Pune University Launch India’s First Postgraduate Diploma in Temple Management

Pune, 23rd January 2025: Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Temple Connect to introduce India’s first-ever Postgraduate Diploma in Temple Management. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by Giresh Kulkarni, Founder of Temple Connect, in the presence of SPPU Vice Chancellor Dr. Suresh Gosavi and Dr. Suresh Haware, a renowned nuclear scientist and expert in temple management. The six-month diploma program will be hosted at the university’s Nashik campus and is set to commence in June 2025, with admissions starting in February 2025.
This program aims to professionalize temple management by equipping students with essential skills to oversee the operational, cultural, and economic aspects of temple ecosystems. The curriculum includes three months of classroom training with 20+ interactive sessions, followed by a three-month internship at prominent temples across India. Students will gain expertise in areas such as administration, community engagement, sustainability, technology integration, and spiritual leadership.
Speaking about the initiative, Giresh Kulkarni, Founder of Temple Connect and ITCX, remarked, “This diploma is a milestone in advancing temple management as a professional field. Our goal is to empower students to bring innovation and sustainability to temple ecosystems. Over 50% of the batch is expected to secure internships through our network, with promising employment opportunities awaiting them. Looking ahead, we plan to introduce additional programs, including a certificate course, a one-year diploma, and a two-year MBA in Temple Management.”
Dr. Suresh Gosavi, Vice Chancellor of SPPU, expressed his enthusiasm for the program. “This course is a pivotal step in empowering future leaders in temple management, not only in Maharashtra but across India. It will provide students with the tools needed to modernize and sustain temple ecosystems while preserving their rich heritage,” he said.
The course has been meticulously designed in collaboration with Temple Connect, drawing inspiration from the success of their International Temples Convention & Expo (ITCX) and previous partnerships with institutions like the University of Mumbai and Welingkar Institute. The first batches of these earlier collaborations began in September 2024.
Eligibility for the program requires applicants to be graduates from a recognized university with an interest in temple administration or related fields. Each batch will have 30 seats, and several temples across India have pledged scholarships to support deserving students. Temple Connect has also established an open scholarship fund to ensure accessibility for students in need.
The initiative is backed by a distinguished committee of experts led by Dr. Suresh Haware, former chairman of the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust. Other key contributors include Giresh Kulkarni, MLC Prasad Lad, Dr. Uday Salunkhe (Group Director, Welingkar Institute), and senior academicians from universities in Mumbai and Pune.
“This diploma not only sets a benchmark in temple management education but also ensures the preservation and modernization of India’s temple heritage,” said Dr. Haware.