National Education Policy 2020: The Ministry of Education celebrated the Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam (ABSS) 2024 at the Manekshaw Centre Auditorium, New Delhi, marking the 4th anniversary of the National Education Policy 2020. Minister of State for Education & Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Shri Jayant Chaudhary and Minister of State for Education & Development of North Eastern Region, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar were present at the event. Shri K. Sanjay Murthy, Secretary, Department of Higher Education; Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy; academicians, Vice Chancellors of the universities, officials, and students, also attended the event.
On this occasion, the Ministers unveiled several books and lecture notes prepared by the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Division of the Ministry of Education. These are aimed at promoting IKS among students and teachers.
Among the releases was a compilation of lecture notes from the Faculty Training Program for Master Trainers in IKS, conducted by the IKS Division of MoE in collaboration with the University Grants Commission (UGC). These Faculty Training Programs have been conducted over the past year in three stages with Shri Anurag Deshpande and Shri S. Sriram of the IKS Division serving as conveners. The book covers various topics including IKS elements and principles, Philosophical foundations of IKS, Methods of IKS – Tantrayukti, discipline-specific subjects such as Chemistry, Agriculture, Ayurveda, Mathematics along with Nitishastra and Panchantra and IPR in IKS, with contributions from 12 prominent IKS scholars.
Another notable release was \”Kautilya\’s Arthashastra: Timeless Strategies for Modern Governance,\” authored by Vinayak Rajat Bhat, Associate Professor at Chanakya University, and a Principal investigator of the IKS division research projects, and Tejusvi Shukla, Former Research Associate at Chanakya University. This book provides an accessible interpretation of Kauṭilya\’s work on statecraft, enriched with contemporary examples, visual aids, and real-world applications. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and professionals, bridging ancient wisdom and modern governance.
The book, “Marma Kannadi: Decoding the Human Body the Siddha Way,” by Gurukkal Dr. S. Mahesh, a 5th generation Kalari and Siddha practitioner and scholar, Co-Principal Investigator of the IKS Center for Kalaripayattu and Siddha Traditions at Agasthyam Kalari, Trivandrum, delves into the teachings of the sage Agasthya. It details marmas, the fundamental power centres in the human body, providing insights into Siddha medicine, Kalaripayattu, and Varmakalai. This book reflects the profound teachings and wisdom of Agasthya\’s visions.
Another book, \”Shodha Vijaya,\” released today, is a collection of research articles on the grandeur of southern dynasties with a focus on the Vijayanagara Karnata Kingdom. Edited and guided by Dr. Manorama B. N. and published by Noopura Bhramari – A Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems in Karnataka, this publication covers a range of topics from theatre and dance to ancient scriptures and contemporary applications. It is the 13th publication from the Noopura Bhramari IKS Centre, featuring research from interns and fellows trained in the centre\’s internships funded by the IKS Division of MoE.
The report on the state of the Indian Knowledge Systems and Heritage (IKS & H) Industry by Prof. Mohan Raghavan from IIT Hyderabad was also released during the event. It projects the IKS & H industry to potentially become a trillion-dollar sector within the next decade, driven by a collective Indic identity and heritage. It explores various industry segments, including Culinary, Textiles, Tourism, Ayurveda, and more, highlighting their growth potential unified by Indian ethos.
The Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam (ABSS) 2024 promises to be a landmark event, celebrating the rich heritage and contemporary relevance of Indian Knowledge Systems. The first event of ABSS organized in July 2022 at Varanasi was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. It was organised with the objectives to create scope for all stakeholders to come together for effective, smooth, and timely implementation of the NEP 2020; establish strong linkages among various higher educational institutions; and discuss challenges being faced by HEIs and articulate solutions.
