In a significant move for Indian higher education, Somaiya Vidyavihar University (SVU) is carving out a distinctive academic niche. It is creating specialised programmes for students eager to dive deep into India's rich cultural and philosophical traditions while simultaneously preparing for relevant, modern careers. This initiative represents a conscious effort to bridge the gap between timeless knowledge and contemporary application.
Exploring the Programme Portfolio: From Visual Arts to Dharma Studies
The university offers a suite of postgraduate and undergraduate courses designed for interdisciplinary thinkers. For those inclined towards visual culture, SVU provides an MA in Art History and Visual Studies and an MA in Writing and Art Criticism. These programmes move beyond mere aesthetics, teaching students to analyse art within broader political and social contexts. The curriculum covers art movements, image theory, and curatorial practice, equipping graduates for roles in museums, media, and cultural analysis.
Students with a philosophical bent can opt for the MA in Hindu Studies. This course is structured to explore India's classical philosophical systems and ethical reasoning within a modern academic framework. It connects ancient texts to current global challenges like governance and sustainability, preparing learners for careers in research, public policy, education, or cultural consultancy.
Performance, Heritage, and Hands-On Learning
For aspiring artists, SVU's Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA) and Music and Performing Arts programmes offer rigorous training in Indian classical music. This includes vocal, instrumental training for instruments like the bansuri, and performance studies. The approach integrates practical skill with theoretical understanding, history, and aesthetics.
The university's heritage and history programmes take learning beyond the classroom. Students engage in experiential activities like heritage walks, museum study sessions, and curated excursions. Notable field visits include trips to the Lothal Excavations, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastusangrahalay, and the Zirad Art & Heritage Foundation. This hands-on approach provides an immersive understanding of how culture is preserved and interpreted, directly feeding into careers in heritage management and curation.
Career Preparation and Alignment with National Education Policy
SVU ensures its graduates are ready for the professional world through a blend of academic depth and practical exposure. Students undertake collaborative projects, interdisciplinary workshops, and field assignments. The university facilitates structured internships, such as those at the Godrej Archives, alongside opportunities for research assistance and cultural fieldwork. This model develops both subject expertise and critical soft skills like communication, analysis, and creative problem-solving.
These programmes are explicitly aligned with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. SVU's model promotes flexible, multidisciplinary education rooted in Indian knowledge systems. It encourages cross-departmental learning, offers multiple entry and exit options, and supports multilingual engagement, allowing students to craft personalised academic journeys.
The academic environment at SVU is bolstered by a faculty of scholars and practitioners who bridge tradition and modernity. Students benefit from close mentorship and a collaborative ecosystem featuring workshops, performances, and research colloquia. The university also fosters interdisciplinary and international opportunities through cultural exchanges and collaborative projects, helping students position Indian knowledge within global dialogues.
Ultimately, SVU's approach is holistic, aiming to shape both intellect and personal integrity. By deeply engaging with questions of identity, creativity, and ethics, students undergo an educational journey that is as much about personal transformation as it is about professional certification. For learners seeking a meaningful education that balances skill with consciousness, SVU offers a compelling and contemporary path into India's cultural future.
