Higher Educational Institutions Should Become Centers of Indian Knowledge Tradition: Vice-Chancellor Prof. Chakrawal

BILASPUR,INDIA: Vice-Chancellor of Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (a Central University), Prof. Alok Kumar Chakrawal, participated as a distinguished guest in the inaugural ceremony of a two-day international conference held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The international symposium, organized on March 9-10, 2025, focused on "Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Sustainable Development." The chief guest of the inaugural ceremony was Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education, Government of India.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Alok Kumar Chakrawal, emphasized the need to establish centers of Indian knowledge tradition in all higher educational institutions across the country to blend ancient and modern knowledge. He highlighted that the various dimensions outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP)—including modernization, internationalization, and integration of Indian knowledge tradition—should be advanced through research, innovation, and exploration. This will help realize India's vision of becoming a developed nation and a ‘Vishwa guru’, a global leader, by 2047.

Prof. Chakrawal elaborated on various educational and research initiatives at Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, particularly those focusing on experiential learning, Indian traditions, and social engagement. He also discussed ancient economic and governance strategies mentioned in Kautilya’s Arthashastra, emphasizing its relevance in today's academic discourse.

During his address, Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, stressed the importance of the three-language formula in the NEP and highlighted the integration of education modernization with Indian knowledge systems in the Union Budget. He emphasized the role of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and the National Digital Repository in the implementation process. According to him, India’s rich intellectual heritage has the capacity to address present and future challenges.

Shri Pradhan also stated that India’s cultural and linguistic diversity is unified by the inherent oneness of its knowledge tradition. He emphasized the role of languages in effective implementation of Indian knowledge systems and stated, "Every language is a national language, and each one serves as a vital medium for spreading India's knowledge traditions."

In his presidential address, Prof. Narayan Lal Gupta, National President of ABRSM, highlighted the objectives of the conference and the significance of such academic discussions in the present context. He underscored the need to integrate indigenous knowledge into mainstream education to build a sustainable future based on India’s intellectual traditions.

Earlier, the ceremony began with the lighting of the lamp and floral tributes before the idol of Goddess Saraswati. The dignitaries on stage were welcomed with flower bouquets, shawls, shreephals, and books. Among the esteemed guests were Prof. Narayan Lal Gupta, National President of ABRSM, and Mahendra Kapoor, National Organization Secretary of Akhil Bhartiya Shaikshik Mahasangh. The event was conducted by Prof. Geeta Bhatt, National General Secretary of Akhil Bhartiya Shaikshik Mahasangh, while Prof. Ravi Tekchandani, Director of the National Sindhi Language Promotion Council, delivered the vote of thanks. 

The two-day international symposium is jointly organized by Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, the Educational Foundation, Shivaji College (Delhi University), and the National Sindhi Language Promotion Council. More than 650 participants from India and abroad are attending the conference. The presence of G. Laxman, National Joint Organization Secretary, Mahendra Kumar, National Vice President, eminent academicians, vice-chancellors of various universities, and directors of technical institutes has added to the prestige of the event.