Here is good news for those who would like to do Ph.D. level research in application of Vedic knowledge systems to address today’s needs. Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University, Ramtek is starting a novel Inter-disciplinary Ph.D. program in Applied Vedic Sciences in collaboration with MIT School of Vedic Sciences, Pune.

Watch this space for further announcements by KKSU and MIT SVS in this regard. If you are interested, send email inquiries to info.mitsvs@gmail.com.

Why Ph.D. in Applied Vedic Sciences?

To really harness the value of India’s traditional knowledge for the future of society, the need of the hour is to create opportunities for extensive research on Indian shaastras or Vedic Sciences from an application-oriented perspective.  The thought models, worldview, content, and methodology embedded in Sanskrit-based Indic knowledge systems must be explored and utilized to benefit the contemporary society and industry. And such an application of shaastric knowledge is not obvious. It requires analytical, problem-solving minds proficient in modern disciplines to work side by side with the best traditional shaastra scholars.

This endeavor requires an application-based interdisciplinary approach to research. This means research in Shaastras must be opened out to scholars from other areas of learning also. Those who seek to explore the Shaastras for practical utility, are to be appropriately guided to navigate the Shaastras relevant to their research, without themselves having to spend multiple years in studying them in depth like traditional scholars.

Over the last 3 years, MIT SVS has pioneered in making Vedic knowledge systems intelligible to seekers with mainstream backgrounds. There is a growing number of people yearning for deeper exploration of shaastras as evidenced by the growing popularity of MIT SVS’ programs. A majority of them would like to pursue research in applied vedic knowledge.

MIT SVS has devised this facilitation through its uniquely designed post-graduate program in Vedic Sciences. This unprecedented program is offered as Masters in Science (M.Sc.), while all other Samskrita and Shaastra based programs anywhere else in the world are offered under the Arts stream (BA, MA etc). The program is also followed by the Ph.D. program in Vedic Sciences at MIT SVS.

Expanding the Opportunities for Applied Vedic Sciences Research

This tribe of institutions working in the area of applied Vedic Sciences needs to mushroom all over in order to accommodate the multifarious possibilities and demand that this field of study and research is opening up. MIT SVS expresses reverence and appreciation to Kavikulaguru Kalidasa Samskrita University (KKSU) for launching a path-breaking Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Applied Vedic Sciences (Shaastras) program to contribute to this purpose. 

MIT SVS facilitates by setting the qualifying criteria for admission into the program as well as by participating with KKSU as an approved research center. MIT SVS is an assessing body that shall check the eligibility of candidates applying for this program through its online Vedic Sciences Aptitude Test (VSAT).

Preparing for Applied Shaastric Research

For those who want to enhance their knowledge in the field to be able to undertake research in this stream, MIT SVS offers a one year preparatory Masters certification program in Vedic Sciences. The eligibility to enrol into this program is a post graduate degree from any UGC recognized discipline of learning.

Those who have graduated from the M.Sc. in Vedic Sciences from MIT SVS are also eligible for admission into the Interdisciplinary Ph D program in Applied Vedc Sciences (Shaastras) at KKSU, Ramtek.

Furthermore, MIT SVS also extends consultancy for the application component to the research scholars if needed, over and above the guidance that they receive from KKSU.

Program Objectives

• To provide an opportunity for scholars, professionals and individuals qualified in contemporary or Sanskrit disciplines to undertake applied research in Indian Shaastras,
  • based on completion of an approved certification in programs/courses covering topics in Applied Shaastric Research and passing the Ph. D entrance assessment to that effect
• To explore Indian Shaastras with a view to provide models / applications / solutions in the context of contemporary disciplines of research and application
• To create research opportunity in Indian Shaastras to derive tangible outcomes that may be practically relevant to industry / interdisciplinary academia / society.

Program at a Glance

• Allotted Seats: KKSU allots upto 2 Ph D student slots per annum in each department for the Applied Shaastric Research program. This provides the focus and coverage required for bringing India’s knowledge systems (IKS) into mainstream impact, and establishes KKSU’s position as a leader in this emerging area in line with the Government of India’s thrust on IKS through the New Education Policy.
• Eligibility Criteria to Apply:
  • Master’s degree or diploma in any discipline with a minimum of 60% marks (as per UGC norms)
  • Either M.Sc. or Master’s Certificate in Vedic Sciences offered by MIT SVS with minimum 60% marks.
    • Though not mandatory, they provide the requisite background to prepare the candidate thoroughly for analytical research in applied Indian knowledge.
  • Passing Vedic Sciences Aptitude Test or VSAT (written, 3 hrs) designed and administered by MIT SVS based on a published curriculum online / offline. A passing certificate in this test with minimum 60% marks is a prerequisite to this Ph D admission. The test can be taken online throughout the year, and its score certificate is valid for 2 years.
• Entrance Criteria to this Ph.D. program is based on
  • KKSU’s Ph.D. general aptitude test (not requiring M.A. Sanskrit background).
  • A minimum score of 60% in the Vedic Sciences Aptitude Test administered by MIT SVS.
    
  • Screening interview as per KKSU norms including an MIT SVS-nominated faculty on the panel to assess the candidate’s dedication and aptitude for this novel line of research.
• Admission: Student will be enrolled into KKSU as a regular Ph D student, and will be subject to its course work and research guidelines.
• Recognition of MIT SVS as a centre for research work:  KKSU recognizes MIT SVS as a centre for conducting Applied Shaastric research as part of their student / faculty exchange provision in its MoU signed in 2017. Hence students of this program, with the permission of their Ph.D. committee will be allowed to do research work on MIT SVS campus while reporting progress regularly to KKSU. Stay at MIT SVS is subject to the MIT-ADT University’s norms for visiting students.

Potential Topic Areas for Applied Shaastric Research:

• Transforming shaastras into deployable knowledge models in the areas of computing, humanities and social sciences, psychology and wellness, governance, jurisprudence, aesthetic design and architecture, astronomy and mathematics.
  • Special focus on “soft” / human-related sciences as contemporary models in these areas are showing their limitations in addressing societal challenges.
• Development of new solutions and interventions in modern professions based on Indic insights – in the areas of statecraft, leadership, mental health, town and settlement planning, corporate governance and economics.

The collaboration between KKSU and MIT SVS has been very fruitful in breaking new paths in Vedic Sciences so far through co-organized workshops and courses. Through this initiative, MIT SVS and KKSU are leveraging their partnership and resources to usher excellent quality research in this emerging field of Indic knowledge studies, and set an example to the world on how to innovate with real-world impact in Sanskrit-based knowledge systems.