About Interdisciplinary Centre for Swami Vivekananda Studies
This Centre was established by the U.G.C. as a part of the IXth Plan to commemorate the epoch-making social thinkers of India in 2001 and in 2007 it was taken over by the Panjab University, Chandigarh. It is Interdisciplinary in nature thus it encourages faculty, researchers and students across disciplines to join research projects, Ph.D. program and various courses run by the Centre. In 2026, the Centre started an M.A. program in Hindu Studies, further strengthening its academic offerings in this field. Faculty from all departments, Centres and affiliated colleges of the University participate in the seminars, symposiums, workshops and lectures which are held on common themes of human values and concerns from time to time.
MISSION STATEMENT
- To create a platform for the convergence of ideas which cut across various cultures, faiths, disciplines and streams, and to highlight universal thought.
- To highlight the significance of our traditional values for establishing peace and harmony in humans, nature and society.
- To develop understanding of Bharatiya Gyan Parampara (the Indian knowledge tradition) among students and researchers.
- To sensitize students to the values of service, sacrifice, selflessness, and highlight the significance of character building and self-development.
- To provide students a structured path of study in Yoga, Vivekananda Studies and Hindu Studies, enabling them to imbibe these traditions both intellectually and experientially.
THRUST AREAS
- To acquaint students with the eternal values of Indian culture as lived and propounded by exemplary personalities like Swami Vivekananda, Sri Ramakrishna, Ma Sarada, Sri Anandamayee Ma, Swami Rama Tirtha, Shri Aurobindo and Shri Ramana Maharishi, through an interdisciplinary engagement with the Bhagavad Gita, Yoga, Bharatiya Gyan Parampara and Hindu Studies, integrating philosophy, spirituality, culture and contemporary human values into a unified framework of study.
CURRENT COURSES
- M.A. Program in Hindu Studies.
- 1-year Regular Certificate Course in Vivekananda Studies (also running in USOL).
- 6-month Certificate Course in Yoga and Meditation.
- 6-month Certificate Course in Ancient Indian Wisdom.
- 6-month Certificate Course in Elementary Sanskrit and the Bhagavad Gita.
- Ph.D Program.