Prof. Dinesh Chandra Rai
The current global landscape, marked by persistent conflicts and profound divisions, highlights an urgent need for approaches that champion cohesion and peace. In this context, the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) emerges as a profound resource, offering a holistic framework derived from India’s expansive intellectual, spiritual, and cultural heritage. From the philosophical foundations of the Vedas to the practical applications of Ayurvedic medicine, IKS presents a comprehensive vision of existence. Among its diverse facets, yoga has attained global prominence, acting as a potent instrument to reveal the extensive treasures of IKS. Yoga’s resurgence brings renewed attention to India’s ancient wisdom, progressively establishing its significant global footprint. This trajectory, strategically supported by the Government of India, complemented by the efforts of Indian universities, and reinforced by regular events such as the Nalanda Gyan Kumbh, presents substantial potential for disseminating India’s enduring legacy. Critically, in an era defined by global strife, the Indian philosophical tenets of peace, harmony, and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) are more imperative than ever.
The Integrated Nature of Indian Knowledge Systems
IKS goes beyond being a mere collection of historical traditions; it represents a dynamic and integrated system encompassing philosophy, science, arts, and ethics. Its foundations are deeply embedded in texts such as the Upanishads, Puranas, and Arthashastra, spanning disciplines that include Vedanta, Sanskrit, astronomy, mathematics, and traditional agricultural practices. A central principle within these systems is balance-the equilibrium between the individual and the cosmos, and the synthesis of tradition with innovation. Yoga, through its integrated practice of physical postures, breath control, and meditation, exemplifies this ethos. However, yoga constitutes merely one aspect of IKS, serving as an initial engagement that introduces fundamental concepts such as mindfulness and dharma, subtly guiding practitioners towards the broader expanse of Indian intellectual heritage.
Yoga: A Conduit for Cultural Exchange
The global spread of yoga has established a pivotal cultural bridge, attracting millions to explore IKS. A typical yoga session in global urban centers often extends beyond physical asanas, incorporating Sanskrit chants or Ayurvedic principles. Ayurveda, the IKS science of health, complements yoga by emphasizing diet, herbs, and lifestyle, gaining considerable traction within the global wellness industry. Projections indicate significant growth in the global Ayurveda market in the coming years. Similarly, Sanskrit, the ancient language of IKS’s foundational texts, is experiencing a discernible revival, with prominent international universities now offering courses, indicating a renewed academic interest globally. International yoga festivals frequently showcase Indian classical dance, music, and meditation, offering vivid insights into the cultural richness of IKS. Thus, yoga functions as an accessible entry point, inviting global engagement with India’s profound philosophical and scientific legacy.
Strategic Promotion and Institutional Support
Since 2014, the Government of India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has actively promoted IKS, with yoga identified as a key access point. The establishment of International Yoga Day on June 21, formally recognized by 177 nations through a United Nations Resolution, has united millions in a worldwide celebration of yoga. The 2025 theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” articulates IKS’s holistic perspective, linking individual well-being to planetary harmony. Further supporting these efforts, the Ministry of AYUSH, inaugurated in 2014, actively backs research and educational initiatives in IKS disciplines such as Ayurveda and Siddha, with a particular focus on enhancing services and scientific inquiry. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 mandates the integration of IKS into educational curricula, aiming to develop a new generation conversant in traditional knowledge. This integration seeks to enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and cultural connectedness, while embedding empathy and environmental responsibility. Moreover, initiatives like “Heal in India” are designed to promote wellness tourism, demonstrating the tangible benefits of IKS.
Indian universities serve as crucial custodians of IKS, ensuring its preservation and global dissemination. The University Grants Commission’s directive for 5% IKS credits in higher education has spurred institutions nationwide to offer specialized courses in yoga, Vedic mathematics, and Indian astronomy. IKS principles are increasingly being incorporated into academic programs, encouraging interdisciplinary research and elevating scholarly standards. Events such as the Nalanda Gyan Kumbh, held at Nalanda University from November 16-18, 2024, exemplify the vibrant contemporary relevance of IKS. Organized by Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, this assembly brought together 150 institutions to deliberate on “Indian Knowledge Tradition and Developed India 2047,” particularly emphasizing the role of Indian languages in achieving this national vision. Participating institutions, through comprehensive exhibitions and academic sessions, highlighted diverse IKS disciplines, ensuring the continuity and dynamism of these traditions.
Expanding Reach through Diaspora and Digital Platforms
The Indian diaspora, alongside sophisticated digital platforms, significantly amplifies the global reach of IKS. Yoga studios across continents frequently integrate various IKS elements, from Ayurvedic dietary practices to Vedantic philosophy, making these ancient traditions accessible to diverse audiences. Online platforms like SWAYAM offer IKS courses, reaching learners from various countries, truly embodying the spirit of global knowledge exchange. Innovative endeavors such as Harit Yoga, which combines yoga with tree-planting, illustrate IKS’s inherent environmental consciousness, advocating sustainability in conjunction with personal wellness. These concerted efforts have stimulated global interest in Vedanta and Sanskrit, firmly establishing IKS’s presence on the international stage.
Navigating Challenges and Securing the Future
Despite this promising trajectory, IKS faces inherent challenges. The specter of commercialization poses a risk, potentially trivializing IKS into mere market trends and divesting yoga of its profound spiritual essence or Ayurveda of its scientific rigor. To mitigate this, a standardized education system, deeply rooted in IKS’s philosophical foundations, is indispensable for maintaining its authenticity. Critics also advise against the politicization of IKS, urging instead a focus on its universal values. Substantial investment in research, particularly through collaborations with international universities, is crucial to validate IKS’s contributions to fields like medicine and ecology, thereby facilitating its acceptance and application in contemporary contexts. Furthermore, digital platforms must continue to expand, ensuring broad accessibility of IKS while meticulously preserving its integrity and depth.
The future of IKS is indeed bright but necessitates careful stewardship. Educational institutions could introduce Bharatiya Khel-indigenous games such as Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, and traditional board games. This initiative would not only instill cultural pride but also enhance physical fitness and strategic thinking. Universities are tasked with deepening IKS research, actively addressing pressing global issues like mental health and sustainability, thereby demonstrating the contemporary relevance of ancient wisdom. International partnerships can facilitate cross-cultural dialogue, ensuring IKS evolves dynamically without compromising its fundamental essence. By skillfully integrating tradition with innovation, India possesses the potential to lead a global renaissance of ancient wisdom, offering invaluable insights for a more harmonious and sustainable future for all.
The global expansion of yoga has undoubtedly opened a significant avenue to Indian Knowledge Systems. However, it is vital to recognize that IKS encompasses far more than just yoga. Through governmental initiatives, the dedicated efforts of universities, and the consistent organization of events like the Nalanda Gyan Kumbh, IKS is progressively securing its rightful place globally. As this timeless legacy is cultivated, its universal values-harmony, sustainability, and well-being, guided by the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam-can be shared, thereby enriching humanity with India’s profound wisdom.
(The Author is Vice Chancellor of BRA Bihar University, Muzaffarpur, Bihar)