The Hindu University of America to Expand

April 6, 2002

Source: The Houston Chronicle

On April 6, 2002 The Houston Chronicle featured an article on The Hindu University of America in central Florida. The University was started by a group of Hindus from across the state in response to Swami Tilak of Brazil's suggestion "that Hindus should repay America for their material success... 'He inspired people to make a lasting contribution to this land,' says Abhinav Dwivedi, a computer engineer in Tampa... 'He suggested an institution of higher learning'... Rather than train people for a full-time role in religion, the idea behind the university was to provide an opportunity for those studying other occupations" to learn more about Hindu traditions and teachings.The University plans to build a new complex within two years. "Ultimately, backers say, the curriculum will be a mixture of academic and nonacademic disciplines, from the study of the sacred writings called the Vedas, to yoga, meditation and astrology. Some of the courses are [presently] being taught via the Internet... The Orlando school already has received an authorization from the state education department to offer master's and doctorate degrees in Hindu studies."