Anjana Welfare Society's 'Bharat Bodh' event explored the link between Indian knowledge traditions, Natyashastra, Bhagavad Gita, and NEP 2020, highlighting the role of Indian art and culture in education for holistic student development.
Anjana Welfare Society's (AWS) "Bharat Bodh - Reimagining Education Through India's Knowledge Traditions" event focused on exploring the connection between Indian knowledge traditions, Natyashastra, Bhagavad Gita and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The event was held at the Gulmohar Hall of India Habitat Centre in the national capital on Saturday.
The programme highlighted the role of Indian art and culture in education, according to the press note by AWS. Through Bharat Bodh, students are being introduced to Natyashastra, Bhagavad Gita, Indian philosophy, classical music, dance and other cultural traditions while understanding their relevance in today's educational landscape. The event was attended by Prof SP Singh Baghel, Union Minister KG Suresh, renowned Kathak artists Nalini-Kamalini, Abhishek Srivastava, Neelam Saxena, Prof Kishore Kumar, Prof Ajay Kumar, Saurabh Parijat, the Principal of Rajdhani College, along with educationists, artists, representatives from universities and colleges, teachers and students.
A Continuous Effort to Reconnect Youth
The programme began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by a cultural performance based on Indian knowledge traditions. AWS Founder and renowned Kathak artist Maya Kulshrestha welcomed the guests and said that "Bharat Bodh" is not just an event but a continuous effort to reconnect the youth with India's cultural roots, knowledge traditions and philosophy.
Integrating Tradition with Modern Education
Addressing the gathering, Prof Baghel said Indian knowledge traditions must be integrated with education "India's education system has traditionally gone beyond textbook learning and included arts, literature, philosophy, music, yoga and life values as essential components of education," he said. He said NEP 2020 provides an opportunity to integrate Indian knowledge traditions with modern education. He emphasised the need to connect students with their roots while preparing them for future challenges and appreciated initiatives like Bharat Bodh for promoting awareness and pride in Indian culture among youth.
Prof Suresh stressed the need to connect Indian knowledge traditions with contemporary education. He said Indian education philosophy has always focused not only on employment but also on holistic development, character building, sensitivity and social responsibility. He called for expanding the Bharat Bodh initiative among students and educational institutions.
The Role of Art in Education
Nalini-Kamalini underlined the role of art in education; she said, "Indian classical arts are not limited to performances but represent India's philosophy, literature, spirituality and way of life." She said integrating arts with education helps students develop discipline, creativity, sensitivity and cultural awareness.
Education experts shared their views on Indian knowledge traditions, art-based education and various aspects of NEP 2020. Saurabh Parijat and other associates of Bharat Bodh also emphasised expanding the initiative and bringing more educational institutions under its ambit. The Principal of Rajdhani College said Indian knowledge traditions should not be treated merely as a subject but as a tool for the overall development of students. He highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between art, culture and education and supported taking initiatives like Bharat Bodh to students.
AWS's Vision for 'Bharat Bodh'
AWS Founder Maya Kulshrestha said, "The organisation has been working for the past 14 years in the fields of art, education, youth empowerment and social welfare." She said, "Bharat Bodh is a new chapter in AWS's journey. Our aim is to connect Indian art and knowledge traditions with modern education and NEP 2020 and introduce students to their cultural heritage." She added that guidance and inspiration from Prof Suresh's Bharat Bodh Centre played an important role in shaping the initiative.
National Expansion and Future Goals
AWS Secretary Manish Kulshrestha said efforts are being made to take Bharat Bodh beyond Delhi and reach educational institutions across the country. He said programmes under the initiative are being organised in cities including Ahmedabad, Noida, Jaipur and Lucknow. He described Bharat Bodh as a continuous educational and cultural campaign aimed at connecting Indian traditions with modern education and the younger generation, AWS said. He informed that more than 100 schools and colleges have already joined the initiative and the network will be expanded further. "We want Bharat Bodh to become a national educational and cultural movement where schools, colleges, teachers, students and artists actively participate," he said. Speakers at the event highlighted the importance of integrating Indian knowledge traditions, arts, culture and values into mainstream education in line with the vision of NEP 2020. The organisers said the initiative will be expanded across more cities and educational institutions through a growing network of schools and colleges.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks to guests, speakers, teachers, students, artists and all contributors. (ANI)
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