The UP Rajarshi Tandon Open University (UPRTOU), Prayagraj, has decided to start a new course for the study of religious texts and rituals in view of the increasing demand for professionals for religious rituals for various events associated with Hindu traditions. The lone open university of the state has started three courses, including diploma in rituals from this session. The other two courses are diploma and certificate programmes in public health and community nutrition and disaster management. Window for taking admission in all these courses is open and interested students can apply till October 20. In recent years interest has increased in Sanskrit subjects in the open university. Last year, around 8,000 students were enrolled in Sanskrit subjects. When the university administration conducted a survey of students’ interest in starting new courses, most of them suggested starting courses related to rituals-priesthood and astrology-Vastu. On the basis of this survey, the humanities stream of the university decided to start a diploma course imparting knowledge of rituals in Hindu traditions. This course will consist of two semesters. The rituals included are swastivachan, nitya karma, naimittika karma, sanskar karma, yagya vigyan, pragjanam sanskar, janmottar, sanskar anna prashan, mundan, karnavedha, upanayan, vedarambh, samavartan, marriage sanskar, vanaprastha, sanyas and funeral. It covers points like anatomy and vascular elements. Apart from this, management diploma courses have been started. Recently, an MoU was signed with the Institute of Engineers (India). A course has been designed in disaster management too. The curriculum of this course has been prepared by taking lessons from disasters like Uttarkashi. Moreover, since Kumbh Mela will be held in 2025, the university believes that this will be a great opportunity for students of this course to have first-hand training and such religious events will help in preparing better professionals. Apart from this, a diploma course on public health and community nutrition has been started in the health stream.
The admission in-charge of the university Prof JP Yadav said along with this a simple Sanskrit teacher awareness programme has also been introduced. These courses have been started keeping in mind the educational upgrading and skill development of learners. The last date for admission in these courses is October 20.