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The Indian Knowledge Systems Division (IKS Division) of the Ministry of Education (MoE) was established in October 2020, with a vision to promote interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research on all aspects of IKS, preserve and disseminate a deeper understanding and appreciation of IKS for further research, and societal applications. The IKS Division supports and funds the establishment of IKS centers, and interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research in IKS. The Division conducts internship programs for undergraduate students in addition to conducting faculty development programs, workshops, text mining and documentation projects, and many outreach activities in partnership with other institutions. Additionally, the Division initiated IKS Wiki portal for article publishing in various Bhāratīya languages, fostering a broader dissemination and engagement with traditional knowledge systems. The main objective of the IKS Division is to go beyond merely acknowledging the existence of Indian Knowledge Systems and to rejuvenate and mainstream it by integrating it into the fabric of our education research ecosystem for the contemporary world. It further seeks to bridge the gap between Traditional Indian Knowledge Systems and contemporary knowledge systems. By doing so, the IKS Division aims at cultivating a living tradition that fosters the creation of new knowledge and inspires the development of future innovators and scholars based on Bhāratīya paradigms of knowledge generation and transmission. In other words, the IKS Division is not satisfied discussing about Suśruta, Āryabhaṭa, Agastya and other venerated Ācāryas; we actively strive to create an ecosystem that will inspire and give rise to many more Suśrutas and Āryabhaṭas.
Core Principles of the IKS Division:
The IKS division focuses on three fundamental principles when undertaking any activity:
1. Paramparā: Embracing the rich heritage and lineage of Indian Knowledge Systems, the IKS Division aims to uphold and carry forward the wisdom that has been passed down through generations. The goal is to highlight the continuous unbroken knowledge traditions of Bhārata since time immemorial.
2. Dṛṣṭi: Indian knowledge systems offer unique perspectives that make this knowledge system 'Bhāratīya' and hold immense value in addressing contemporary and emerging challenges. By combining traditional wisdom with modern knowledge, we can find holistic solutions that transcend the limitations of either approach.
3. Laukika-prayojana: The IKS Division aims to highlight the practical utility of the Indian Knowledge System to solve current and emerging problems of India and the world. By focusing on areas of societal importance, such as health, technology, and social well-being, IKS projects strive to make a tangible difference to the contemporary world by mainstreaming Indian Knowledge Systems.
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