£111,000 Donation to the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies
The Nitin and Meena Sodha Foundation is proud to support the work of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies with a donation of £111,000, helping the Centre secure a permanent building in the academic heart of Oxford.
The Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies is a globally respected academic institution dedicated to the study of Hindu cultures, philosophies, texts and traditions. Through its close association with the University of Oxford, the Centre conducts world-class research, teaches students, and publishes influential scholarship that deepens global understanding of Hindu thought and heritage. Securing a permanent home in Oxford represents an important milestone in strengthening the Centre’s long-term presence within one of the world’s leading academic environments.
For Nitin and Meena Sodha, this work holds deep personal significance. Through the academic study of Hindu philosophy and tradition, the Centre helped them better understand their own spiritual identity within a thoughtful and rigorous framework. By exploring the breadth and diversity of Hindu philosophy, they were able to see how their own spiritual and cultural perspectives fit within a much wider intellectual and historical tradition. This deeper understanding strengthened both their appreciation of Hindu thought and the role it can play in modern life.
For many years, Nitin and Meena have also personally supported the Centre’s work, both through financial contributions and by giving their time and energy to its community initiatives. They have helped organise and support interfaith walks, talks and discussions in the Midlands, encouraging dialogue and understanding between people of different faiths and backgrounds. These efforts reflect a shared belief that education, conversation and openness are essential to building stronger and more harmonious communities.
Beyond its academic contributions, OCHS plays an important role in supporting communities in the UK and internationally. Its educational initiatives make Hindu studies widely accessible through online courses in Sanskrit, yoga, philosophy and history, enabling learners from around the world to engage meaningfully with traditional knowledge.
The Centre also leads impactful outreach programmes. Initiatives such as the Bhumi Project mobilise Hindu communities around environmental responsibility, while projects like the British Hinduism Oral History Project and youth research programmes help document and give voice to Hindu experiences in Britain. Through public lectures, research collaborations and partnerships with global universities, OCHS helps preserve cultural heritage while building understanding between Hindu communities and wider society.
This donation reflects the Foundation’s commitment to supporting education, cultural preservation and community engagement. Institutions like the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies play a vital role in connecting traditional knowledge with contemporary life, strengthening identity, and fostering dialogue across cultures.
The Foundation is honoured to support the continued work of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies and the important role it plays in advancing scholarship and supporting communities for generations to come.
