Jnana Deepa, Institute of Philosophy and Theology (often abbreviated JDIPT, and historically known as Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth) is a pontifical institute of higher learning in philosophy and theology located in Pune, Maharashtra, India. It is operated by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and offers ecclesiastical degrees recognised by the Holy See, along with civil affiliations for its programmes. The institute serves as one of the principal centres of Catholic theological education in South Asia.
| Name | Jnana Deepa, Institute of Philosophy and Theology |
|---|---|
| Former name | Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth (JDV) |
| Type | Pontifical institute (philosophy and theology) |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic Church; Society of Jesus |
| Location | Pune, Maharashtra, India |
| Faculties | Faculty of Philosophy; Faculty of Theology |
| Languages of instruction | English |
The institute traces its origins to Jesuit seminary formation in western India. The theology faculty developed from the Papal Athenaeum, which was earlier based in Kandy, Sri Lanka, and was relocated to Pune. Once established in Pune, the philosophy and theology faculties were consolidated into a single pontifical centre that came to be known as Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth, a Sanskrit-derived name meaning "light of knowledge." In recent years the institution has rebranded itself as Jnana Deepa, Institute of Philosophy and Theology.
The institute is organised around two faculties:
Programmes are conducted in English, and the institute also runs centres for inter-religious dialogue, mission studies, and contextual Indian theology. Its periodicals include scholarly journals dedicated to Indian Christian thought, biblical scholarship and pastoral studies.
Jnana Deepa is one of the few institutions in India authorised by the Holy See to confer ecclesiastical degrees in philosophy and theology. It serves as a formation house for Jesuit and diocesan candidates from across India and neighbouring countries, and is a notable site for Indian Christian theological scholarship, including engagement with Indian philosophical traditions, inter-religious dialogue and contextual ethics.
The campus is situated in Pune, a city long associated with higher education and seminary formation in western India. Pune hosts several Catholic and other religious educational institutions, and Jnana Deepa is part of this wider ecosystem of theological and philosophical training.