Hindu University launches library

The Western Hemisphere’s only Hindu University continues to expand and grow at its campus in Orlando, Florida. Students attending the Hindu University (HU) in Florida can choose from a degree or diploma in Hinduism, Hindu Philosophy, Yoga Philosophy and Meditation, Yoga Education, Ayurvedic Sciences, Hindu/Vedic Astrology, Sanskrit or Divine Music. The recent formal inauguration of a new library facility on the campus will supplement the formal training with valuable research  material.

The news release explains, “With over 3,000 titles catalogued and  computerised, covering all areas of Hindu sciences, philosophy, culture, art, and history, the library is a one-of-a-kind resource for the preservation and pursuit of Hindu thought and traditions. The fact that this library contains books and other materials on Hinduism and India, which are generally not easily available in other facilities makes this library unique and valuable to all who would like such resources to be available in Central Florida. The facility is now open to students of HU and the general public.” The HU is authorised by the state board of  Independent Colleges and Universities, State of Florida to award masters and doctoral degrees in several areas of Hindu studies. It offers seven educational programmes, which lead to degrees of Master of Hindu Studies and/or Doctor of Hindu Studies. The university provides campus teaching, distant teaching through correspondence and through “summer intensive courses.”

It is proposed to  later add graduate programmes in other areas of Hindu Studies. Medium of instructions in all subjects and all courses is only in English. The Hindu University of America was incorporated in the state of Florida in 1989 and started teaching activity in October 1993. Several persons have contributed to the concept and in making it a reality. Initially, it operated from temporary offices in Orlando and then from Tarpon Springs. In 2000, the university acquired a 9.7 acre property  with two buildings. The buildings were ren- ovated and the university’s permanent campus was inaugurated on September 8, 2001 on  this site. In 2001, the campus measured over 12 acres, in Orlando, Florida. The HU is providing formal education in various areas of Hindu studies and has been teaching through correspondence. Several full-time, adjunct and visiting faculty appointments have since been offered and campus teaching formally began Spring 2002, with a University President. Future plans include expansion into other areas of Hindu studies and professional education and graduate and undergraduate levels.

The mission of the HU is to provide for learning, research, community service, and training in a broad spectrum of topics related to the Vedic/Hindu culture including religions, philosophies, sciences, practices and other related areas. The university aims to promote the catholicity of Hinduism, and to establish harmony among Eastern religious thoughts and modern sciences and technologies, thereby contributing to better human understanding and global peace. The HU is committed to a comprehensive and liberal education with a broad curriculum at baccalaureate, master and doctoral levels in various areas related to Hindu religions, philosophies and culture providing the students with a practical Vedic base for their spiritual growth. The university fulfills the growing needs of modern western society to obtain authentic and unbiased understanding of the vast and rich heritage of Hindu culture, traditions, and philosophy.

The degree programmes of the university are designed solely for religious vocations. Hindu University of America does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, creed, national origin, sex, age, or physical handicap in its educational programmes, activities, or employment policies, in accordance with federal, state and local laws. It admits students of any race, colour, and national or ethnic origin  to all the rights, privileges, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the university. It does not discriminate in administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programmes, and athletic or other university administered programmes. HU has sponsored and co-sponsored various conferences and workshops. 

These include an international conference on “Revisiting Indus-Saraswati Age and Ancient India” in Atlanta in 1996; World Association for Vedic Studies (Waves) conference in Los Angeles in 1998, and VESCO conference in Los Angeles in 1997.  Most importantly, HU organised an international conference on “500 Years of Tulsidas and His Works” in Miami in 1999. Presentations about HU have been made in various other conferences and meetings. Several articles and advertisements about the university have appeared in various newspapers and magazines. HU has been publishing a newsletter aperiodically since 1990. Plans for publication activities under the banner of HU Press and for starting of a scholarly Journal have been chalked out and debated but have not been given top priority at the stage of university’s development.

Applications for admission may  be submitted any time of the year.  The  deadlines are as follows:- Through correspondence: New students can begin any time of the year. Resident students: New students are admitted every year in two semesters (Spring and Fall). Summer intensives: Time-slots are announced in advance. The intensives need to work for the entire day with about 6 hours of lecturing every day. Courses are mounted if there is a certain minimum number of students registering.