“The role of education in student spirituality is to provide students with a safe and supportive environment to explore and express their spirituality. Educators need to create an atmosphere in which students can feel comfortable discussing spiritual matters and allow them to express their beliefs without judgment or criticism.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 outlines the goals and priorities of the education system in India. The NEP aims to reform and modernise the education system in India, focusing on improving access, quality, and equity in education. The NEP places a strong emphasis on the importance of promoting the study of India's cultural and spiritual heritage, including its diverse religions and traditions. It recommends including courses on the cultural and spiritual heritage of India, including the study of the arts, literature, languages, and philosophies of different regions and communities.
The NEP emphasises the importance of promoting the study of Indian classical languages such as Sanskrit, which has an essential place in the history and development of many religious traditions in India. It also recommends including courses on the history, philosophy, and teachings of the major religions practised in India, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Islam. Overall, the NEP promotes a holistic and inclusive approach to education that recognises and values the diversity of cultures and religions in India. It aims to create an education system that is responsive to the needs and aspirations of all learners and that promotes understanding, respect, and harmony among different communities. Universities should strive to create an environment of mutual respect and understanding between different religious communities.
The NEP also recognises the importance of religious education and encourages universities to include courses on various religious traditions in their curricula. Such courses should be designed in a way that helps students understand the different religions and their different perspectives on a variety of topics. At the same time, universities should also ensure that such courses do not lead to any discrimination on the grounds of religion. Universities should also ensure that no religious group is given preferential treatment or is discriminated against in any way. In sum, the NEP recognizes the importance of protecting the right to freedom of religion and promoting religious harmony, and universities should ensure that they adhere to these principles in their policies and practices. Educators can also help students develop an understanding of religious and spiritual traditions from a variety of perspectives. This can be done through incorporating religious literature into the curriculum, offering spiritual counselling, and creating opportunities for students to engage in spiritual activities such as meditation or prayer. Finally, educators can help students build meaningful relationships with peers and adults who share similar spiritual beliefs, which can help strengthen their commitment to a particular spiritual tradition.
The K J Somaiya Institute of Dharma Studies brings together three institutions with an established presence in religion, culture and philosophy: the Bharatiya Sanskriti Peetham, the Centre for Buddhist Studies and the Centre for Studies in Jainism. Together, we bring an interdisciplinary approach to the study of Indian religious and philosophical traditions through programmes that range from academically rigorous Doctoral and Master’s degrees to certificate courses that engage with the interests of the larger community.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama unveiling a statue of Dr. Shantilal K Somaiya, father of the current Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai.
The K J Somaiya Institute of Dharma Studies regularly organises special lectures, seminars and workshops on different themes in Religion, Culture and Philosophy. In addition, there are field trips to heritage sites. This offers students opportunities to meet students of other disciplines in informal learning forums which is an unmatched experience.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama unveiling a statue of Dr. Shantilal K Somaiya, father of the current Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai.
The MA (Hindu Studies) programme offers students the possibility of exploring their interest in the historical development of tradition, textual study, philosophy and art and architecture. Language skills are built into the curriculum, with Sanskrit as a compulsory audit course.
The department of Buddhist Studies offers courses on the history, philosophy and culture of Buddhism. These courses are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Buddhist tradition and its teachings, as well as its influence on contemporary society. Similarly, the department of Jain Studies offers courses to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Jain tradition and its teachings, highlighting its contemporary relevance. The K J Somaiya Institute of Dharma Studies has a library with over 30,000 books, a vital resource.
Why Dharma Studies?
We equip students with methodological tools to understand how religious beliefs influence ethics, are and literature and define identities from historical and contemporary perspectives. Students investigate how social, political and economic forces have shaped religion and continue to do so. While students are not required to hold religious beliefs, opportunities are created for experiential learning of contemplative practices. An active forum of interfaith dialogue brings together practitioners of diverse traditions and community outreach adds an essential dimension to the academic curriculum.
Education means the overall development of students Education is the process of providing knowledge and skills to students, which enables them to develop into well-rounded individuals. Education should not be seen as a one-size-fits-all approach, as each student has different learning styles, interests and needs. Therefore, education should be tailored to meet the individual needs of students, focusing on both academic and social-emotional development. This includes providing students with the opportunity to explore their interests, develop critical thinking skills, and promote creativity and problem-solving. Education should also focus on developing essential life skills, such as communication, collaboration, and leadership. Ultimately, education should be focused on helping students become well-rounded individuals who can think critically, problem-solve, and collaborate effectively.
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