CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: International Conference at Sant Hirdaram Girls’ College Highlights Role of NEP in Reviving Ancient Indian Knowledge Systems
Sant Hirdaram Girls’ College, Bhopal organized an international conference on the theme “Role of NEP in Reviving Ancient Indian Knowledge Systems.” The primary objective of this academic conference was to explore how the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 can support the integration of India’s rich ancient knowledge systems into modern higher education.
The inaugural session was graced by Chief Guest Amitabh Saxena, Executive Director of Training and Development, AGU Policy Institute, and Guest of Honour Smriti Mishra, Head and Senior Manager, Department of Entrepreneurship, Behavioural Science & Management. The conference hosted a distinguished panel of academicians including Lavanya Bhagwatula (Chair), Deepak Motwani, Pavitra Srivastava, and Ayushman Goswami.
Keynote speakers included Kshama Puntambekar, Mayank Jain, Jaya Sharma, Saurabh Kumar, Suyash Vijay Pradhan, and Anita Yadav.
The event witnessed the esteemed presence of Hero Gyanchandani (Vice President), Ghanshyam Bulchandani (Secretary), K.L. Ramanani (Joint Secretary), Kamal Premchandani, and Principal Dalima Parwani, along with domain experts, researchers, and a large number of students.
Principal Dalima Parwani, in her welcome address, emphasized that the National Education Policy has the power to bring a revolutionary shift in the Indian education system. She highlighted the potential of aligning ancient Indian wisdom with modern education to pave the way for a richer academic future.
Chief Guest Amitabh Saxena underlined that the NEP aims to create a harmonious balance between traditional and modern education, enabling the youth to stay rooted in cultural values while being globally competitive. He stressed the importance of teaching in the mother tongue, stating that India is the only country among the top 10 GDP nations that doesn’t prioritize its native language in education.
He engaged students by asking reflective questions—like “When does the New Year begin?”—to ignite interest in Indian knowledge traditions. Comparing language to a brick, he said, “Even the best brick cannot make a great structure if it lacks the ability to connect with others.” He urged students to learn in their own language and contribute to nation-building, which he called the core goal of NEP.
Smriti Mishra, quoting the Rigveda, opened her address by stating that knowledge is eternal. Referring to a story about Sage Agastya, she encouraged participants to recognize their inner potential. She guided them through an exercise to activate the third eye between the brain’s hemispheres and cited Swami Vivekananda’s quote, “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached,” calling it a sentiment every Indian should embody.
The valedictory session was led by Prof. S.K. Jain, Vice Chancellor of Barkatullah University, who spoke on the relevance of Indian knowledge, archaeology, and ancient traditions in today’s scientific world. He emphasized integrating these traditions with scientific thought and expressed pride in India’s distinct cultural identity.
Prof. Jain pointed out that post-2020, society and family values have seen increasing ambiguity, and reiterated that the core spirit of Indian tradition lies in the phrase “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah” (May all be happy). He also emphasized values like empathy and disciplined living, which are intrinsic to Indian culture.
The conference featured four technical sessions discussing:
Ancient Indian Science and Technological Innovations
Commerce, Management & Ancient Indian Economic Thought
Education, Policy, and Curriculum Reforms
Arts, Culture, Humanities & Linguistic Heritage
The event concluded with the release of the conference souvenir and announcement of the Best Paper Presenter Awards, which were awarded to Shiksha Tiwari, Deepshikha Lalwani, Tasneem Saif, and Himanshi Lalwani.
This conference proved to be a significant platform for aligning modern educational policies with India’s ancient intellectual heritage.
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