For its 60 seats on offer, Delhi University’s newly approved Centre for Hindu Studies has received about 180 applications until September 30 for the Master’s programme, officials said. The centre will begin admitting students in the coming week. As part of the course, students will learn traditional literary theory, Western limitations on free inquiry, descriptions of Bharat from various sources, the distinction between varna, jati and caste, understand the term ‘Hindu’, and be familiarised with units of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Speaking to The Indian Express, Shri Prakash Singh, Director of DU’s South Campus and member of the Standing Committee for academic matters, said: “The Centre for Hindu Studies was the vision of Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh. We have already approved the syllabi for the first semester in the previous Executive Council meeting and are seeking approval of a few papers for the second semester. The date for commencing the course is yet to be decided.” Hindu Studies is a two-year Master’s programme, Singh said, adding any graduate is eligible for admission and will be evaluated on the basis of merit. The course will cost a student Rs 9,900 per annum and classes will be taught by university teachers from different departments and colleges in a collaborative mode. “Initially, teachers at the centre will have a reduced workload from their respective colleges and departments to ensure they are not overworked with responsibilities at the new centre. We will eventually be writing to the UGC for allotment of new teachers,” said Singh. The centre will have a minimum seven faculty members, comprising a professor, four assistant professors and two associate professors, according to the DU administration. “The Master's course in Hindu studies being offered by the university is different from any other in the country. We are making it interdisciplinary. Students who choose Masters in Hindu Studies can pick completely different subjects to study as their minor, ranging from computer science to political science, and have the option of pursuing higher education or career opportunities in either of the subjects,” said Prerna Malhotra, joint director at the Centre for Hindu studies. According to university officials, students opting for the course can pursue careers in research, lecturership and academia.
