NAVIGATING INDIAN KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM FOR VIKSHIT BHARAT 2047

The book, ‛Indian Knowledge System for Vikshit Bharat 2047’ explores the profound legacy of India’s intellectual and cultural heritage. It examines the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) and its relevance to contemporary education, philosophy, and interdisciplinary studies. The chapters highlight the evolution and significance of IKS, beginning with historical educational institutions like Takshashila and Nalanda, which fostered inquiry and ethical living. The guru-shishya model, emphasizing moral development and personalized learning, is revisited to explore its potential integration into modern curricula, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and environmental stewardship. This volume inspires scholars, educators, and policymakers to embrace the timeless wisdom of IKS and explore its transformative potential for the modern world.

Dr. Leena Singh, Associate Professor at Galgotias College of Engineering & Technology, is a distinguished environmental academician and researcher with 20+ years of expertise in river ecology, biodiversity conservation, and areas related to environmental concern. She integrates traditional wisdom with modern science to advance climate resilience and sustainability. A leader in Faculty Development Programs under MMTTC, she has mentored educators nationwide. With 22+ high-impact publications, seven book chapters, and an edited volume on IKS for Vikshit Bharat 2047, she actively shapes environmental policy and education. Through research, teaching, and advocacy, Dr. Singh continues to drive India’s sustainable development vision for 2047.

Dr. Nisha Saxena, Assistant Professor (HoD-Department of Chemistry) M. R. M. College, Lalit Narayan Mithila University, Darbhanga, Bihar, is a distinguished chemist specializing in synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry. She earned her M.Sc. from M. J. P. Rohilkhand University and completed her Ph.D. at CDRI-CSIR, Lucknow. She has worked in academia, research, and industry, including roles at Alde-Medi Impex, GVK-Bio, LPU, and Galgotia College. A recipient of the Dr. D. S. Kothari Postdoctoral Fellowship (University of Delhi), she later led a women Scientist DHR-HRD-funded project (University of Delhi). She has published 20+ papers, authored 11 book chapters, holds three patents, and mentors Ph.D. students in green chemistry research.

Indian Knowledge System for Vikshit Bharat 2047 explores the rich intellectual, cultural, philosophical, and educational heritage of India and examines its continuing relevance in shaping a progressive and self-reliant nation. The book brings the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) into conversation with contemporary education, interdisciplinary scholarship, ethical development, and the vision of Vikshit Bharat 2047.

India possesses a knowledge heritage developed over centuries across diverse fields of thought and practice. From philosophy, education, science, mathematics, medicine, literature, and arts to environmental consciousness and social values, Indian traditions have contributed significantly to the intellectual development of society. This book seeks to understand this legacy while exploring how its principles can be meaningfully interpreted and applied in the contemporary world.

A significant focus of the book is the evolution of India's educational traditions. Historical centres of learning such as Takshashila and Nalanda represented vibrant intellectual environments where learning extended beyond the acquisition of information. They encouraged inquiry, debate, scholarship, ethical conduct, and holistic development. The book examines the significance of these traditions and considers the lessons they may offer for modern educational institutions.

The guru-shishya tradition receives particular attention as an important model of personalised and value-based education. Traditionally centred on a close relationship between teacher and learner, the model emphasised not only intellectual development but also character formation, discipline, responsibility, and ethical living. The book explores how selected principles of this educational philosophy could inform contemporary approaches to teaching and learning without losing sight of the needs of a modern, technology-driven society.

The volume also considers the relevance of IKS to critical thinking, creativity, interdisciplinary learning, and environmental stewardship. Rather than treating traditional knowledge merely as a subject of historical interest, it encourages readers to explore its potential contribution to present-day challenges. The integration of indigenous knowledge, ethical perspectives, sustainability, and holistic learning can provide new possibilities for developing education that is both rooted in heritage and responsive to the future.

A central theme of the book is the need to create a meaningful connection between traditional wisdom and contemporary knowledge systems. The objective is not to replace modern scientific and educational approaches but to encourage dialogue between different intellectual traditions. Such an approach can help build an education system that values innovation while remaining connected to India's cultural and intellectual foundations.

In the context of Vikshit Bharat 2047, the book highlights the potential role of knowledge, education, values, and cultural confidence in India's long-term development. A developed India requires not only economic and technological advancement but also socially responsible citizens, sustainable practices, ethical leadership, creativity, and a strong intellectual foundation. The Indian Knowledge System can contribute to this broader vision by offering perspectives on holistic development and the relationship between knowledge, society, and nature.

Indian Knowledge System for Vikshit Bharat 2047 is intended for scholars, educators, researchers, policymakers, students, and readers interested in Indian philosophy, education, culture, interdisciplinary studies, and India's development journey. It encourages meaningful engagement with India's intellectual heritage while inviting readers to consider how timeless principles can be interpreted for contemporary needs.

Ultimately, this volume is an invitation to rediscover India's knowledge traditions, critically examine their relevance, and explore their transformative potential. By connecting the wisdom of the past with the aspirations of the future, the book contributes to the broader conversation on building an educated, innovative, ethical, sustainable, and culturally confident Vikshit Bharat by 2047.