New Delhi: The Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh-affiliate Vishwa Hindu Parishad will soon be unveiling its first University, Ved University, for advanced studies and research in Vedas and historical “Bharatiya” texts. Sources stated that the VHP has already secured 40 acre land for the proposed University in Gurgaon, near the national capital.
While the Sangh affiliate currently operates schools and colleges across the country to propagate its educational agenda, this would be the first such attempt by the VHP to foray into higher education. The Ved University would be the first of its kind to be established and promoted by the Sangh, sources added. Currently, Sangh affiliate Vidya Bharati operates Shishu Mandir and Ekal Vidyayalayas. while a few colleges like Hanuman Sanskrit Mahavidyala in Delhi are also operational.
Though the proposal for establishment of a Ved University was being discussed for several years, the plan was cleared at a recent VHP meeting. At the meet, Sangh functionaries were of the view that for the propagation of Vedas and other ancient Indian texts their teaching at the school and college level would not be sufficient and could be expanded. “There was a consensus on the need for promoting research and higher studies in these subjects and hence the need for the university,” sources added. It is understood that once the University is operational the VHP also plans to establish affiliate colleges for further studies in related subjects.
The VHP currently operates 16 Ved Vidyalayas across the country. Students from these Vidyalayas — recognised by the Union Human Resource Development ministry — are able to study till class 12 and later have an option to join other universities and colleges. “However, once such a university is established students would be able to pursue higher studies and research in the subjects,” sources added. Interestingly, the move to establish a fuull fledged university by the Sangh affiliate comes even as the Narendra Modi governemnt struggles to finalise the new National Education Policy.
