JNU to set up centres for Hindu, Buddhist, Jain studies; gets executive council’s nod

NEW DELHI: The Jawaharlal Nehru University announced that it will establish centres for Hindu studies, Buddhist studies, and Jain studies. The three new centres will be opened under the school of Sanskrit and Indic studies at the university. The executive council of JNU approved the decision to set up the new centres in a meeting held on May 29 this year.

The decision has been taken based on the recommendations of a committee constituted by the university to explore and make suggestions on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Indian Knowledge System.

"The Executive Council in its meeting held on 29.05.2024 has approved the recommendation of the committee constituted to explore and recommend on NEP-2020 and Indian Knowledge System and its further implementation in the University, and establishing of following centres within the School of Sanskrit and Indic Studies," read an official JNU notification dated July 9.

In March this year, the University of Delhi (DU) received the approval of the ministry of minority affairs to start a centre for advanced studies in Buddhist studies. Previously, the university inaugurated a centre for Hindu studies through which it offers an MA degree in Hindu studies. The centre plans to offer six new electives including an introduction to vedic literature, upanishad parichaya, dharma and religion

Last year, Sharda University, a private institution in Uttar Pradesh, set up a ‘Jain Study Centre’ which will teach students about the culture and religion of Jainism. The university students will have the option to study Jain subject as an additional course.