SNDT Women’s University launches ‘Narayani Gurukulam’; offers BA in Indian Knowledge System

The Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey (SNDT) Women’s University has launched “Narayani Gurukulam”, a residential higher education campus based on the traditional gurukul system, at its new campus in Chandrapur. Starting this academic year, the university will offer a four-year Bachelor of Arts (BA) programme in Indian Knowledge System (IKS).

Announcing the programme at a press conference, SNDT Women’s University Vice-Chancellor Ujjwala Chakradeo said the university is adapting the traditional gurukul model for higher education.

“Until now, gurukuls were mainly meant for school education. We are now bringing this model to higher education,” Chakradeo said.

The annual fee for the BA in Indian Knowledge System course has been fixed at Rs 22,000.

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BA in IKS programme

The residential BA in IKS programme is open to women students who have passed Class 12. The university will admit 40 students in the first batch, though hostel facilities have been arranged for up to 60 students.

According to Chakradeo, the course will combine regular studies with traditional activities like yoga, meditation, mantra chanting and other cultural practices. It will also include computer education and skill-based learning.

“Students may be taught skills such as speaking Sanskrit and performing puja, along with computer education, so that they can still find jobs even if they leave the course midway,” she said.

The vice-chancellor said the campus has been designed to support traditional learning methods. The classrooms have special furniture so that students can sit cross-legged on the floor during classes.

The programme will also include traditional sports and activities, including horse riding. Chakradeo said the university consulted experts from different parts of the country while designing the course.

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Open to international students

The BA in Indian Knowledge System course will also be open to international students. The university has already hired teachers for the programme and is in touch with Kudli Math in Karnataka’s Shivamogga district as part of its efforts to develop the course.

Speaking about career options, Chakradeo said students who complete the course could get opportunities in fields such as museums, tourism and embassies.

“Beyond jobs, the aim of this course is to develop students as Indians,” Chakradeo said.

Programme may evolve over time

When asked if the rituals and practices in the course would follow any particular religion, Chakradeo said the university is still working on the course framework.

“The programme may later be expanded into different courses to reflect the diversity of traditions. We have not yet worked out the full plan, and it will develop over time,” Chakradeo said.