Swami Vivekananda’s teaching and Indian’s Knowledge System (IKS) paving the path for Viksit Bharat @2047

Dr. Vishal Sharma

As the clock ticks towards 2047, India stands at the cusp of a transformative era, where tradition meets innovation, and heritage paves the way for a promising future. Envision a time where the old and the new come together, where our rich cultural heritage shapes the path to a promising tomorrow. In this flight towards progress, the guiding lights are none other than the profound vision of Swami Vivekananda and the rich reservoir of India’s ancient knowledge system (IKS)cultivated over centuries.
Viksit Bharat @2047: Voice of Youth:
Viksit Bharat @2047 is the vision to make India a developed Nation by 2047, the 100th year of independence.Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi has launched ‘Viksit Bharat @2047: Voice of Youth’ on 11 December, 2023 with the vision to involve the youth of the country in formulation of national plans, priorities and goals of the country. The vision encompasses various aspects of development, including economic growth, social progress, environmental sustainability, and good governance.The Prime Minister said that in the life of any nation, history provides a time period when the nation can make exponential strides in its development journey. For India, “This Amrit Kaal is ongoing” and “this is the period in the history of India when the country is going to take a quantum leap”.
Indian Knowledge System (IKS):
The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) is the systematic transmission of knowledge from one generation to next generation. It is a structured system and a process of knowledge transfer rather than a tradition. Rooted in the Vedic literature, Upanishads, Vedas, and Upvedas, it forms the cornerstone of our rich heritage. The NEP-2020 (National Education Policy) also recognizes this ancient wisdom as a guiding principle for education. Comprising Jnan, Vignan, and Jeevan Darshan, the Indian Knowledge System has evolved through experience, observation, experimentation, and rigorous analysis. This tradition of validation and practical application has left a lasting impact on various facets of our society, including education, arts, science, administration, law, justice, health, manufacturing, and commerce.There was an imperative need to acknowledge and draw inspiration from the groundbreaking discoveries of our ancient Rishis like Aryabhatta, Banbhatta, Bhaskaracharya, Chanakya, Chakrapani, Charaka, Panini, Patanjali, Pingala, Susruta, Sankardev, Thiruvalluvar, Varahamihira, and many others, spanned across an array of fields including architecture, astronomy, physics, engineering, fine arts, mathematics, metallurgy, medical science, surgery, navigation, and yoga. At the core of Viksit Bharat is India’s rich knowledge system, a repository of ancient wisdom that has withstood the test of time. From the holistic healing practices of Ayurveda to the philosophical depth of Vedanta, the country’s intellectual heritage forms the bedrock upon which the vision is built. Blending India’s age-old wisdom with contemporary sciences opens up a distinctive route to innovation and sustainable development, truly transforming our nation into a Viksit Bharat, embodying progress that is not only dynamic and forward-looking but also rooted in the rich tapestry of our cultural heritage.
Swami Vivekananda’s Vision:
Often referred to as the wandering monk of India, Swami Vivekananda earned acclaim not only among saints and seers but also resonated with the scientific minds of his era.
It is really difficult to understand whetherSwami Vivekananda was anAstounding Scientist or a Wandering Monk. He became more popular after his historic speech in the “Parliament of the World’s Religions” at Chicago, USA in 1893. Most of the people understand that “Parliament of the World’s Religions” was attended only by religious persons from all over the world, but very few knew the fact that the great scientists of that era like Lord Kelvin, Prof. Von Helmholtz, Nicholas Tesla were also the part of the audience.These luminary scientists were captivated by the profound knowledge embedded in ancient Indian scriptures, leading to frequent meetings with Swamiji to delve into the scientific insights concealed within these texts. During his time in the West, he left an indelible impression on leading scientists and inventors, including Nikola Tesla, Hiram Maxim (inventor of machine guns), and Lord Kelvin, among others. Swami Vivekananda’s teachings spanned various facets of science, religion, spirituality, education, philosophy, and social issues, emphasizing character building.Presenting Vedantic views in a scientific language, Swamiji discussed concepts ranging from atoms, energy, and matter to space-time, dark energy, and the fundamental question of the universe’s creation. He envisioned from Vedanta that the micro-world and macro-world follow the same building scheme, emphasizing the unity of existence.Swami Vivekananda modernized Vedanta to make it accessible and appreciable even for scientifically-minded individuals. He preached the unity of existence, highlighting the oneness of matter and energy, and the ultimate unity of God, man, and nature-the cornerstone of Hindu thought and life.
In conclusion, Swamiji envisioned India as a guiding force of scientific knowledge, human strength, and spiritual enlightenment for all of humanity. His vision surpassed mere economic prosperity, stressing the importance of comprehensive development that balances both the material and spiritual aspects of life.As he eloquently put it:”When the real history of India is unearthed, it will be proved that, as in matters of religion, so in science and fine arts, India is the primal Guru of the whole world.” Swami Vivekananda’s profound vision becomes the guiding light for Viksit Bharat@2047, shaping the nation’s destiny with inspiration drawn from his teachings.
Achieving Viksit Bharat@2047:
The fusion of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) with the teachings of Swami Vivekananda offers a potent framework for realizing the visionary concept of Viksit Bharat@2047. Drawing from the structured transmission of knowledge ingrained in the Vedas, Upanishads, and other ancient scriptures, IKS provides a comprehensive foundation for education and societal progress. When combined with Swamiji’s emphasis on character development, values, and a holistic approach to growth, this amalgamation creates a powerful synergy. Viksit Bharat, guided by the profound wisdom of IKS and Swami Vivekananda, envisions a nation that seamlessly blends its cultural heritage with modern advancements. This harmonious integration not only nurtures scientific and spiritual coexistence but also fosters innovation and sustainability that propels us towards embodying a true Viksit Bharat – a nation balancing tradition and modernity, innovation and sustainability, fostering a comprehensive and resilient development paradigm.In essence, the fusion propels our nation toward a future where progress is dynamic, rooted in tradition, and shaped by a balanced synthesis of timeless wisdom and contemporary vision, fostering a society that is both forward-looking and deeply connected to its cultural roots. Concluding this article in the spirit of Swami Vivekananda, envisioning Viksit Bharat@2047:”Let us all work hard, my brethren; this is no time for sleep. On our work depends the coming of the India of the future. She is there ready waiting. She is only sleeping. Arise and awake, and see her seated here, on her eternal throne, rejuvenated, more glorious than she ever was-this motherland of ours”.
(The writer is Convener Viksit Bharat@2047 & HOD Electronics MAM College Cluster University of Jammu).