Capacity Building Program for Faculty on Indian Knowledge Systems Ignites Intellectual Discourse at Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University

RAIPUR,CHHATTISGARH,INDIA: The six-day Capacity Building Program on Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) witnessed a vibrant exchange of ideas and deep intellectual engagement among scholars and resource persons from across India at the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Center (MMTTC), Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University.

Inaugurated by Dr. Jitendra Kumar Tripathi, Joint Secretary, University Grants Commission, New Delhi, the program from Feb 28 to March 5, 2025 is designed to empower faculty with the rich heritage and contemporary relevance of IKS.Inhis address, Dr. Tripathi stated that education through the Indian knowledge system aims to cultivate a generation capable of contributing at the social level, building the nation, and working globally with environmental consciousness. He further emphasized that Indian Knowledge Tradition has been incorporated into the curriculum at all levels of education under India's new National Education Policy.

Prof. Sacchidanand Shukla, Vice-Chancellor, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla Universityreiterated that India holds a unique position in the world due to its cultural heritage, life values, and rich literature. He emphasized the importance of grounding education in Indian and local contexts, social and scientific needs, and indigenous and traditional learning methods. The inclusion of Indian Knowledge Tradition in the education policy has made current education more reliable, relevant, and effective for students, enabling the young generation to take pride in India's rich culture and heritage.

Today’s session commenced with a compelling address by Dr. Rananjay Kumar Singh from Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya, Wardha, who illuminated the philosophical foundations of Indian Knowledge Traditions. “Our ancient Indian knowledge has the capability to illuminate the entire world and provide an equal view,” Dr. Singh stated, emphasizing the enduring relevance and global significance of IKS. He further underscored the importance of nurturing a generation capable of contributing to social, cultural, and moral upliftment, fostering national development, and promoting global environmental consciousness.

Following Dr. Singh, Adv. Suyash Pradhan delivered a lecture on traditional methods of knowledge acquisition, highlighting the enduring relevance of “Shravan, Manan, and Nidhidhyasan” in cultivating concentration, discipline, and devotion. Dr. N.R. Pawar then provided an in-depth exploration of moral education, emphasizing its critical role in holistic human development.

The program has been met with enthusiastic participation, with over 90 registered participants. The program is being hosted by Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre and Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur in collaboration with University Grants Commission and IKS Division of Department of education, Government of India. 

The Course Coordinator of the Program, Prof. R.K. Brahme expressed that by fostering a deeper understanding of our rich intellectual heritage, the aim is to cultivate a generation that is not only academically proficient but also culturally rooted and ethically sound.

Prof. Preeti K. Suresh, Director of MMTTCshared that MMTTC has been spearheading Faculty Development in IKS and beyond. The centre at Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University is committed to strengthening the educational landscape through comprehensive faculty capacity building. This program exemplifies MMTTC’s dedication to integrating traditional wisdom with contemporary teaching methodologies.MMTTC’s initiatives include workshops on Indian Knowledge Systems focused on integrating IKS principles into modern education, these workshops provide faculty with a deeper understanding of India’s cultural heritage and its contemporary relevance. The Centre has also been leading comprehensive professional development through various programs to address the diverse needs of faculty at all levels, providing access to high-quality training and resources.

The program continues till March 5, 2015, promising further exploration of the vast and invaluable realm of Indian Knowledge Tradition.