Centre for Hindu Studies to begin at Doon Univ in Aug
State education minister Dhan Singh Rawat urged officials to expedite formalities during a recent review meeting at the university. "The centre will serve as an important platform for preserving, analysing, and disseminating Indian spiritual and philosophical traditions. It will encourage understanding of Hindu traditions, texts, and philosophy and will promote Indian research methodologies for teaching and research," he said.
The centre will offer a four-year undergraduate course covering metaphysics, discourse on religion and duty, debate traditions, Ramayana, Mahabharata, leadership and organisational behaviour. Postgraduate studies will focus on Hindu philosophy, society, literature, religion, and leadership skills. Rawat added that the centre will bridge modernity and tradition, preparing citizens and leaders with moral and cultural awareness.
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The minister said that after Banaras Hindu University, Doon University will be the second institution in the country to formally study Vedas, Puranas, and Indian philosophy. However, 17 other universities, including Delhi University and JNU, offer similar courses, said a senior faculty member at the centre.
Prof HC Purohit, dean of the school of management and students' welfare, has been appointed coordinator of the centre.
He said that admissions are open until Aug 8, after which classes will begin. "The course framework was finalised in June. The MA course has 20 seats, and a guest lecturer roster has already been prepared," he said.
During the meeting, the minister also reviewed the progress of Dr Nityanand Himalayan Research and Study Centre and the MSc Urban Development Management program. He instructed departmental officials and university administration to make the research centre more student-friendly and to develop the university as a centre for excellence.
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