Bhubaneswar,: India’s knowledge tradition is ancient and rich. We should not view it merely as an object of worship or pride, but analyze it in the context of current challenges and future developments using AI modeling, said Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan during the unveiling of the new logo of ICPR (Indian Council of Philosophical Research) in New Delhi.
During the event, Mr. Pradhan also released a research book published by ICPR and awarded winners of an essay competition. He stated that ICPR has been contributing to the enrichment of Indian intellectual streams for the last five decades.
He highlighted that while ancient civilizations across the world have either vanished or turned into tourist attractions, many places in India have been continuously inhabited for 3,000–4,000 years. The history of human civilization in our country is visible through rock art, which, according to the Archaeological Department, dates back 20,000 to 25,000 years.
From those primitive times to the modern AI era, humans have remained central to our thoughts, social structures, and systems, all of which are deeply rooted in science and philosophy.
Mr. Pradhan said that we now have an agenda for the coming decade. India is today the world’s fourth-largest economy and the country with the largest youth population. Our philosophy is rooted in the idea of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family). Great thinkers like Acharya Aryabhata and Swami Vivekananda contributed not just scientific knowledge to the world, but also a holistic and inclusive way of life. This is the essence of Indian philosophy.
He emphasized that when our current philosophical community begins to invoke ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ based on India’s knowledge traditions in the 21st century, the importance of the new National Education Policy (NEP) will be truly realized.
Mr. Pradhan urged ICPR to develop Indian philosophy in a way that aligns with present times and helps pave the way for the future. He advised the organization to engage in knowledge churn (manthan) to help enrich the nation with this intellectual nectar.