Sampurnanand Sanskrit University (SSU) of Varanasi will offer post-graduate courses in Hindu studies. A 2-year post graduate course will commence from the current session. As per reports, the SSU is the first university to start courses in Hindu studies.

The syllabus for the PG course has also been finalised. SSU vice-chancellor professor Hareram Tripathi said, “The course has been prepared by experts, including senior professor Nachiketa Tiwari of IIT-Kanpur, professor Ramnath Jha of JNU, professor Kamleshdutt Tripathi who retired from BHU, professor Brijkishore Swayi of University of Odisha, professor Vindheshwari Prasad Mishra and professor Vijay Shankar Shukla, both from BHU, among others.”

The University Grants Commission (UGC) chairman professor DP Singh gave verbal approval to the course that has topics like Vedanta, Indian Philosophy, Vedas, Shastrarth (debate on Hindu values), Gyan Mimansa (epistemology-examination of knowledge) , the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, Hindu Arts and language.

Acomparative study of Indian and western philosophy and a comparative study of multiple religions is also a part of the course. As informed by the VC, the university has professors of philosophy, Jainism, Buddhism, western philosophy, and other topics that are part of the MA Hindu Studies syllabus who will initially teach the students. A new department for this course will also be established.