Hindu University in the US Finds Few Takers

July 1, 2004

Washington, DC (July 1, 2004) (IANS): A university founded by a

group of enthusiastic Indian Americans two years ago to teach

Sanskrit and dispel the image of Hinduism as a superstitious

religion has found few takers in the US.

Faculty members far outnumbered students during the Hindu

University's first convocation Wednesday at Orlando, reported the

Orlando Sentinel.

Only two students graduated this year, it said. But only one of

them, Jessica Sayles, turned up. Despite all this, the organisers

held a typical Hindu ceremony, lighting the traditional lamp and

invoking the goddess of learning, Saraswati, to bless the

university's efforts as others chanted hymns.

Today the total number of students in the university, both full- and

part-time, is around 60. Among them, 15 are from Orlando and 45 from

other parts of the US and India.

Several Indian Americans had taken a keen interest in setting up the

university, which they hoped would create an interest among members

of the community who have lost touch with their culture.

The university was started by a few Hindu enthusiasts in an old

house with a staff and a faculty of two. In 2002, a neighbour

donated an adjoining 2.5 acres that added 5,000 sq feet of modular

classrooms and offices.

It is now housed on a 10-acre site. A two-story administrative

building is to be built soon.

Moving on with the times, it has even started an innovative course

using ancient Hindu philosophy on "How to be an effective CEO:

Leadership Lessons from Hindu Tradition".

Source: New Kerala

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