The Department of Higher Education organised an interactive session on Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) as part of ‘Sadhana Saptah 2026’, a week-long initiative aimed at strengthening capacity-building and promoting citizen-centric governance.
The programme was organised to mark the Foundation Day of the Capacity Building Commission and five years of Mission Karmayogi.
Focus on integrating traditional knowledge with modern education
The session brought together officials and experts to deliberate on the relevance of Indian Knowledge Systems in contemporary education, research and governance. Discussions centred on how India’s intellectual traditions can contribute to modern problem-solving, innovation and policymaking.
Delivering the welcome address, Joint Secretary (Administration) Syed Ekram Rizvi highlighted the role of the Capacity Building Commission in enhancing governance through digital learning platforms and training programmes.
Expert insights on multidisciplinary learning
The keynote address was delivered by Mohan Raghavan, Associate Professor at the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad. Drawing from his interdisciplinary work in biomedical engineering, heritage science and artificial intelligence, he emphasised the need to integrate IKS into mainstream higher education.
Raghavan noted that Indian Knowledge Systems should not be treated as a standalone subject but as a multidisciplinary framework capable of enriching fields such as science, engineering, humanities and management. He said such integration could move education beyond rote learning towards a holistic model combining knowledge, application and values.
He also highlighted that embedding Indian Knowledge Systems in academia aligns with ongoing educational reforms by encouraging research, innovation and critical thinking rooted in India’s cultural heritage. This approach, he added, would help create graduates who are both professionally skilled and socially conscious.
Encouraging dialogue and future-ready education
The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer segment, where participants engaged in discussions on incorporating traditional knowledge into modern governance and education systems.
The Ministry of Education said the initiative underscores the continued relevance of Indian Knowledge Systems in shaping a holistic and future-ready education ecosystem. It also reflects the government’s broader effort under Mission Karmayogi to build a knowledge-driven, adaptive and humane governance framework.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Education attended the event, reaffirming their commitment to integrating traditional wisdom with contemporary policy and institutional practices.
