The progress of any nation is dependent on the fully developed personality of its citizens, of which youth comprise a significant proportion. The personality of the young generation is highly influenced by education. However, worldwide, the current education system is not structured to develop the personality of students, and does not guide them towards a purposeful path of life through which they can live happily and peacefully as well as be competent enough to fight difficulties. In the olden times, universities such as Nalanda and Takshashila accomplished the task of guiding students in the right direction by imparting spiritual knowledge on a practical basis, that is, how ideals can be incorporated in personality considering the prevalent trends in the society. In the 21st century, Shantikunj has taken up this challenging task in the form of Dev Sanskrati Vishwavidyalaya (Divine Culture University). The University is the fulfillment of the vision of Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya and Mata Bhagwati Devi Sharma, the patron founders of All World Gayatri Pariwar.

How will the university realise the above task? It will do so by reviving the rishi tradition. Universities founded by seers and sages in ancient India had been the centres for the propagation of the Divine Indian Culture through which cultural values enjoyed a global outreach. In these universities both the masters and disciples practiced a life dedicated to cultural values. Students at the Dev Sanskrati Vishwavidyalaya will be inspired to live an austere, ascetic life conforming to high ideals. Usual lifestyle is besieged by various unwanted habits and tendencies, which motivate actions onto a path opposite to the desired aims. Such actions ultimately bring remorse at the awakening of wisdom and self-analysis. However difficulties never overpower a person whose life is disciplined. He never feels depressed by the obstacles of time; rather, he overcomes them effectively. Students will be inspired, in part, by teachers who themselves would be practicing ascetic lifestyle.

The Dev Sanskrati Vishwavidyalaya, Shantikunj Hardwar symbolizes the revival of the divine glory of the Vedic, Rishi Culture. It is established with the dawn of the new millennium in the sacred Himalayan region near Shantikunj, Hardwar, Uttaranchal, India. This is the land purified and sanctified by the holy currents of the Ganga and the eternal radiance of spirituality and religion invoked by the devout tapa-sadhanas of the great rishis, munis, saints and yogis since times immemorial…. The aim of this unique university – the Dev Sanskrati Vishwavidyalaya – is to amplify and expand across the globe the sublime energy of their angelic vibrations. sadhanas

Admissions to the departments of Yoga, Philosophy and Psycho-Ayurveda have begun from July 2002. The following departments are proposed to be fully operational in the first phase.