Courses on Hinduism and Hindu Studies Gain Momentum in Indian Universities
09 October 2023 | The Wire
A photo of the convocation at Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur. Credit: website
New Delhi: In the last few months, courses on Hinduism, Hindu Studies, and related subjects seemed to have gained popularity in some Indian universities. For instance, Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University in Kanpur has introduced three courses: a certificate and a diploma course on ‘Karmkand’, and a masters course in ‘Jyotirvigyan’ (Astroscience), the Hindu reported.
‘Karmkand’ means ritualism. It refers to the section of the Vedas that lists the performance of rituals and sacrificial rites for material benefits or for liberation, which are performed by Brahmins in exchange for a Dakshina.
The course initially attracted 29 students but saw increased enrolment due to its popularity, the newspaper reported.
“We were forced to increase seats mid-session. Now the administration is deliberating on further increasing the seats for the upcoming session,” Vishal Sharma, the media in-charge and a faculty member at CSJM University, told the daily.