11th June 2025, Mumbai – Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research, PGDM (WeSchool), Mumbai has once again set the bar for academic excellence and innovation with the grand felicitation ceremony of its inaugural batch of students from the Post Graduate Program in Temple Management (PGPTM). This program, the first of its kind in India, marks WeSchool’s commitment to shaping the future of temple management education and creating a pool of highly skilled professionals for an emerging sector.
The event was graced by eminent dignitaries and thought leaders from diverse fields, who underscored the growing importance of professionalizing temple management and the potential societal impact of such initiatives.
Shri Suresh Haware, Nuclear Scientist, Political Leader, Author, and Managing Director of Haware Engineers & Builders Pvt. Ltd., remarked, “WeSchool’s Temple Management program is a timely initiative. It recognizes the need for structured, transparent, and devotee-centric management in temples. With professional administration, temples can become powerful instruments of social and economic transformation while preserving our spiritual and cultural heritage.”
Adv. Shri S.K. Jain, Chairman, Managing Council of S.P. Mandali, added, “This program is not just about administration—it’s about service, transparency, and spiritual development. I commend WeSchool for this forward-thinking initiative and encourage continued focus on the societal impact of spiritual practices, such as chanting and sacred recitations, which promote inner healing and well-being.”
Prof. Dr. Uday Salunkhe, Group Director, WeSchool, addressed the gathering, stating,“We are proud to celebrate the successful completion of the inaugural PGPTM batch. This course integrates management principles with spiritual institution governance, providing learners with practical training in areas like crowd and disaster management, operations, and community engagement. The outcomes have been inspiring—students applied their learning effectively during internships and temple festivals. This initiative supports Viksit Bharat 2047 by empowering a new generation of cultural custodians and social leaders.”
The inaugural batch of PGPTM reflected true diversity—ranging from fresh graduates to retired professionals, with no age barrier for participation. Many students were already affiliated with temples in various capacities and joined the course to deepen their knowledge and enhance their impact. Hailing from different regions across India, these students brought with them a wealth of experience, dedication, and varied perspectives. During the ceremony, several graduates shared their personal journeys—highlighting how they overcame academic and personal challenges throughout the course. With renewed confidence, they expressed their readiness to take on real-world responsibilities in temple management with professionalism and purpose.
Designed in collaboration with (Temple Connect) practitioners and academic experts, WeSchool’s PGPTM program bridges a vital gap in the professional management of religious institutions. Blending classroom learning with hands-on training and insights from industry leaders, the course equips students to modernize temple operations while preserving spiritual values. It stands as a pioneering step toward strengthening cultural stewardship and nation-building.