History
The SVD Vidya Bhavan is the sole Philosophate of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) in India. The Society's Inter-Provincial Education Assembly held at Vidya Niketan, Mysore on 12th-14th February, 1981 decided to start its own Philosophate where students could combine philosophical studies with graduation in the secular universities. Therefore the SVD's started its own Philosophate in Bhopal, detaching itself form the then Pontifical Athenaeum in Pune. The SVD Vidya Bhavan was established on July 18, 1983 in the St. Joseph?s Co-Ed School premises, Bhopal and moved into the present campus in 1985.
The students of the SVD Vidya Bhavan attended their undergraduate classes at the Bhopal School of Social Sciences (BSSS) - a college owned by the Archdiocese of Bhopal. Along with their collegiate education the students also followed the philosophy courses at the Bhopal Regional Philosophate (M.P. Regional Seminary for Philosophical Training, administered by the Society of the Divine Word since 1979).
In 1991, the SVD Formation Board of India decided to hold an evaluation of the philosophy cum graduation programme. A committee was constituted for executing the evaluation. Consequent on the recommendations of the committee an extended consultation among all members of the SVD in India was held with a view to ascertain their opinion on this matter.
The over all impression gathered from such an extended consultation was that philosophical studies should be pursued separately for better training of our students. Accordingly, a decision was made by the Formation Board in its meeting at Ishvani Kendra, Pune in December 1996 to delink Philosophy from collegiate education. And the first group of students after completing Graduation and Novitiate began their studies at SVD Vidya Bhavan, Bhopal on 15th June, 1999.
From among the various possible locations for setting up of the proposed SVD Philosophate, Bhopal was found to be most conducive for more reasons than one. For one thing, geographically, Bhopal is centrally located and the presence and activities of the SVDs in India are within easy access. Secondly, the presence of the regional Philosophate in the vicinity facilitates the academic exchange and excellence. Thirdly, the culture tapestry of Bhopal- a harmonious blend of Hinduism, Islam and other religions provides a unique opportunity for students to acquaint themselves with the religious plurality and cultural diversity of India
II. OBJECTIVES
SVD Vidya Bhavan is an Institute of Philosophy and Religion that has its own well-defined visions and programmes keeping in mind the contemporary concerns that go with the formation of personnel for the Church in the modern world. The Society of the Divine Word is a worldwide organisation carrying out the mission mandate of the Church. The Society reaches out to any part of the world that calls for assistance (SVD Constitution 102.1). In all its apostolic endeavours, however, the Society, to the best of its possibility, maintains its international character, with a hope to provide a beacon of light to a world that is being torn apart by several divisive forces.
The Philosophical Curriculum is so designed that the students are introduced to the rich intellectual traditions of both the East and the West. Care has been taken so as to avoid any over emphasis on any one system of thought at the expense of others. Along with a survey of the History of the Western Philosophy there is also a survey of the History of the Afro-Asian Philosophies. Such a comprehensive survey of the History of Eastern and Western Philosophies, we hope, will help students to gain a global vision of the human heritage.
Religious Pluralism is a reality. And there is a growing recognition of its legitimate place and role in shaping today?s world. Familiarity with the major religious traditions of the world, therefore, is an essential requirement in the formation programme. Accordingly, we have incorporated courses on major religions that purport to impart not just theoretical knowledge but some lived experience as well. Hence, exposure to some religious practices of non-Christians is always encouraged and promoted.
Social Sciences have brought to the fore many aspects of human life that were hitherto inadequately exposed or even totally unknown. Sociological, anthropological and psychological studies have also been incorporated into the syllabus with a view to impart an integral view of human life. Thus the whole curriculum of the Institute is geared towards enhancing various dimensions that constitute human life in its entirety. |
