BHUBANESWAR (India CSR): The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar, in collaboration with Shiksha Sanskriti Utthaan Nyaas (SSUN), organized a two-day workshop titled ‘Bharatiya Knowledge Systems (BKS)’ at its Argul campus on October 5th and 6th. This initiative aimed to explore the significance and application of Bharatiya Knowledge Systems in contemporary education and research.
Insights from Experts
A key highlight of the workshop was an interactive public lecture by Dr. Atul Bhai Kothari, Secretary of SSUN. He addressed the audience on ‘Research and Innovation in Bharatiya Knowledge System,’ emphasizing the need to study BKS to derive better solutions for today’s challenges. Dr. Kothari remarked, “Studying our intellectual ancestors can greatly motivate students to pursue high-quality research. BKS offers a holistic understanding of the interconnections between the Self, the Supreme, and Nature.” He advocated for an indigenous approach to education, suggesting changes in curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment methods.
Expanding Perspectives
In his welcome address, Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, Director of IIT Bhubaneswar, underscored the value of BKS in offering alternative worldviews free from biases. He cautioned, however, that these perspectives should be evidence-based and highlighted the need for deep expertise in various disciplines, stating, “A general knowledge of different disciplines is not sufficient to propagate BKS.”
Engaging Discussions
Prof. Savita Sengar, Vice Chancellor of Jharkhand Rai University, echoed the need for critical evaluation of BKS’s relevance today. Honorable Member of Parliament from Balasore, Shri Pratap Chandra Sarangi, also attended the event, discussing the continuity of Indian culture and the importance of learning native languages while transitioning between Odia, Hindi, and English.
Future Endeavors
The workshop concluded with the unveiling of the Gyan Kumbh poster, scheduled for November 17-18. The event attracted over 100 participants, including faculty, staff, and students from IIT and other institutions, marking a significant step in promoting Bharatiya Knowledge Systems in academia.
