New Delhi: To keep Bharat subjugated, many invaders inflicted significant damage on our knowledge tradition. As we strive to build a developed Bharat in the 21st century, it is essential to revive our knowledge tradition and integrate it with modern science, research, and innovation, stated Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the international conference on “Indigenous Knowledge Traditions and Sustainable Development,” organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Shikshik Mahasangh (ABSMS) at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi on Sunday, Shri Pradhan stressed the importance of reconnecting with Bharat’s ancient knowledge and aligning it with contemporary advancements.
He noted that India is a multilingual country, embodying the principle of unity in diversity. Over the past thousand years, while many rulers governed India and plundered our wealth and resources, they also ravaged our heritage. The most significant damage has been inflicted on our knowledge tradition. Our ancient scriptures offer unique insights into conduct and life values, with the Bhagavad Gita from the Mahabharata serving as a prime example of ethical guidance. We need to explore ways to integrate these impactful ideas into modern life and present them to society in a relevant manner.
आज विज्ञान भवन, दिल्ली में अखिल भारतीय शैक्षिक महासंघ (ABRSM) द्वारा आयोजित 'स्वदेशी ज्ञान परंपरा एवं धारणक्षम विकास' पर केंद्रित अंतर्राष्ट्रीय सम्मेलन को संबोधित किया। यह सम्मेलन न केवल हमारी सबसे महत्वपूर्ण चुनौतियों पर ध्यान केंद्रित करने वाला है, बल्कि हमारी सभ्यतागत विरासत… pic.twitter.com/fbaCCjBWIv
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) March 9, 2025
“In the 21st century, a new National Education Policy has been implemented in the country. The Prime Minister has asserted that all languages are national languages, with language acting as a bridge within our Indian civilisation. Under the Prime Minister’s leadership, the National Education Policy is advancing this concept and transforming the Indian education system by incorporating technology, digitalisation, AI, and other elements to create a multifaceted, comprehensive, and skill-based educational framework. The current shaping of India’s rich cultural heritage and history is truly remarkable. We must understand and communicate our ancient heritage and ideas through modern strategies and perspectives. The two-day conference organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Shikshik Mahasangh will contribute significantly to this endeavour,” the Union Minister said.
“Today’s India has a responsibility that extends beyond its geographical boundaries. The youth of India are also tasked with addressing the needs of the world. To fulfil this role, the National Education Policy and our education system must prepare citizens who can serve not only India but also meet global needs. To equip the next generation for the future, we must address the needs of our teachers. Only when teachers are free from constraints can they prepare our youth to tackle not just India’s challenges, but also global issues. This is essential for the successful creation of a developed India,” added Shri Pradhan.
On this occasion, Shri Pradhan also highlighted the steps taken by the Government of India for the development of education, including the ongoing Indian Language Book Project within the current central budget.
