Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. KATRA: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) successfully conducted six-day Residential Capacity Building Program on “Indian Knowledge System (IKS) for Integration into the Curriculum” in offline mode at MMTTC-SMVDU. The program witnessed enthusiastic participation from around 100 faculty members and scholars representing 15 universities across 12 states of India, reflecting the growing national interest in embedding Indian Knowledge System into mainstream higher education.
During the valedictory address, Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor, SMVDU emphasized the significance of different aspects of Indian Knowledge System and its implications in the modern world for the society, industry etc. Prof. Pragati Kumar mentioned significance of different treasures of Indian Philosophical systems for the overall growth of the society at large. He also mentioned that the now it’s the time for all the faculty members to upgrade themselves with changing times for remaining significant.
Dr. Manish Joshi, Secretary, University Grants Commission (UGC) and Guest of Honour of the valedictory function during the function expressed the way IKS was started by UGC in the year 2023 and how gradually the participants are accepting it after initial scepticism of the program during its initial days. Dr. Manish Joshi emphasized that we should not deride our knowledge system and should accept it by heart and also should impart this to our students. Dr. Joshi also maintains that the principles and knowledge given in our Indian Knowledge system is actually true and not some mythology.
Earlier, Prof. Supran Kumar Sharma, Director MMTTC-SMVDU, briefed the participants about different activities being organized by the Centre. Since January, 2024 this is the 40th Program being organized with the regular support of University Grants Commission. Over the course of the program, participants engaged in intensive sessions covering diverse themes such as elements of IKS, Yoga, Astronomy, Astrology, Ayurveda, Arthashastra, Nitishastra, Traditional Indian Crafts and Arts, Agriculture, Water Management, Botany, and Applied Indian Knowledge System.
During the valedictory address Prof. Pragati Kumar, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, SMVDU, emphasized the significance of different aspects of Indian Knowledge System and its implication in the modern world for the society, industry etc. He mentioned significance of different treasures of Indian Philosophical systems for the overall growth of the society at large. He also mentioned that the now it’s the time for all the faculty members to upgrade themselves with changing times for remaining significant.The valedictory ceremony was also graced by distinguished dignitaries including Dr. Anuradha Choudry, IKS Coordinator, University Grants Commission, Delhi; Prof. Suparn Sharma, Director MMTTC, SMVDU; Prof. Ashutosh Vashistha, Chairperson IKS Cell, SMVDU; Prof. Sharda, Deputy Director MMTTC, SMVDU; along with faculty members and members of the organizing team. The program was coordinated by Dr. Prabhu Omer and Dr. Jatin Soni,, Assistant Professors, School of Electrical Engineering.
Their meticulous work and execution were widely appreciated by participants, who praised both the coordinators and the comprehensive content covered during the program.The capacity building program has drawn a diverse pool of 100 participants from across India, representing states such as Jammu & Kashmir, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Kerala, and Assam. Participants come from varied academic disciplines including Philosophy, Political Science, Literature, Biotechnology, Engineering, Architecture, Commerce, Law, Environmental Sciences, Dogri, Sanskrit, Psychology, Geography, and Educational Technology.
The cohort includes Professors, Associate Professors, Assistant Professors, Guest Faculty, Tutors, and Research Scholars, with teaching experience ranging from fresh scholars to senior faculty with over 25 years of service. In their feedback, participants highlighted the enriching academic experience, the seamless organization, and the relevance of the sessions to curriculum development. The dignitaries present reaffirmed the importance of integrating Indian Knowledge Systems into higher education, in alignment with the vision of the National Education Policy.
The initiative at SMVDU was lauded as a model for other institutions nationwide, showcasing how traditional wisdom can be harmonized with modern pedagogy. With this successful program, SMVDU continues to strengthen its role as a leading institution committed to academic excellence, innovation, and cultural integration, contributing meaningfully to the national mission of educational transformation.