Postgraduate Diploma Course in Temple Management at Mumbai University: A Unique Opportunity for Students
Temple Connect, in the aftermath of the highly successful International Temples Convention & Expo (ITCX), has taken a groundbreaking step by introducing the country’s first-ever Postgraduate Diploma program in Temple Management. This six-month course is designed to elevate the standards of temple operations by focusing on technology, sustainability, and inclusivity. The aim is to equip participants with the necessary skills to effectively manage temple ecosystems using modern expertise and strategic foresight.
The inauguration of this innovative course took place at Mumbai University and Welingkar Institute, with plans for further rollout at Savitribai Phule Pune University. The program is structured with a comprehensive curriculum that includes three months of intensive classroom training comprising over 20 sessions, followed by a three-month hands-on internship at renowned temples. The faculty members are seasoned professionals with substantial practical experience in temple operations, ensuring a rich learning experience for the students.
The program is currently offered in-person with internships, accommodating 30 students per batch at each university or institute. This setup provides students with a unique opportunity to gain practical exposure to various aspects of temple management, ranging from administrative duties to community engagement and spiritual stewardship. Applicants are required to be graduates from a recognized university, with a strong background in temple administration or a keen interest in seeking practical experience through internships in existing temples.
The initiative for this diploma course came to fruition through a collaborative effort by a committee of distinguished individuals with extensive experience in temple management. Dr. Suresh Haware, former Chairman of Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust and a renowned nuclear scientist and author on Temple Management, serves as the chairperson of the committee. Other members include Shri Giresh Kulkarni, Founder of Temple Connect & ITCX, MLC Prasad Lad, Dr. Uday Salunkhe, Group Director of Welingkar Institute, Dr. Pendharkar, former Vice-Chancellor of Mumbai University, Professor Ravindra Kulkarni, current Vice-Chancellor of Mumbai University, Dr. Nitin Karmalkar, ex-Vice-Chancellor of Pune University, and other respected dignitaries from Mumbai and Pune Universities and Welingkar Institute.
Temple Connect has played a pivotal role in curating the content of the course and transforming the collective vision of temple economy experts into a structured program that integrates theoretical insights with real-world applications. This approach ensures that students not only gain knowledge but also practical skills in managing sacred spaces effectively.
To further support the momentum of the program, several temples across India are actively offering scholarships to students participating in the course. Additionally, an open scholarship fund has been set up to assist students in need of financial support, with other temples expressing interest in sponsoring students from their regions. Ravindra Sangurde from the University of Mumbai expressed his enthusiasm for the program, stating, “This program is a pioneering step towards institutionalizing temple management. We are shaping the future of temple administration by empowering students with advanced skills and knowledge across economic, social, and cultural dimensions of temple operations.”
Discussions are currently underway with 19 government-driven universities and private institutions to launch the program in major states such as Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Goa, Jharkhand, MP, and UP, as well as in prominent cities like Varanasi, Noida, Delhi, and Haridwar within the next two academic years. This localized approach aims to cater to the specific needs of each region, ensuring a tailored and impactful delivery of the course.
In conclusion, the Postgraduate Diploma Course in Temple Management at Mumbai University presents a unique opportunity for students to delve into the intricate world of temple operations with a blend of tradition and modernity. With a strong emphasis on practical experience and expert guidance, this program is poised to shape the future of temple management in India and beyond.
