An Introduction
Bhāratīya Jñāna Paramparā is a repository of knowledge comprising Jñāna, Vijñāna and Jīvana darśana. These components are interconnected and facilitate each other through experience, contemplation, and meditation. There are primarily three aspects underscored by IKS, namely, Paramparā, Dṛṣṭi and Laukika-prayojana. It encompasses the philosophical discourse emanating from the ancient wisdom of Rishis and Yogis who cultivated the Guru-śiṣyaparamparā. Bhārata has long been a witness to the rich heritage and tradition passed down over generations, and this perpetual flow has offered a unique and holistic perspective to engage with the existing challenges. In a world grappling with the clash of civilisations and battle of ideologies, it draws from the ideal of ‘Vasudhaiva Kuṭumbakam’ and offers the foundational principle for oneness. This holistic perspective lays the foundation for solving numerous societal challenges and offers an alternate model for the social well-being of the world at large.
The achievement of ancient Indian civilisation lies in the harmony it acquired through a combination of its dominant spirituality, vital creativity, and penetrating wisdom. But the long tradition of holistic and multidisciplinary learning and the ancient concept of 64 Kalās (arts) encompassing diverse fields like science, vocational skills, and soft skills were gradually being lost in this colonial education system. NEP 2020 therefore mandates the inclusion of the Indian Knowledge System, including tribal knowledge and indigenous and traditional ways of learning. It necessitates the incorporation of the content of IKS into subjects like mathematics, astronomy, philosophy, yoga, architecture, medicine, agriculture, engineering, linguistics, literature, sports, games, governance, polity, and conservation. Through this, it envisions reclaiming the civilisational consciousness and agency of Bhārata and paving the way for economic progress that aligns with Indic values, emphasising a balanced approach to nature and development.
Centre of Excellence in Indian Knowledge Systems, GLA University
About Us
Mission of the Centre
The IKS Centre at GLA University was inaugurated on Tuesday, 8 April 2025, with a primary objective to preserve and promote India's rich intellectual heritage across various disciplines, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Mathematics, Philosophy, and Literature. It is envisioned to function as a dedicated hub for curriculum development, faculty training, and public engagement, thereby revitalising India's knowledge traditions for the 21st century, as outlined by NEP 2020. The establishment of the Centre also aims to foster critical engagement with IKS traditions, promote rigorous academic research, and facilitate crosscultural and interdisciplinary dialogue.
Vision of the Centre
The Centre's vision is to position itself as a thought leader in the revitalisation of the Indian Knowledge System. This involves fostering an ecosystem where traditional wisdom and modern scholarship can converge to address contemporary challenges. It also aims to provide students with holistic and interdisciplinary learning opportunities by integrating ancient knowledge into modern curricula, promote research and training, and focus on promoting cultural awareness and identity among the youth.
It extends to expanding the horizon of Braj literature through rigorous discussion on its art and culture. It provides an opportunity to engage with the roots of Classical literature, including epics like Rāmāyaṇa, Mahābhārata, Purāṇas, and other Mahā-kāvyas, and to enrich Braj Literature by incorporating traditions of Rasik Saints and mystics. The Centre also offers new courses to explore pristine art and culture, such as Rāsa, dance, paintings, sculptures, and the cultural theme of Braj, Sāñjhi-Kala, emanating from the folk art and culture of Mathura.
Inauguration Highlights
The inauguration ceremony took place on Tuesday, 8 April 2025, from 11:00 AM to 02:00 PM. The venue for this auspicious occasion was the EC Conference Hall, AB-II, GLA University, Mathura. Several distinguished individuals were present at the event, including Chief Patron Shri Narayan Das Agarwal (Chancellor of GLA University), Patrons Prof. Anoop Kumar Gupta and Shri Ashok Kumar Singh (Vice-Chancellor and Director), Chief Guest Prof. Sachchidananda Mishra (Member-Secretary of the Indian Council of Philosophical Research, Ministry of Education), and Key Speakers Prof. Balaganapathi Devarakonda (Former Head, Department of Philosophy, Delhi University) and Prof. Ritendra (Ram) Verma (Director of the Centre for Indic Studies at Indus University).
MoUs Signed: The Centre has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with Dr. Ritendra (Ram) Verma, Director of the Centre for Indic Studies at Indus University and Vrindavan Research Institute. Currently, the Centre, in association with Vrindavan Research Institute, is working on reviving the manuscripts of the Vaishnavite tradition, primarily written in Braj. Besides, it is also working on creating a Braj dictionary under the purview of ‘Braj Bhasha Shodhpeeth’ to prevent this beautiful body of literature from getting lost in translation. These collaborations signify the Centre’s commitment to revitalising India's knowledge tradition.