Self and Inner Growth: Eastern Perspectives and Traditions

A dire need is felt to connect to the ancient Indian knowledge and Eastern Perspectives enshrined in the voluminous body of literature in diverse fields-from material to the spiritual. This treasure trove of knowledge is what had made Bharatvarsha a 'vishwaguru'-guru/mentor/educator of the world- and fostered a vibrant culture of exchange of ideas and ideologies, learning and skills, knowledge and wisdom. These ideas and knowledge texts also found a reverent audience in other countries as they traveled through trade routes and even invasions. Colonisation, with the hegemonic knowledge structure of the British, impoverished the landscape of the country and the mindscape of the people.
National Education Policy, 2020 has foregrounded this lacuna in our erstwhile educational policies and has rightly placed supreme importance in rebuilding a sense of pride in our indigenous knowledge systems. The time is ripe for sensitising present and future generations to the eternal values and traditions and the continuing relevance of this knowledge in present times. It is also time to realise and fulfil one's own potential by following the ethical principles laid down in the Vedas.
Today, this rich legacy is isolated and available to small groups of scholars. It is a mammoth task to revive the vibrancy of these systems and make them available to our people. As citizens of this great nation, it is their democratic right and also their duty to learn, protect, and disseminate this heritage.