Mumbai University, Welingkar Institute starts Postgraduate Diploma Course in 'Temple Management'

The 6-month Postgraduate Diploma program in Temple Management will help build advanced skills for effective temple ecosystem management

Temple Connect has launched Postgraduate Diploma program in Temple Management. This six-month course aims to professionalise temple operations covering technology, sustainability, and inclusivity. It will equip participants with the essential skills to manage temple ecosystems with modern expertise and strategic foresight.

The inaugural batches of this innovative course commenced at the University of Mumbai and Welingkar Institute with further rollouts planned at Savitribai Phule Pune University. The criteria for admission require that applicants be graduates from a recognised university. Candidates must either have a strong background in temple administration, be closely associated with or seek practical experience through internships in various existing temples.

The comprehensive program is designed with a robust curriculum - three months of intensive classroom training, consisting of over 20 sessions, followed by another three-month hands-on internship at various renowned temples. The faculty consists of seasoned professionals from all of whom have substantial practical experience in temple operations.  In the current format, courses are delivered in person and through internships, with 30 student batches per university or institute. The program provides students with a unique opportunity to have practical exposure to temple management, from administrative duties to community engagement and spiritual stewardship.

Adding to the momentum, several temples across India are actively supporting this initiative by offering scholarships for students participating in the course. Temple Connect has also set up an open scholarship fund for students requiring financial assistance, with other temples expressing interest in sponsoring students from their regions.

Giresh Kulkarni, Founder of Temple Connect & ITCX, said, “This groundbreaking diploma course stands as a testament to our dedication to raising awareness and advancing the field of temple management. Temple Connect envisions that over 50% of the batch will receive internships through its extensive network, ensuring lucrative employment opportunities. The larger vision also includes the introduction of three distinct programs: a six-month certificate, a one-year diploma and a two-year MBA in Temple Management.”

Ravindra Sangurde, University of Mumbai, stated, “This program is a pioneering step towards institutionalising temple management. We are not merely responding to the current needs of temple management but proactively shaping its future. Bringing together leaders with expertise in various aspects of temple administration has allowed us to design a curriculum that empowers students to innovate and drive sustainable change. We are dedicated to preparing students with advanced skills and an extensive knowledge of the economic, social, and cultural dimensions of temple operations.”

Discussions are underway with 19 other government-driven universities and private institutions to launch the program across major states like Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Goa, Jharkhand, MP, and UP, as well as major cities including Varanasi, Noida, Delhi, Haridwar, and more within the next two academic years - enabling a localised approach to conducting these courses. On the international front, Temple Connect is in touch with renowned global universities to co-create and launch various specialised temple management topics in the upcoming year.