Sub menu – Commitees
The Council is the highest decision-making body of the organisation, comprising of Affiliate
representaives. In between Council meetings the organisation is run by the Execu ve Commitee.
The Executive Commitee
VEDA NIKETAN AND ITS PROGRAMMES
READING LOUNGE
Veda Niketan was established in 1963. Under this commitee a journal en tled Veda Jyo was
established. Publica ons include tracts, books, pamphlets, and journals – the Veda Jyo and the Veda
Jyo extracts. 100 000 copies of extracts are printed and distributed with the Rising Sun to households
in Phoenix and Chatsworth through the generous sponsorship of three sponsors -for the paper,
prin ng, and distribu on.
Click to visit the Reading Lounge
Among the books are graded books on the teachings of Hinduism. These books are used for the
modera on of Graded Examina ons in Hinduism. A new aspect of Veda Niketan’s focus is Back to the
Vedas online lectures ini ated in 2022.
GRADED EXAMINATIONS FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND ADULTS
The Veda Niketan has published a series called ‘Teachings of Hinduism’. These publica ons provide all
with a systema c educa onal programme for the self-study of the Hindu Dharma in English. The books
are graded in a par cular sequence. The subject mater starts from elementary level and gradually
develops to higher levels.
The publica ons Elementary Teachings of Hinduism, Basic Teachings of Hinduism and Essen al
Teachings of Hinduism Part 1 and Part 2 are available in the store in both printed and digital formats.
To purchase the books click here.
Graded examina ons once you have read the books and prepared for exams can be taken. The graded
examina ons are Dharma Prathama – [Elementary Examina ons], Dharma Pravesh – [Basic
Examina ons] and Dharma Prakash – Part 1 and Part11 – [Junior Examina ons].
Click here to register. Successful candidates will be able to download their cer ficates
The senior examina ons Dharma Praveen and Dharma Prabhakar are for those who wish to learn more
depth about Hinduism, Vedic Philosophy, and concepts. These courses run over three years and are
meant to be self-study.
THE VEDIC PUROHIT MANDAL (VEDIC PRIEST ACADEMY)
In the 1940s there were about 15 priests engaged in the performance of Sanskaars but there was no
official body that coordinated the work of the priests or gave direc on in the performance of Vedic
Sanskaars. With this view in mind, the APS convened a Conference on 22 November 1952. Therea er
the Vedic Priest Academy came into being. Pandit Nardev Vedalankar was elected its first President
and served in this capacity ll 1985. Panditji served the academy for a period of over 35 years. He was
given the status of Chief Priest.
The first batch of Priests trained in South Africa qualified in 1958 were only males. Pandit Nardevji,
who ini ated the Purohit Mandal, encouraged the females to study as well. The first batch of female
priests were ordained in 1975.
The work of the Purohits is not only confined to the performance of Yajnas. They are ac ve in the
performance of bedside prayers at hospitals, facilita ng value-based lessons to prisoners, working in
harmony with leaders of other faiths, par cipa ng uncondi onally during mes of natural disasters,
rallying together to assist in various ways. During Covid, Vedic Priests performed the last rites in many
funerals.
SCHOOL OF VEDIC STUDIES
The School of Vedic Studies provides the academic training for candidates who are keen to graduate
as Vedic priests. The Course comprises six modules, each las ng six months. The subjects covered are
the Prac ce of Prayer; Funeral Rites; Pre-Natal Sanskaars; Lifestyle and Prosperity; the Wedding
Ceremony and Community Ministry.
The studies are open those who looking for self-enrichment. (place in a contract form for enquires)