Course in temple management launched in Pune University

Mumbai, DHNS: The Savitribai Phule Pune University has partnered with Temple Connect to launch India’s first-ever Postgraduate Diploma Course in Temple Management. 

The MoU for this ground-breaking initiative was signed by Giresh Kulkarni, Founder of Temple Connect, in the presence of the SPPU’s Vice Chancellor  Dr. Suresh Gosavi, and Dr. Suresh Haware, a renowned nuclear scientist and author on Temple Management. 

This six-month programme is designed to professionalise temple operations, equipping students with advanced skills and extensive knowledge of the economic, social and cultural aspects of managing temple ecosystems. 

Admissions begin from  February 2025 onwards and the first batch will commence in the Nashik campus of Pune University from June 2025 onwards.  

“This pioneering programme is a significant step towards advancing the field of temple management. Temple Connect aims to empower students to innovate and drive sustainable change with temple ecosystems. We anticipate over 50% of the batch securing internships through our extensive network, with lucrative employment opportunities awaiting them. Looking ahead, we also aim to expand this initiative with three additional programmes - a six-month certificate, a one-year diploma and a two-year MBA in Temple Management,” said Kulkarni.

“The course will be conducted under Pune University at the Nashik campus, and stands as a vital initiative to empower the next generation of temple managers, not just across Maharashtra but also from various parts of the country who come here to study,” said Dr Gosavi.

Applicants for the course must be graduates from a recognised university. They must either have a strong background in temple administration or be closely associated with or seek hands-on experience through internships. Each institute or university will admit 30 students per batch. Additionally, temples across India are actively supporting by offering scholarships.

This innovative initiative follows the monumental success of Temple Connect’s International Temples Convention & Expo (ITCX) and its earlier collaborations with the University of Mumbai and Welingkar Institute, where inaugural batches commenced in September 2024.

Temple Connect was pivotal in curating the curriculum, transforming the collective vision of temple economy experts into a structured course that blends theoretical insights with real-world application.

The diploma comprises three months of in-person classroom training with over 20 interactive sessions and a three-month internship at various renowned temples. Students will gain relevant expertise in administrative duties, community engagement, spiritual stewardship, technology integration, sustainability and inclusivity - all within the context of managing sacred spaces. The faculty includes veteran professionals with substantial experience in temple operations.