Indian Army to Get Trained Religious Leaders from Lucknow University: New Courses Launched

In a groundbreaking move, Lucknow University is set to offer a unique course, paving the way for individuals to become religious leaders in the Indian Army. The Board of Oriental Studies in the Sanskrit Department will initiate this innovative program, providing a platform for candidates to play a vital role in conducting religious activities within the military.

1. Pathway to Service: Religious Leadership Course Overview Lucknow University's Sanskrit Department, under the guidance of Dr. Prerna Mathur, is introducing a course focused on training religious leaders for service in the Indian Army. The curriculum is designed to equip candidates with the necessary skills and knowledge to fulfill the responsibilities of a religious leader within the military context.

2. Eligibility Criteria: Candidates aspiring to become religious leaders in the Indian Army must meet specific eligibility criteria. Dr. Prerna Mathur highlights that a Bachelor's degree in Rituals or a PG Diploma in Acharya makes candidates eligible for this unique role. This provides a structured pathway for individuals interested in combining their religious expertise with military service.

3. Course Structure and Duration:

• Bachelor's Degree in Rituals (Shastri): 4 years
• PG Diploma in Acharya: 1 year
• PG Diploma in Rituals: 1 year

4. Admission Process and Fees: Lucknow University is offering 28 seats for the Shastri course and 20 seats for the PG Diploma in Rituals. Notably, there are no tuition fees for the Shastri program; students are only required to pay a nominal form deposit. For the PG Diploma in Acharya, the semester fee is Rs 10,000. This accessible fee structure makes quality education in this field affordable for aspiring religious leaders.

5. Career Prospects and Requirements: Upon completion of the course, graduates can pursue roles as religious leaders, conducting various religious functions and traditions in different regiments and units of the Indian Army. For the position of Pandit, candidates need a graduation degree, must be Hindus, and should have completed a one-year diploma course in rituals. The age requirement for these roles is between 25 and 34 years.

6. Opportunities as Religious Teachers: Lucknow University's initiative aligns with the Indian Army's recruitment of religious teachers at the rank of Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO). Successful candidates can enjoy a competitive salary of up to Rs 1 lakh per month.