Banaras Hindu University and Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence, Karnataka, have collaborated for promotion of studies and research in ancient Indian knowledge systems. The two varsities recently signed an MoU in this regard, paving way for a number of initiatives to further the dissemination of vast and deep ancient Indian wisdom. 

As part of the understanding, SSSUHE is instituting Sri Sathya Sai Scholarship for the students of Banaras Hindu University studying Veda, Sanskrit, Vyakaran, Astrology and other branches of Hindu Studies like ancient Hindu Art & Aesthetics, Culture, Philosophy, Polity or management systems. Under the scheme, one hundred UG, PG or research students will be provided an annual scholarship of Rs. 25,000 on merit cum means basis. Such students will also get an opportunity to visit SSSUHE campus and Vedic learning centers. The visits shall be sponsored by Sri Sathya Sai University. 

Banaras Hindu University will also share its expertise with SSSUHE and guide the latter in the establishment of the Centre for Vedantic Studies. The Centre aimed at imparting the rich knowledge to students in order to promote the culture of BHARAT, will be established with the help of Bharat Adhyayan Kendra, BHU.

The two varsities have also agreed to collaborate for research programs in the areas of India’s history, culture and philosophy. BHU will share its research prowess with SSSUHE for the benefit of students and researchers. Besides, national and international workshops and conferences will jointly be organized focusing on Indian history and culture, spiritual philosophies and other allied fields of Vedas and Vedanta. Experts from BHU will deliver lectures at SSSUHE on Advaita Vedanta, Upnishad and Bhagwad Gita. As part of the exchange program, students of SSSUHE will also visit BHU campus for academic activities. 

The MoU also proposes to institute Sri Sathya Sai Bharat Sanskriti Samman. The award by SSSUHE to be presented annually seeks to recognize and honor those contributing to the field of Vedas and Vedanta. The awards comprising cash prize and citation will be presented in three categories Student – Excellence in Veda (Rs 2 lakh), Teacher – The ideal Vedic Teacher (Rs. 3 lakh) and School – The best Vedic School or Pathshala (Rs 5 lakh). 

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sudhir Kumar Jain has underlined the need and his commitment to create new opportunities for students and faculty members of Banaras Hindu University. The MoU with Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence is in line with BHU’s endeavor in doing so. 

The MoU was signed by Registrar, Banaras Hindu University, Prof. Arun Kumar Singh and Sri B. N. Narasimha Murthy, Chancellor, Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence.