On the occasion of World Heart Day, we often focus on the physical aspects of heart health—exercising, eating well and taking care of our bodies. But what if we took a step further and thought about heart health in a broader, more holistic sense? Imagine incorporating "Love" into university curricula, a concept that goes beyond romanticised ideas and delves into the fundamental essence of human connection, empathy and emotional intelligence.  

In an age where education systems around the world are racing to keep pace with technological advancements and job market demands, one fundamental aspect of human existence is notably absent from the curriculum: love. While universities focus on intellectual growth, technical skills and professional development, the subject of love—whether romantic, platonic or self-love—remains largely unexplored in academic institutions. This glaring omission raises an important question: why is love, a force that shapes every human life, sidelined in higher education?

The idea that love could or should be taught in universities may seem unconventional or even idealistic. However, love plays a central role in human well-being, emotional intelligence and social interactions, all of which are essential for personal fulfillment and professional success. Research consistently shows that individuals who experience love and connection in their lives are healthier, happier and more resilient in the face of stress. Yet, despite its significance, love is not treated with the same intellectual rigor or respect as subjects like economics, engineering or law.

"The focus should be on emotional intelligence. We can try to teach students about emotional regulation, empathy and communication. Strong interpersonal relationships are built on these skills, and they can lead to a deeper understanding of love in all its forms. The different kinds of love and differences can be taught immersive in their domain level," said Dr Nithin Kalorth, Associate Professor at the School of Creative Media, Bahrain Polytechnic.

Modern education paradigm

One reason love is missing from university curriculums could be the way education is framed in the modern world. Universities are often seen as institutions for professional training rather than holistic development. The focus is on producing employable graduates, skilled in their respective fields but lacking guidance in areas of personal and emotional growth. While students may learn to navigate complex algorithms, manage companies or design infrastructure, they often leave university unequipped to manage their personal relationships or cultivate love and compassion in their lives.

Furthermore, love is often relegated to the realm of private life, considered too subjective or personal to be worthy of academic inquiry. However, the subject of love spans multiple disciplines—psychology, sociology, philosophy, and even neuroscience—all of which could offer valuable insights into its complexities. Scholars like Bell Hooks have long advocated for love to be taken seriously in academic and social discourses. In her book 'All About Love', Hooks argue that society’s reluctance to discuss love in intellectual spaces reflects a broader discomfort with vulnerability and emotional openness.

If universities were to incorporate love into their curriculums, it could have transformative effects on both students and society at large. Classes that explore the psychology of love, the ethics of relationships or the role of love in community building could help students develop a more nuanced understanding of this powerful emotion. They would also provide a framework for discussing difficult but necessary topics, such as emotional abuse, the balance between independence and connection and the social impact of empathy and compassion.

Expanding study of love

"Love is often explored through literature and literary studies in university courses, but the scientific study of love is largely overlooked. Introducing elective courses focused on the science of love could offer a new and valuable perspective in higher education," said Sujit Chandra Kumar, a senior journalist from Kochi.

Imagine a world where students graduate not only with technical knowledge but also with the emotional skills needed to build healthy relationships, foster empathy, and contribute to a more compassionate society. Such an approach would go beyond merely teaching students how to succeed in their careers; it would prepare them for success in life. Several forward-thinking institutions are beginning to recognize the importance of emotional intelligence and love in their programs. Some universities are offering courses on happiness, emotional well-being, and interpersonal communication, signalling a shift toward more holistic education. However, these courses are still the exception rather than the rule.

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Representational image | Photo: Canva.com

Ripple effects of love education

The inclusion of love in university curriculums would not only benefit individual students but also create ripple effects throughout society. In a world that often feels divided, disconnected, and hostile, the ability to understand, express, and cultivate love is more crucial than ever. Universities, as institutions that shape the leaders of tomorrow, have a unique responsibility to foster not just intellectual excellence but emotional and social wisdom as well.

Ultimately, the absence of love from university curriculums reflects a broader societal devaluation of emotional and relational intelligence. But as we face increasingly complex global challenges—ranging from mental health crises to social inequalities—the need for a more compassionate and empathetic world becomes ever more urgent. Universities have the potential to lead this change by integrating love into their academic frameworks, ensuring that students are equipped not only to succeed in the world but also to make it a better, kinder place.

"Incorporating love into education could directly address the toxic cultures we often hear about in corporate environments. If young minds were trained to lead with compassion, incidents like the EY case—where harmful workplace behaviours reportedly caused significant distress—might never occur. Instead of fostering environments driven by pressure and power struggles, managers would be equipped to nurture growth, support their teams, and create healthier workspaces", said Nayantara Menon, who works at an IT firm in Pune.  

Adding Love as a subject or module might help address this gap in emotional and social education. Love here isn’t limited to the personal or intimate, but rather the ability to empathize, to connect, and to build healthier, more meaningful relationships—whether at work, in communities, or with oneself. Emotional intelligence, the power of active listening, the ability to love without judgment, and caring for others—all these traits are essential for a healthy heart and society, both literally and metaphorically.

Love, as an academic concept, can introduce discussions on mental health, emotional well-being, compassion-based leadership, and the importance of building kind and inclusive environments. After all, many of the world’s challenges—be it in the workplace or society—can be traced back to a lack of understanding and empathy. Integrating love in education could shift the focus from competition to collaboration, from isolation to connection.

On World Heart Day, as we think about what it takes to keep our hearts healthy, let’s expand that idea beyond our physical bodies. Perhaps it's time to seriously consider teaching Love—not just in terms of relationships but as a life skill that prepares students for a more compassionate, humane future.