Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is set to establish dedicated centres for Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain studies to foster and promote India's diverse cultural and spiritual heritage. This move, approved by the university's Executive Council on May 29, marks a significant step towards deepening academic research and understanding of these ancient traditions.
The newly established centres will function under the esteemed School of Sanskrit and Indic Studies at JNU. The primary goal is to encourage an interdisciplinary approach to studying Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, integrating traditional knowledge systems with contemporary scholarship. This development is part of a broader strategy to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes the importance of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) in higher education.
JNU's initiative aligns with similar efforts at other leading Indian universities. For instance, Delhi University and Banaras Hindu University have already made strides in this direction by setting up their centres or programmes focused on Hindu and Buddhist studies. These efforts are part of a growing trend in Indian academia to revive and integrate traditional wisdom with modern education frameworks.
The new centres at JNU will offer a comprehensive range of academic programs. Students can pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and engage in PhD research. These programs are designed to attract scholars and students globally, fostering a vibrant academic community dedicated to exploring and understanding India's rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
Establishing these centres is expected to have a far-reaching impact on India's intellectual landscape. JNU aims to enhance global understanding of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions by promoting rigorous academic research and cross-cultural dialogue. This initiative is also anticipated to contribute to preserving and disseminating India's ancient knowledge systems.
According to Hindustan Times, Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit expressed optimism about the initiative, highlighting its potential to position JNU as a leading institution in studying Indic traditions. "These centres will not only deepen our understanding of these ancient wisdom traditions but also promote a global perspective on India's cultural heritage," she said.
Establishing these centres at JNU represents a significant advancement in studying India's spiritual and cultural traditions. It underscores the university's commitment to preserving and promoting the rich tapestry of knowledge that has shaped India's history and continues to influence contemporary society. As JNU embarks on this new journey, it stands poised to become a global hub for studying and appreciating Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain philosophies.
