Latest news with #IndianKnowledgeSystems
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
KSHEC's new textbook on Kerala's knowledge systems sparks objections from teacher bodies
A new textbook proposed by the Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC) as a mandatory course for third-semester undergraduate students has drawn objections from academic quarters, particularly Left-aligned teacher organisations. Titled Knowledge Systems of Kerala, the textbook is intended as a compulsory multidisciplinary course of the four-year undergraduate programme. However, critics argue that the council is overstepping its bounds by infringing on the authority of statutory academic bodies in universities that are mandated with curriculum development. KSHEC maintains that the textbook offers an introductory framework on Kerala's indigenous knowledge systems, developed over centuries. According to council vice-chairperson Rajan Gurukkal P.M., the bilingual publication (in English and Malayalam) brings together a wide spectrum of Kerala's traditional knowledge, encompassing performing arts, cultural practices, oral narratives and documented literary sources. The book comprises nine chapters, covering themes such as regional knowledge systems, traditional knowledge of ethnic communities, embedded knowledge in crafts and architecture, Ayurvedic practices, and the emergence of new knowledge in the State. Chapters highlighting the contributions of social reformers like Sree Narayana Guru, Ayya Vaikundar and Poykayil Yohannan are among the key features of the textbook. While the publication aligns with the University Grants Commission's (UGC) directive to integrate Indian Knowledge Systems into higher education curricula, the council insists that the proposed content is tailored to Kerala's regional context, offering students locally grounded perspectives within the national framework. The Vice-Chancellors of State universities have been requested to direct their respective Boards of Studies to consider the textbook as a foundational resource for course design and syllabus preparation. The council has also encouraged universities to adopt this textbook in place of existing multidisciplinary courses such as Kerala Studies and Kerala Culture. However, Left-leaning teacher bodies have raised concerns over what they describe as a lack of consultation prior to the decision. They argue that the proposed text leans heavily on historical narratives, while neglecting other significant dimensions of Kerala's diverse traditions and legacy. Countering such allegations, Prof. Gurukkal pointed out the course is not confined to any one academic discipline. He added that the book is structured as a complete course, with clearly defined learning outcomes and reference materials that would reduce the burden of universities to develop such content independently. KSHEC plans to organise a faculty development programme to train teachers in delivering the new course material.
Hans India
6 days ago
- General
- Hans India
Jamia Millia faculty, scholar win US award for research on Indian knowledge system
A research team comprising faculty members and a research scholar from Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has been awarded the reputed "Constructed Environment International Award for Excellence" by the Common Ground Research Networks based in the US, an official said on Monday. The JMI official said the award is an annual global honour that recognises outstanding research publications in the field of constructed environment. The research, conducted by Ripu Daman Singh, Ph.D. Scholar under the supervision of Prof. Nisar Khan and Prof. Hina Zia from the Department of Architecture decoded the proportioning system employed in the design of the famous Khalsa College in the city of Amritsar, said the JMI in a statement. 'Through primary study and architectural documentation, the study expounded that the proportions used in the design of the building were derived from the Indian traditional carpentry, rather than the Western proportions,' it said. The research has also been appreciated for highlighting the contribution of Bhai Ram Singh, an Indian-origin carpenter-turned-architect, who, due to his traditional Indian knowledge and skills, rose to prominence during the British rule, at a time when European architects held a dominant position, it said. The research proved that Bhai Ram Singh was a multi-talented architect who, apart from designing buildings, was equally versatile in the interiors, furniture, hardware and signage. 'Bhai Ram Singh was one of the few Indian origin architects during British rule who were invited to design projects in the United Kingdom,' it said. The research team's work is a significant contribution to discovering the lost Indian Knowledge Systems being used in architecture. It also shifts the discourse about the contribution of Indian origin architects during the colonial period, said the university. This award is a testament to the team's dedication to uncovering India's architectural heritage and showcasing the significance of Indian Knowledge Systems in shaping built environments, said the JMI statement. The prestigious award is part of the Common Ground Research Networks' initiative to promote innovative research and knowledge sharing in the field. Notably, it is the first time that Indian researchers have won this award in its history of 15 years, said Saima Saeed, Chief Public Relations Officer, JMI.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Sangma bats for preservation of Indian Knowledge Systems
Shillong: Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma has called for promotion and preservation of the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS). Emphasising on the importance of integration of the material and the spiritual aspects of the IKS, he said traditional knowledge has been the core for healthcare, agriculture, conservation, food preparation, medicine, education. "Meghalaya is an example of how the traditional knowledge and the community has been merged to create a sustainable and an effective form of governance," he said after inaugurating a two-day national seminar on IKS on Thursday, organised by the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), Lady Keane College , Shillong and funded under Chief Minister's Special Grant. Sangma said the traditional knowledge needs to be documented to merge it with the contemporary. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now Tips and Tricks Undo "Seminars like these and the outcomes of such seminars need to be documented. Documentation is crucial in knowledge sharing as it will provide a structured, accessible information to facilitate learning for students, researchers and scholars and help decision, training and policy making in governance," he said. Congratulating Lady Keane College for organising the seminar, the chief minister, stressed on the need to maintain continuity even after the seminar concludes.
The Hindu
01-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Karnataka: UGC directive to incorporate IKS in higher education curricula faces opposition
Opposition is brewing among academics, educationists, and progressive organisations regarding the University Grant Commission (UGC) mandate to incorporate Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) in the higher education system. With an aim to introduce ancient Indian culture to students, the UGC has instructed to incorporate IKS in all undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses based on the guidelines released in March 2023. UGC has also taken steps to award credit points to students taking IKS. 'At least 50% of the credits apportioned to the IKS should be related to the major discipline and should be accounted for the credits assigned to the major discipline,' the UGC has said. Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) has already implemented IKS in engineering courses from the fourth semester and has taken steps to conduct exams for 50 marks. As per the guidelines, the UGC has prescribed 18 courses in model curricula in IKS, including Indian Health Sciences, and Indian astronomy. The foundation course of IKS includes the topic of Foundational Literature of Indian Civilisation, the Vedic Corpus, Ramayana and Mahabharata, and their important regional versions, the role of 'Itihasas' and 'Puranas' in understanding the Vedas and Vedangas and others. In Indian languages, emphasis is given to Sanskrit and its grammar. 'Vedic maths' has been emphasised. Indian astronomy, , panchanga, lagana, and its computations, and others have been included. However, educationists and progressive organisations have expressed objections to the topics included in IKS, alleging that its real purpose is to spread Hindutva ideology and Brahminical values among students. Speaking to The Hindu, Mavalli Shankar, convenor of Dalt Sagharasha Samiti (DSS), said, 'Earlier, when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister, the then Human Resource Development Minister Murli Manohar Joshi had facilitated the teaching of astrology and other topics in the name of IKS in universities. Now the BJP-led Union government is glorifying one religion to saffronise our education system.' 'The UGC has mentioned the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas in its guidelines under the topic of Foundational Literature of Indian Civilisation. These are fictional stories and have no connection with Indian civilisation. Is IKS only related to the Hindu religion?' he asked. 'Incorporating IKS higher education curricula is nothing but an attempt to destroy the efforts made in independent India to build a strong modern education based on systematic research, knowledge, and scientific foundation,' Development Educationist Niranjanaradhya V.P., said. 'This can hinder the development of a scientific mindset and scientific inquiry, and often focuses only on a myopic Hindu-centric view of ancient India. This is a violation of Article 51 A (h) of the Constitution that mandates a duty to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform,' he said.
Hans India
24-04-2025
- Business
- Hans India
AICTE officials meet TGHE to expand regional innovation ecosystem
Hyderabad: Senior officials from the Union Ministry of Education and All India Council for Technical Education on Wednesday met Telangana State Council of Higher Education (TGHE) Chairman Professor V Balakrishna Reddy and discussed creating a regional ecosystem for innovation and incubation in higher education institutions across the State. Dr Yogesh Brahmankar, Director of Innovation at the Ministry of Education's Innovation Cell, and Dr Bheema L Reddy, Manager of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer at the AICTE Innovation Center in Hyderabad, met with Professor V Balakista Reddy. Dr Yogesh sought Professor Reddy's support in registering colleges on their portal for fellowships related to innovation projects. He briefed Professor Reddy about the different fellowships and scholarships available for both faculty and students. The Ministry of Education, Government of India, has established an 'Innovation Cell' to systematically foster a culture of innovation in all higher education institutions (HEIs) across the country. It serves as the world's largest open innovation and incubation platform, aiming to contribute effectively to India's innovation landscape by building a sustainable ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship in the education sector. The AICTE Innovation Center is an initiative by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) that aims to establish and operate centres across India focused on researching and developing projects based on Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS). It may be mentioned here that the Ministry of Education's Innovation Cell (MIC) and AICTE have been actively promoting a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within HEIs through various initiatives. The AICTE Innovation Center is a pioneering program designed to encourage innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration between industry and academia within the education sector. This initiative aims to create a supportive ecosystem that fosters creativity, problem-solving, and business creation among students, while also facilitating technology transfer and the commercialisation of cutting-edge technologies. They informed the TGHE Chairman that the AICTE Innovation Center provides assistance in the areas of: 'Start-Up Support (mentoring, linkages, etc.), Funding Opportunities for innovative projects, Investor Linkages, Patenting and Licensing Assistance, Industry Collaboration and Networking, Commercialisation of innovative ideas and technologies. The discussion regarding collaboration between the AICTE Innovation Center and the Telangana State Council of Higher Education (TGCHE) presents significant potential for promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and quality education within the state. Some areas of convergence include: Promoting Startups through which joint initiatives can offer mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities for student entrepreneurs. The Industry-Academia Linkages would strengthen industry-academia connections allowing students to gain practical experience and develop industry-relevant skills. The Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) is meant to raise awareness about IPR and providing training on patenting and technology transfer can help students and faculty protect their innovative ideas and commercialize their research.
