School of Art & Humanities (SoAH)

Overview

In  Himalayiya  University Dehradun, the School of Arts and Humanities is one of the largest and most comprehensive school of its kind with a wide range of different programs concerning with different disciplines related to the field of social sciences.

Our approach to teaching is one that maximises a student’s employability, through acquiring hands-on skills and experiencing professional placements, complemented by a solid thought theoretical background.

School of Arts and Humanities comprising of different social science subjects and few interdisciplinary programs as well as graduate , post-graduate and Ph.D. degree programs. The studies in this school are related to develop the skills of the students in the field of academic disciplines, human culture and well being of achievements and culture.

The school is central to all human cultures regarding facilitating deeper intercultural understanding and lays the groundwork for a civically engaged life.

The school views the education as broad and vital.

In each of the programmes that prepare the pupil for attaining different positions inany of the field of their interest and according to ability.

School share the view that informed , imaginative and critical thinking enables scholars and  educators to actively shape cultural concepts of learning through education.

 

Scope  

  • The school of Arts and Humanities including different subjects of social science viz. Hindi, English, Sanskrit , Political Science, Economics, Sociology and Social Work, Education, etc. and many more.
  • This school is all about the human conditions and their well being around socio-economic and political scenario.
  • School of arts and humanities equips every individuals of the society for all round development regarding life aspects.
  • This school enables the people in discovering different talents for well being in the society.
  • People utilize their abilities according to their interests and using potential fully.
  • To prepare the citizens for making a positive coordination and cooperation with schools and the society

 

Perspective

  • The perspective of studying different subjects in the school of Arts and Humanities is mainly focussed on elevated appreciation of the Arts and Humanities through shared experiences.
  • Though there are different members of perspectives in Humanities and coming from diverse background , but all are united with passion of humanities.
  • To prepare people with making sense of life and develop their own potential by infusing professional commitment and work values.
  • To prepare the people actively participate in the development of humanity.
  • To get ready the people to adopt innovative and creative education in schools.

To acquaint the people in  catering the needs  society in the interest of nation development

It is matter of proud that The Himalayiya University has been established in the rural vicinity of Dehradun district in Uttarakhand for the educational upliftment of the habitants residing in the surrounding area and their multifarious empowerment. I feel pleasure in announcing that I have been assigned as Dean, School of Arts and Humanities in this novel University. I am making my best efforts in this endeavour and I am inviting all of you, the students and the faculty members for utmost co-operation in leading this University on the path of Academic Excellence.

The grandeur of our community, that which shines forth to each person who visits us even for a short time, that which graces each of us who have the privilege of joining us for future endeavors, is that it is a courageous and fearless place, a place of strong liberty and vibrant convictions, and out of all those convictions, out of all the generations of unfettered debate that they have sponsored and protected, has arisen an institution truly worthy of the meaning and the promise of the higher learning.

Lastly, in line with the mission of the University, to spread knowledge, research, engage with the latest in the business world and be part of this exciting journey of life, We welcome all respected parents, family members, mentors, students, philanthropists, potential faculty and Corporates.

Department of Education

Overview

In the School of Arts and Humanities , various disciplines including the Department of Education is also functioning.

The department of education committed to understanding culture as broad and varied process. The department views the study of education as broad and vital. Here, intellectual and creative ideas and practices extend beyond the traditional concerns of schooling. The each program in the department shares a concern with the learner’s construction of knowledge, the art and methods of teaching, the realities of contemporary classroom, the relationship 0f school to their communities, and the understanding philosophies of school reforms.

Scope

  • The department of Education in the School of Arts and Humanities has been included as a Mission Mode Project.
  • This is a vast domain with a multitude of stakeholders and several flagship schemes under implementation. These include socialization, social integration, social placement, and social cultural innovation.
  • The education department ensures equal access to education to all the students and to promote educational excellence throughout the population.
  • The education provided in the department makes the pupil civilized, refined, cultured and educated.

 

Perspectives

  • The department of education provides the education in different courses to enrolled students for better socialization, social integration, social placement, and social cultural innovation.
  • Taking into consideration, the involvement of several latent functions which are receiving by the students is a by- product of school education and not the direct effect.
  • The education provided in the schools should find the social interaction and affects the development of gender roles and intellectual abilities beyond the teachers expectations.
  • The functionalism of education is a doctrine that makes a sound mental state of an individual for doing an act normally and intellectually.
  • The perspective of providing education is a set of assumptions about reality that informs the questions we ask and the kinds of answers we arrive at a result.

Department and Program Details:

Programs Course Eligibility Duration
UG B.A Any candidate having passed the Intermediate (10+2) Examination in any discipline, from a recognized Examination Board, shall be eligible to apply for the course. The other terms and conditions shall be applicable as per University norms. The Bachelor of Art in Education (B.A Education) shall be of a minimum duration of three  academic years. 6 Semesters.
PG M.A A Bachelor degree in any discipline from a recognized Indian or foreign university (as per the AIU foreign equivalence list) The duration of the course leading to the Degree of Master of Arts in Education

(M.A. Edu.) shall be of  minimum duration of Two  academic years. 4 Semesters.

Doctoral Ph.D a two years Master’s OR M. Phil Degree Having Secured minimum 55% marks from any accredited Indian or Foreign University in the relevant field  

Admission Process- Through their academic Merit/ Through special entrance tests

PhD Admission Process -The University shall admit Ph.D. students through an Entrance Test conducted at its level. The students who have qualified UGC-NET, JRF /SLET holder .

Contact Person

Dr. Anup Baluni

HOD Education

Contact no.: 9212111430

E-mail: anupbaluni@rediffmail.com

Department of English

Overview

The department of English committed to support and encourage students to become independent. The department always keeping in views that the role of English is to develop India. Our intellectual works continue creating a rigorous and exciting intellectual environment for our students. We encourage students for professional writing. The focus of the department is to have holistic education and development of all the aspirants. We make students capable of thinking of their owning the right direction. We teach not only functional English but also English literature. We create visible and real change in the lives of all students

 

Scope

  • Through English language students get a platform to know about their culture, society and analyse challenging life problems.
  • The department gives an open space for students to develop and integrate the use of four language skill i.e Reading , Writing, Speaking and Listening.
  • The department maintains advance skills in effective reading, writing language.
  • English literature develops a thorough knowledge of literary history, theory and criticism.
  • English department enhance their understanding of a wide range of culture and intellectual tradition.

 

Perspective

  • Transforming the students into the rational human being with an inquisitive and argumentative bent of mind through literary theoretical and linguistic teaching.
  • We prepare our scholars by developing their abilities to pose and investigate problem s in the advance study of literature in English.
  • The English department concern with the thematic content of texts and typically involves poetry ,prose , fiction and drama .
  • Utilize current technologies to assist in the research and presentation of critical and creative writing.

 

Flow-chart of the Program

 Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
English (The subjects are offered in different combinations with English)

Master of Arts (M.A.)   English

Ph.D. English

 

Department and Program Details:

 

Programs Course   Eligibility Duration
UG BA Any candidate having passed the Intermediate (10+2) Examination in any discipline, from a recognized Examination Board, shall be eligible to apply for the course. The other terms and conditions shall be applicable as per University norms. The Bachelor of Art in Education (B.A.Edu.) shall be of a minimum duration of Three academic years.

Six Semesters.

PG MA A Bachelor degree in any discipline from a recognized Indian or foreign university (as per the AIU foreign equivalence list) The duration of the course leading to the Degree of Master of Arts in Education

(M. A.Edu.) shall be of  minimum duration of Two  academic years. Four Semesters.

Ph.D. PhD A two years Master’s OR M. Phil Degree Having Secured minimum 55% marks from any accredited Indian or Foreign University in the relevant field

 

 Admission Process- Throughtheiracademic Merit/  Throughspecialentrancetests

Ph.D. Admission Process -The University shall admit Ph.D. students through an Entrance Test conducted at its level. The students who have qualified UGC-NET, JRF/ SLET holder.

 

Contact (Department Address, Phone No.: E-mail)

Dr. Nidhi Upadhyay

HOD English

991764712

drnidhiu@gmail.com

 

Department of Hindi

Overview

Hindi Department was established under the join aegis of Hindi Language and literature, keeping in view the unity and integrity of rational thinking, moral, literature and Culture, Under the Act.2019, Uttarakhand Act. No.08, 2019. The Objective of independent establishment of Hindi department in various areas of Hindi language and literature is that the research, teaching-training moments and discussions etc. can be done independently. Also foreign students can be introduced to Hindi language, literature and Indian culture.

 

Scope

  • The Department of Hindi in the School of Art and Humanities has been included as a Mission Mode Project.
  • IAS, IFS, Civil Services.
  • Content Writing Editing.
  • Central and state Government Services.
  • Media and Journalism.
  • Research & Teaching
  • Indian Cinema Screen Writing
  • Politicians

 

Perspectives

To develop a syllabus and subject matter for skill studies based on the career prospects of Hindi in the global context.

  • Plans to digitalize Hindi language and literature on digital platform and encourage learning to suit the needs of 21st century techno culture.
  • Linguists believe that Hindi should be considered the primary language of worldwide communication. With this in mind, attempts are being undertaken to connect Hindi students at colleges throughout the world with the Hindi department.

 

Programmes Details:

 

Programs Course Eligibility Duration
Certificate  

Certificate

 

Any candidate having passed the Intermediate (10+2) Examination in any discipline, from a recognized Examination Board, shall be eligible to apply for the course. 6 Month Course
UG B.A Any candidate having passed the Intermediate (10+2) Examination in any discipline, from a recognized Examination Board, shall be eligible to apply for the course. The other terms and conditions shall be applicable as per University norms. The Bachelor of Art in Hindi (B.A.Hindi) shall be of a minimum duration of three academic years. 6 Semesters.
 

PG

 

M.A

 

A Bachelor degree in any discipline from a recognized Indian or foreign university (as per the University norms equivalence list)

 

The duration of the course leading to the Degree of Master of Arts in Hindi (M.A Hindi) shall be of minimum duration of Two academic years. 4 Semesters.

Doctoral Ph.D A two years Master’s or M. Phil degree having secured minimum 55% marks from any accredited Indian or Foreign University in the relevant field.

 

Admission Process- Through their academic Merit/ special entrance tests.

Admission Process for Ph.D -The University shall admit Ph.D. students through an Entrance Test conducted at University level. The students who have qualified UGC-NET, JRF/SLET holder.

 

Contact Person:

Dr. Manisha Agarwal

HOD Hindi

Email- manishaagarwal0321@gmail.com

Department of Library & Information Science

Overview

The School of Arts and Humanities has various disciplines; the Department of Library and Information Science is one of them. A library is an essential part of a community and no community is considered to develop without a library. As we know, an academic library is an essential part of an educational Institution, Department, School, College, University, Business or Special library, Government department and Industrial organizations. The rapid increase in production of recorded knowledge,or print documents have led to the expansion of libraries and development of their services.

Librarianship is a growing field that connects people with the information  they are seeking and it represents challenges in separate disciplines in the Universe of knowledge which demands specialised knowledge and skills. The Management of Libraries needs personnel with good academic and professional qualifications. Proficiency in one the Natural science, Social Science or Humanities is helpful in the professional development of Librarianship.

Librarianship is a profession that provides a variety of employment opportunities. Person with a superior record with high qualification can achieve a high position.

 

Objectives

  • To Educate and Understand Librarianship as a Profession;
  • To train the scholars in skills of Information, Knowledge processing, Organisation and Retrieval;
  • To train scholars with specialised skills in different disciplines in the Universe of Knowledge
  • To train the scholars for Techniques and Management of Libraries in the 21st century;
  • To Introduce the role and importance of  Libraries in the development of various aspects of society;
  • To enhance the skills to manage electronic libraries in a digital environment and to provide advanced skills in computers and its application in Library and Information Science.

 

Programmes Offered

 Department offered following Programmes:

  • Bachelor of Library and Information Science
  • Master of Library and Information Science
  • Ph.D Library and Information Science

 

Programmes Details

Programme Eligibility Duration
B.Lib Any candidate having passed the

Graduation in any discipline, from a recognized University  shall be eligible to apply for the

course. The other terms and conditions shall be applicable as per University norms.

One year  full time course divided into two semesters
M.Lib Any candidate having passed B.Lib from a recognized University shall be eligible to apply for the course. The other terms and conditions shall be applicable as per University norms One year full time course divided into two semesters
Ph.D Master’s Degree from any UGC recognized University/ AICTE approved Institutions or any other qualification recognized as equivalent thereto in the notified fields of study with a minimum 55% of marks or equivalent CGPA (50% marks or equivalent CGPA for SC/ST candidates)

 

Admission Process- Through their academic Merit/ special entrance tests.

Admission Process for Ph.D -The University shall admit Ph.D. students through an Entrance Test conducted at University level. The students who have qualified UGC-NET, JRF/SLET holder.

 

Contact Person:

Dr. Indu Bharti Ghildiyal

HOD Library and Information Science

E-mail: indubnawani@gmail.com

 

Department of Political Science

Overview

In the School of Arts and Humanities, various disciplines including the Department of Political science is also functioning.

The department of political science committed to understanding culture as broad and varied process. The department views the study of political science as broad and vital. Here, intellectual and creative ideas and practices extend beyond the traditional concerns of schooling. The each program in the department shares a concern with the learner’s construction of knowledge, the art and methods of teaching, the realities of contemporary classroom, the relationship of school to their communities, and the understanding philosophies of school reforms.

 

Scope

  • A graduate and post graduate in political science has many attractive career options that include political journalism, civil services (Indian administrative services, Indian foreign services), political scientist, secretary to various government development and agencies, election and campaigning manager, lecturer, NGO, social media manager, marketing research analyst, political consultant, human rights activist, legal advisor to various political parties.
  • We can also pursue Ph.D. in political science and work as a JRF/SRF in a reputed institution which opens doors for career opportunities in higher education.

 

Perspectives

  • The department of Political science provides the education in different courses to enrolled students for better socialization, social integration, social placement, and social cultural innovation.
  • Taking into consideration, the involvement of several latent functions which are receiving by the students is a by- product of school education and not the direct effect.
  • The Political science provided in the schools should find the social interaction and affects the development of gender roles and intellectual abilities beyond the teachers expectations.

 

Department and Program Details:

S. No. Programs Eligibility Duration
1. BA Any candidate having passed the Intermediate (10+2) Examination in any discipline, from a recognized Examination Board, shall be eligible to apply for the course. The other terms and conditions shall be applicable as per University norms. The Bachelor of Art in Education (B.A. Pol. science.) shall be of a minimum duration of three  academic years.

Six Semesters.

2. MA A Bachelor degree in any discipline from a recognized Indian or foreign university (as per the AIU foreign equivalence list) The duration of the course leading to the Degree of Master of Arts in Pol. science

(M.A. Pol. science.) shall be of  minimum duration of Two  academic years.

Four Semesters.

3. PhD a two years Master’s OR M. Phil Degree Having Secured minimum 55% marks from any accredited Indian or Foreign University in the relevant field  

 

 

Admission Process- Through their academic Merit/  Through special entrance tests

PhD Admission Process -The University shall admit Ph.D. students through an Entrance Test conducted at its level

The students who have qualified UGC-NET, JRF/ SLET  holder.

 

Contact (Department Address, Phone No.: E-mail)

Dr.Pooja

HOD Political Science

pooja.poojaparihar18@gmail.com

Department of Sanskrit

Overview
Sanskrit Department was established under the join aegis of Sanskrit Language and literature, keeping in view the unity and integrity of rational thinking, moral, literature, philosophy and Culture, Under the Act.2019, Uttarakhand Act. No.08, 2019. The Objective of independent establishment of Sanskrit department in various areas of Sanskrit language and literature is that the research, teaching-training moments and

discussions etc. can be done independently. Also foreign students can be introduced to Sanskrit language, literature, Indian culture and Indian philosophy.

 

Scope

  • The Department of Sanskrit in the School of Art and Humanities has been included as a Mission Mode Project.
  • IAS, IFS, Civil Services.
  • Content Writing Editing.
  • Central and state Government Services.
  • Media and Journalism.
  • Services in indian army
  • Research & Teaching
  • Indian Cinema Screen Writing
  • Politicians
  • News Anchor in Sanskrit language

 

Perspectives 

  • To develop a syllabus and subject matter for skill studies based on the career prospects of Sanskrit in the global context.
  • Plans to digitalize Sanskrit language and literature on digital platform and encourage learning to suit the needs of 21st century techno Culture.
  • Linguists believe that Sanskrit should be considered the primary language of worldwide communication. With this in mind, attempts are being undertaken to connect Sanskrit students at colleges throughout the world with the Sanskrit department.

 

Flow-chart of the Program

Certificate

BA

MA

Ph.D

 

Department and Program Details:

 

Programs

 

Eligibility

 

Duration

 

Certificate in

Karmakand

and Jyotish

 

Any candidate having passed the

Intermediate (10+2) Examination in

any discipline, from a recognized

Examination Board, shall be eligible

to apply for the course.

 

One year and

6 Month

Diploma

 

B.A

 

Any candidate having passed the Intermediate (10+2) Examination in any discipline, from a recognized Examination Board, shall be eligible to apply for the course. The other terms and conditions shall be applicable as per University norms.

 

The Bachelor

of Art in

Sanskrit

(B.A.Sanskrit)

shall be of a

minimum

duration of

three academic

years. 6

Semesters.

 

M.A.

 

A Bachelor degree in any discipline

from a recognized Indian or foreign

university (as per the University

norms equivalence list)

 

The duration

of the course

leading to the

Degree of

Master of Arts

in Sanskrit

(M.A.Sanskrit)

shall be of

minimum

duration of

Two academic

years. 4 Semesters.

 

 

Ph.D

 

A two years Master’s OR M. Phil

Degree Having Secured minimum

55% marks from any accredited

Indian or Foreign University in

the relevant field.

 

 

 

 

Admission Process- Through their academic Merit/ special entrance tests.

Ph.D Admission Process -The University shall admit Ph.D. students through an Entrance Test conducted at University level.

The students who have qualified UGC-NET, JRF/SLET holder.

 

 

Contact (Department Address, Phone No.: E-mail)

Dr. Anand Mohan Joshi

HOD Sanskrit Department

Cont- +919643484951

Email- joshianand381@gmail.com

Department of Sociology

Overview

The sociology department has been running since 2019 in Himalyiya University. The sociology department provides under graduation and post graduation courses and as well as research work. In field of research the sociology department conducting research on various social aspects including current social issues , social problems and also focus on regional and environmental problems which are important for planning and regional development of uttarakhand .The sociology department has also organized programme of Teaching and research covering a variety of field and research have also been conducted in the in the fields such as social stratification, Gender issues, Environmental  studies, Social development, Historical sociology, Rural and Urban sociology, Medical sociology, Social demography, Folk culture, Education, Migration and Social institution etc. The sociology department has been visited by a large number of faculty members and Research Scholar from the various parts of Uttarakhand. The sociology department has well qualified teaching staff they have comprehensive knowledge in field of teaching and Research.

 

Scope

Sociology is the Scientific study of Society, human relationships and interaction, It is a diverse field that includes intensive field work and

theoretical research. As a sociology students in search of career prospects then you have a vast field of research and job opportunities to explore. Be B.A. or M.A. sociology then scope of sociology is immense because of its relevance as an interdisciplinary course. There are various opportunities available in private as well as the public sectors. Let’s take a look at the nature and scope of sociology, its different fields along with the career prospects it offers

  • Research
  • Policy makers
  • Policy Analysis and Adviser
  • Human Resource Manager
  • Public Relations specialist
  • Rehabilitation counsellors
  • Office Administrator
  • Non Government Organization
  • Law firms
  • International Organization
  • Survey conducting company
  • Urban and Regional planning bodies
  • Public health companies
  • Criminal justice
  • An administrative service/ civil service exam
  • Social Welfare officers
  • School teacher/College Lectures/University professor

 

Perspective

Every discipline or study conducted by human is done from a unique perspective. It offers meaningful insight in to the subject of study. Similarly, sociology studies Society, its participants and their interaction through a Sociological perspective that over arches the individual perspective of social beings . The sociological perspective is one the observes Society through a lens without personal opinions. Its generalized the causes and actions of individuals into patterns and categories. However it not only observes the patterns of society but also tries to explain such patterns or behaviour.  Sociologists are not concerned with personal characteristics instead, they aim to find common attitude and features as well as hidden patterns in those characteristics and behaviour across millions of people.

Sociological perspective assists us in better understanding ourselves. People perceive Society through their restricted experience of tight circle of kin, acquaintances and colleagues if they do not have a Sociological perspective. The Sociological perspective help us to imagine and mental separate ourselves from our limited experience, allowing us to understand the connections between personal worries and societal problems. It allows us to see how our own routines and activities relate to the trends and happening of society.

Sociological perspective are important as they provide a lens to view society in a way that excludes personal biases and prejudices.

Flow-chart of the Program
BA
MA
Ph.D
 
Department and Programmes Details:
 

Programs Course Eligibility Duration
 
 
 
UG
 
 
 
B.A
Any candidate having passed the Intermediate (10+2) Examination in any discipline, from a recognized Examination Board, shall be eligible to apply for the course. The other terms and conditions shall be applicable as per University norms. The Bachelor of Art in Hindi (B.A.Sociology) shall be of a minimum duration of three academic years. 6
Semesters.
 
 
 
 
PG
 
 
 
M.A
A Bachelor degree in any discipline from a recognized Indian or foreign university (as per the University  norms equivalence list) The duration of the course leading to the Degree of Master of Arts in Sociology
(M. A. Sociology) shall be of minimum duration of Two academic years. 4 Semesters.
 
 
Doctoral
 
 
Ph.D
A two years Master’s or M. Phil degree having secured minimum 55% marks from any accredited Indian or Foreign University in the relevant field.  

 

  1. Admission Process- Through their academic Merit/ special entrance tests.
  2. Admission Process -The University shall admit Ph.D. students through an Entrance Test conducted at University level.

The students who have qualified UGC-NET, JRF/SLET holder.
 
 
Contact (Department Address, Phone No.: E-mail)
Dr. Arvind Gehlot
HOD Sociology Department
Cont- +91-9927036251
Email- admission@himalayiyauniversity.in

UG – (Three Years Degree Program)

BA – Bachelor in Economics/ Education/ English/ Geography/ Hindi/ History/ Mathematics/ Music/ Psychology/ Political Science/ Sanskrit/ Social Work/ Sociology (Any of Three)
B.Lib.Bachelor in Library and Information Science

PG – (Two Years Degree Program)

MA – Master in Economics/ Education/ English/ Geography/ Hindi/ History/Mathematics/ Music/ Performing Arts (Theatre)/ Psychology/  Political Science/ Sanskrit/ Sociology
MSW – Master in social work- 4-semester course
M.Lib. Master in Library and Information Science

Doctoral Program – (Ph. D Program)

Full Time Ph. D – Economics/ Education/ English/ Hindi/ History/ Library and Information Science/ Mathematics/ Performing Arts (Theatre)/ Political Science/ Sanskrit/ Social Work/ Sociology

The candidates are shortlisted on basis of the qualifying examination as per eligibility criteria prescribed by the University. The merit list is displayed and shortlisted candidates are required to attend a personal counselling session, to be eligible to get an offer for admission to the program. The personal counselling committee selects students on the basis of candidates’ qualifying testimonials, credentials and medical examinations.

The University shall admit Ph.D. students through an Entrance Test conducted at its level. The students who have qualified UGC-NET, JRF/ SLET  holder.

Registrations are open for batch 2024-2025

For more information-

please contact (+91-7300563131, +91-7300568080, +91-7300568282, +91- 9927026351)

School of Arts & Humanities (SoAH)

Course Duration (Years) Tuition Fee per Semester Eligibility
Certificate Course in Hindi Patrakarita Aevam Jansanchar 0.5 (6 Months) 6,000 10+2
Diploma in Jyotish 1 6,000 10+2
Diploma in Karmkand 1 6,000 10+2
B.A – Education/ Economics/ English/ Hindi/ History/ Music/ Political Science/ Psychology/ Sanskrit/ Sociology (Any of Three) 3 9,600 10+2
B.Lib 1 9,600 Graduation
M.A Economics 2 12,000 Graduation
M.A English 2 12,000 Graduation
M.A Education 2 12,000 Graduation
M.A Geography 2 12,000 Graduation
M.A Hindi 2 12,000 Graduation
M.A History 2 12,000 Graduation
M.A Psychology (Counseling/ Mental Health) 2 54,500 Graduation
M.A Political Science

2

12,000 Graduation
M.A Sanskrit 2 12,000 Graduation
M.A Sociology 2 12,000 Graduation
M.Lib 1 12,000 B.Lib

Note: Registration Fee – Rs. 1000, Enrollment Fee – Rs. 1000 at the time of Registration (only once)
Examination Fee will be decided by the University at the time of Examination
25% rebate in Tuition Fee for Permanent Resident of Uttarakhand