KISS Deemed to be University (KISS-DU), Bhubaneswar, hosted a thought-provoking lecture titled “NEP 2020 and 2023: Indian Knowledge Systems and Shaping Future Leaders” on September 20, 2024. The lecture was organized by the School of Tribal Culture, Philosophy, and Eco-spiritualism (STCPE) in collaboration with the Center for Indigenous Cultural Heritage and Diversity. The event highlighted the National Education Policy’s role in integrating Indian knowledge systems and fostering future leaders.
Two notable personalities graced the event: Mr. Timothy Breck Boyd, International President of the Theosophical Society, and Dr. V. Ramanathan, a distinguished professor from IIT (BHU), Varanasi.
The program commenced with the opening remarks by Professor Deepak Kumar Behera, the Vice-Chancellor of KISS-DU. A special video was screened showcasing KISS-DU’s mission of providing free education to tribal students, spearheaded by Prof. Dr. Achyuta Samanta, its visionary Founder, and its recent entry, in partnership with Grammy award musician Ricky Kej, into the Guinness Book of World Records for the “Largest Singing Lesson”.
Mr. Boyd captivated the audience with his address, sharing insights into the Theosophical Society’s vision of promoting wisdom and philosophical education. He emphasized the need for harmony and understanding in a world divided by rampant commerce and culture, stressing the value of knowledge as a transformative tool in bridging global divides.
Following Mr. Boyd’s speech, Dr. V. Ramanathan delivered a compelling presentation on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and 2023, focusing on including Indian Knowledge Systems. His speech explored India’s rich history of contributions to education and technology, specifically citing ancient texts like the Rasārṇava and innovations such as Iron Technology. Dr. Ramanathan underscored how NEP reforms are designed to reshape India’s pedagogical structure, fostering leaders grounded in indigenous wisdom and modern skills. He also shared quantitative data, including GDP figures, to illustrate the economic benefits of reviving traditional knowledge systems.
The lecture concluded with a Q&A session and closing remarks. The event was an outstanding success, fostering dialogue on integrating indigenous knowledge into modern education systems and inspiring students and educators alike.