art, understand the nuances of Indian psychology, perfect the skills to become a wine connoisseur, and interpret India’s finest temple architecture. The programme is the first of its kind that will round up an influential section of people who yearn for intellectual stimulation and cultural refinement.

Programme Outcomes

  • Satisfy the desire for universal understanding through engaging lectures, curated applied art activities & interactive discussions hosted by 12 renowned faculty. 

  • Join a thoughtful and vibrant peer group every weekend without having to take time off from work. 

  • Discover ideas and values for better living through a holistic learning experience.

Curriculum & further details

In-person/online sessions
Modules will be taught on Saturdays, both in-person at the Takshashila office on Church Street in Bengaluru, as well as in online mode. They will be followed by an interactive discussion with the faculty. The inaugural programme of the Graduate Certificate in Liberal Arts (GCLA) will include the following modules:

  1. POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY (Prof. Pratap Bhanu Mehta): Understand the subtleties of Kautilyan statecraft & how it influences the politics of our time.

  2. INDIAN PSYCHOLOGY (Dr. Sudhir Kakar): Is there an ‘Indian Identity’? Reflect on ideologies around personal and family relationships.

  3. INDIAN ART (Ms. Sharan Apparao): Appreciate the spectrum of contemporary, textile, craft, and miniature art in India, & its cultural relevance.

  4. INDIAN CINEMA (Mr. MK Raghavendra): Embark on a cinematic journey of experiences & insights that gives you a sneak peek into an Indian imagination.

  5. ICONOGRAPHY & TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE (Mr. Arvind Sethi): Learn how to view or read temple architecture, sculptures, & iconography.

  6. LANGUAGE & CIVILISATION (Mr. Ganesh N Devy): ‘What India Speaks?’ Tune into a comprehensive case study of India as a linguistic civilisation.

  7. INDIAN AESTHETICS (Dr. Srajana Kaikini): ‘What Art We?’: An immersive workshop-lecture exploring aesthetic practices, their entanglement with our lived experiences and their impact on our knowledge systems.

  8. CONSTITUTION (Dr. Aditya Sondhi): ‘Constitution for the Right Brained’: How is it relevant to the complexities of India’s socio-politics?

  9. LITERATURE (INDIAN) (Dr. Arshia Sattar): Wander through Indian prose & poetry with useful takeaways on how to interpret written & oral traditions.

  10. PERSONAL & MENTAL WELLBEING (Dr. Sujata Kelkar Shetty): A blend of neuroscience, stories, and skills that support stress management and building of mental resilience.

Experiential Sessions

These are field visits that include 2 evenings of experiential/applied sessions.

  1. PERFORMING ARTS (Ms. Madhu Nataraj): Through a Kathak lec-dem, engage with stories, cross-cultural influences & meaning of gestures.

  2. Wine Connoisseurship: Practical ways to taste, smell & swirl wine so that you are prepared for the next classy event!

Fee Details and Application Process

  1. The full programme fee for individuals is ₹1 lakh plus 18% GST. Introductory fee: ₹75k + GST.
    Please contact us for corporate/group discounts.

  2. The application is an online process where the applicant either records a video/submits an essay on the topic: What are you curious about?

  3. To ensure that it remains an interactive and exclusive group, we are limiting this inaugural cohort to 20 members. Apply via this form.

  4. All applications go through a stringent application process, so students are encouraged to elaborate on their motivations for doing this course.

  5. Course duration: To be decided later.

For any queries, please write to policyschool@takshashila.org.in