Mumbai University, Welingkar Institute start first of its kind PG diploma in temple management

NEW DELHI: University of Mumbai and Welingkar Institute have started a first of its kind postgraduate diploma programme in temple management, launched by Temple Connect, a private initiative that aims to enhance the temple ecosystem. The 6-month course will equip participants with the essential skills to manage temple ecosystems with modern expertise and strategic foresight, the official statement read.

“After the monumental success of the International Temples Convention & Expo (ITCX), Temple Connect has launched the country’s first-ever Postgraduate Diploma program in Temple Management. This six month course aims to professionalise temple operations covering technology, sustainability, and inclusivity,” it said.

The inaugural batches of this course commenced at the University of Mumbai and Welingkar Institute from this academic year 2024-25. Temple Connect also announced plans for further rollouts at Savitribai Phule Pune University.

Besides these institutes, the officials announced plans to launch the programme in 19 other government-run universities in major states like Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Goa, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh (MP), and Uttar Pradesh (UP), as well as major cities including Varanasi, Noida, Delhi, Haridwar, and more within the next two academic years.

This step is being taken to enable a localised approach to conducting these courses. “On the international front, Temple Connect is in touch with renowned global universities to co-create and launch various specialised temple management topics in the upcoming year,” it added.

PG Diploma in Temple Management

The curriculum has been equally divided for classroom learning and practical learning. In the first three months, learners will go through intensive classroom learning consisting of over 20 sessions, followed by internships at renowned temples in the last three months.

“The faculty consists of seasoned professionals from all of whom have substantial practical experience in temple operations. In the current format, courses are delivered in person and through internships, with 30 student batches per university or institute,” the official statement read.

The course also offers participants practical exposure to temple management to foster their skills from administrative duties to community engagement and spiritual stewardship.

To be eligible for the course, applicants should have completed graduation from a recognised university. They should either have a strong background in temple administration or be closely associated with or seek practical experience through internships in various existing temples.

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MBA in Temple Management on cards

The course was a collaborative effort of Suresh Haware, former chairman of Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust, a renowned nuclear scientist, and author on Temple Management, and other committee members along with the vice-chancellor of Mumbai University, ex-vice-chancellor of Pune University, and other dignitaries from these universities and Welingkar Institute.

Several temples across India have offered to provide scholarships to students participating in the courses. “Temple Connect has also set up an open scholarship fund for students requiring financial assistance, with other temples expressing interest in sponsoring students from their regions,” it said.

Giresh Kulkarni, founder of Temple Connect and ITCX, said: “This groundbreaking diploma course stands as a testament to our dedication to raising awareness and advancing the field of temple management. Temple Connect envisions that over 50% of the batch will receive internships through its extensive network, ensuring lucrative employment opportunities. The larger vision also includes the introduction of three distinct programs: a six-month certificate, a one-year diploma and a two-year MBA in Temple Management.”

Ravindra Sangurde, University of Mumbai, stated: “This program is a pioneering step towards institutionalising temple management. We are not merely responding to the current needs of temple management but proactively shaping its future. Bringing together leaders with expertise in various aspects of temple administration has allowed us to design a curriculum that empowers students to innovate and drive sustainable change. We are dedicated to preparing students with advanced skills and an extensive knowledge of the economic, social, and cultural dimensions of temple operations.”