Committees
The Council is the highest decision-making body of the organisation, comprising of Affiliate
representatives. In between Council meetings the organisation is run by the Executive Committee.
The Executive Committee
Standing Committees
READING LOUNGE
Veda Niketan was established in 1963. Under this committee a journal entitled Veda Jyoti was established. Publications include tracts, books, pamphlets, and journals – the Veda Jyoti and the Veda Jyoti 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, printing, and distribution.
Click to visit the Reading Lounge
Among the books are graded books on the teachings of Hinduism. These books are used for the moderation of Graded Examinations in Hinduism. A new aspect of Veda Niketan’s focus is Back to the Vedas online lectures initiated in 2022.
GRADED EXAMINATIONS FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND ADULTS
The Veda Niketan has published a series called ‘Teachings of Hinduism’. These publications provide all with a systematic educational programme for the self-study of the Hindu Dharma in English. The books are graded in a particular sequence. The subject matter starts from elementary level and gradually develops to higher levels.
The publications Elementary Teachings of Hinduism, Basic Teachings of Hinduism and Essential 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 examinations once you have read the books and prepared for exams can be taken. The graded examinations are Dharma Prathama – [Elementary Examinations], Dharma Pravesh – [Basic Examinations] and Dharma Prakash – Part 1 and Part11 – [Junior Examinations].
Successful candidates will be able to download their certifcates
The senior examinations 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 direction in the performance of Vedic Sanskaars. With this view in mind, the APS convened a Conference on 22 November 1952. Thereafter the Vedic Priest Academy came into being. Pandit Nardev Vedalankar was elected its first President and served in this capacity till 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 initiated 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 active in the performance of bedside prayers at hospitals, facilitating value-based lessons to prisoners, working in harmony with leaders of other faiths, participating unconditionally during times 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 lasting six months. The subjects covered are the Practice 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.