Ancient Indian Knowledge System For Holistic Development of School Students

V.
Jayasree
M. Sai Baba
Communicating
Ancient Indian knowledge System for the
Holistic Development of the School Students
for their Physical, Mental and Spiritual Well-being
National Institute of Advanced Studies

Bengaluru, India
Conference Report NIAS/NSE/SCO/U/CR/11/2020
Communicating
Ancient Indian knowledge System for the

Holistic Development of the School Students
for their Physical, Mental and Spiritual Well-being
7- 8 May 2019, NIAS, Bengaluru

Bengaluru, India
and
Chinmaya Viswavidyapeeth
Veliyanad, Ernakulam
© National Institute of Advanced Studies, 2020
Published by
Indian Institute of Science Campus
Bengaluru - 560 012
Tel: 2218 5000, Fax: 2218 5028
E-mail: publications@nias.res.in
NIAS Report: NIAS/NSE/SCO/U/CR/11/2020
Typeset & Printed by

Aditi Enterprises
aditiprints@yahoo.com
Contents
Preamble ...................................................................................................................... 2
Participating Organisations ........................................................................................ 3
Conference Programme................................................................................................4
List of Participants........................................................................................................6
Abstracts ...................................................................................................................... 9
Conference Summary ............................................................................................... 21
Recommendations .................................................................................................... 33
Acknowledgments ..................................................................................................... 33
Communicating Ancient Indian knowledge System for the Holistic Development of
Preamble
Education plays an important role in shaping The meeting aimed at the following:
students into good human beings. The modern
system of education, which concentrates • Discuss various issues and challenges faced
more on imparting professional skills and by the student community
developing intellectual knowledge, ignores
the holistic development. Imparting holistic • Trace, identify and redefine the ancient
education has become a challenge in modern knowledge systems to correlate with modern
times. The importance of psychological well- sciences
being, emotional health, of the students for the
• Arrive at plausible solutions from ancient
social-physical-cognitive-development, is well
Indian knowledge system for the holistic
recognized. Various forms of ancient practices
development of children for their physical,
such as yoga, meditation, spiritual healing exist
mental and spiritual wellbeing
in our ancient knowledge system and encompass
not only the development of “Annamaya • To explore integrating the ancient knowledge
Kosam” (constituting the physical body) but also into imparting education to deal with the
for the mind, intellect, vitality and spirituality. All problems faced by the student community
these together with balanced food and lifestyle as
described in Ayurveda helps to nurture the body, • Identifying the methods of communicating
mind, vital force and intellect of school children. the outcomes to reach to the students,
A physically, mentally and spiritually advanced teachers and policymakers
child will have enhanced self-esteem, confidence
and respect through which the child would be • Suggest methods of implementation
able to deal with the challenges that are posed
by modern-day that life. A two-day meeting The meeting was combinedly organized by
on the theme “Communicating Ancient Indian National Institute of Advanced Studies,
Knowledge System for the holistic development Bengaluru and Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth,
of school children for their physical, mental and Ernakulam with the support from SATYAM,
spiritual well-being” was held during 7-8 May programme, Department of Science and
2019 at National Institute of Advanced Studies. Technology, New Delhi.
2 National Institute of Advanced Studies

the School Students for their Physical, Mental and Spiritual Well-being
Participating Organisations
1. National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru

2. Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth, Ernakulam
3. Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi
4. S-Vyasa Yoga University, Bengaluru
5. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore
6. Shiksha Samskriti Utthan Nyas, New Delhi
7. Shiksha Samskriti Utthan Nyas, Kochi
8. National Council for Education, Research and Training, New Delhi
9. Trans-Disciplinary University, Bengaluru
10. M.S. Ramaiah Indic Specaility Ayurveda, Bengaluru
11. Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore
12. M.G.M University of Physiotherapy, Navi Mumbai
13. Patanjali Yoga Foundation, Kochi
14. MIT AD University, Pune
National Institute of Advanced Studies 3

Conference Programme
Communicating Ancient Indian knowledge system for the holistic development of
the school students for their physical, mental and spiritual well-being
National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru

and
Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth, Veliyanad, Ernakulam
Convenors:
Dr. Jayasree and Prof M. Sai Baba, NIAS, Bengaluru
Prof. Krishna Mohan, CVV, Veliyanad, Ernakulam
7th May 2019
Time Topic Speaker

0930 – 10.00 Welcome V Jayasree
About the meeting M Sai Baba
Opening remarks Shailesh Nayak
Remarks Sanjay Mishra
Vote of Thanks K Krishna Mohan
10.00 – 10.30 Contemporary Indian Education and Panchkosha Udharan Atul Kothari
1030 – 1100 The essence of Integral Education: Need of Gurukul tradition to the Harsh Kumar
system in the contemporary World
1100 – 1130 Tea break All
1130 – 1200 Ancient Wisdom for modern education system: Challenges and solutions Judu Ilavarasu
1200 – 1230 Enhancing physical activity for overall development in children using Rajani Mullerpatan
traditional Indian movement science
1230 – 1300 Personality strengths and their relationship with Life-goals and Well-being: Shankar Rajaraman
A Traditional Indian Approach based on Sanskrit Poetics
1300 – 1400 Lunch All
1400 – 1430 Lesson from Indigenous health systems for developmental psychology of Malavika Kapur
childhood
1430 – 1500 Spirituality and Well-being in School Children N C Induchoodan
1500 – 1530 Tea Break All
1530 – 1600 Yoga for the Holistic Development of Student’s Personality and Well-being Sripad Ghaligi
1600 – 1630 Indian Knowledge Traditionsand its Contemporary Relevance Darshan Shankar
1630 – 1700 Contemporary education and Panchakosh ki Udhararan-Part II Prof. Atul Kothari
17.00 – 17.30 Discussion

Technical Discusssion Meeting
Communicating Ancient Indian knowledge system for the holistic development of

the school students for their physical, mental and spiritual well-being
National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru

and
Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth, Veliyanad, Ernakulam
Convenors:
Dr. Jayasree and Prof M. Sai Baba, NIAS, Bengaluru
Prof. Krishna Mohan, CVV, Veliyanad, Ernakulam
8th May 2019
Time Topic Speaker

0930 – 1000 Holistic Child Development and Education: A Golden Opportunity for Sai Susurla
Renaissance based on Indic Wisdom and Modern Technology
1000 – 1030 “Vyakthithwa Vikasa”-An Indian perspective KV Namboothiri
1030 – 1100 The relevance of Ancient Indian Knowledge Tradition for Mental Health K Krishna Mohan
and Well-being of Students
1100 – 1130 Tea break All
1130 – 1200 Ancient Indian Knowledge based value education for school children S Rukmini
1200 – 1230 Holistic approach of Ayurveda on children’s health based on life cycle G.G. Gangadharan Nair
1230 – 1300 Imparting Education: Ancient times and Now Jayasree Vaidyanathan
13.00 – 1400 Communicating ancient knowledge systems M Sai Baba
1400 Lunch
16.00 – 17.30 Public lecture
Ancient Indian Knowledge System: Holistic Development of Children N.C. Induchoodan
Indian Indigenous Health systems and contemporary child psychology Malavika Kapur

List of Participants
Prof. Atu Kothari Sri. K. Vasudevan

National Secretary Namboothiri
Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas Retd. BPO,
Saraswathi Bal Mandir, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
Naraina Vihar, Director
New Delhi - 110028 Patanjali Yoga Training and
atulssun@gmail.com Research Center
Ernakulam. Kochi, Kerala
vasumash@gmail.com
Major Harsh Kumar Dr. Sripad Ghaligi

Secretary Assistant Professor
National Council for Education, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
Research and Training Ettimada Village,
Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Coimbatore
Delhi 110016 sripadghaligi@rediffmail.com
harshksri@gmail.com
Dr. N.C. Induchoodan Dr. Sai Ramakrishna

State Chairman, Susarla
Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas Dean,
State Vice President, School of Vedic Sciences
BVB Schools, MIT AD University, Pune
Kalki Palace, Edappalli, sai.susarla@gmail.com
Kochi. Kerala
indu2012@gmail.com

Dr. Rajani Mullerpatan Dr. G.G. Gangadharan Nair

Professor Ramaiah Indic Speciality
MGM School of Ayurveda
Physiotherapy MSR Nagar,
Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra New BEL Road, Bengaluru
mgmschoolofphysiotherapy@ vaidyaggganga@gmail.com
gmail.com
Prof. K. Krishna Mohan Dr. Judu Ilavarasu

Professor & Head S Vyasa Yoga University,
School of Philosophy, 19, Ekanath Bhavan
Psychology & Scientific Gavipuram Circle,
Heritage K.G.Nagar
Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth Bengaluru
Velliyanad, Ernakulam, Kerala judu@svyasa.edu.in
kotrakm@gmail.com
Dr. S. Rukmini Prof Darshan Shankar

Sr. Assistant Professor Vice Chancellor
School of Humanities Trans-disciplinary University
Vellore Institute of Yelahanka. Bengaluru
Technology Email: darshanshankar2009@
Vellore, Tamilnadu gmail.com
rukminikrishna123@gmail.
com
Dr. Sanjay K Mishra Prof. Malavika Kapur

Head, KIRAN Division Visiting Professor
Department of Science and National Institute of
Technology Advanced Studies
New Mehrauli Road, IISc Campus, Bengaluru
New Delhi
malavikakapur@gmail.com
sanjaykr.mishra@nic.in

Dr. Shankar Rajaraman Prof. Sisir Roy

Post-Doctoral Associate Visiting Professor
National Institute of National Institute of
Advanced Studies Advanced Studies, Bengaluru
IISc Campus, Bengaluru sisir.sisirroy@gmail.com
shankar_rajaraman@
rediffmail.com
Dr. Jayasree Vaidyanathan Ms. Devika

Principal Investigator Research intern
National Institute of C/o Dr.V. V. Binoy,
Advanced Studies Animal Behavior and
IISc Campus, Bengaluru Cognition Programme
jayasree_nias@yahoo.in NIAS, IISc campus, Bengaluru
devikaiyer1995@gmail.com
Prof. M. Sai Baba Ms. Sneha Yadla

TV Raman Pai Chair Professor National Institute of
Advanced Studies IISc Campus, Bengaluru
IISc Campus, Bengaluru snehayadla@gmail.com
msaibaba@nias.res.in
Mr. A. Vinod Dr. Moumitha Koley

Member Indian Institute of Science
National Monitoring Bengaluru
Committee on Minority moumitakoley@iisc.ac.in
Education
MHRD, Government of India
a.vinod.kvk@gmail.com

Abstracts
Contemporary Indian Education and The Essence of Integral Education:

Panchkosha Udharan Need of Gurukul Tradition to the System
in the Contemporary World
Prof. Atul Kothari
Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, New Delhi Major Harsh Kumar
NCERT, New Delhi
Education has a critical role in supporting
students to have holistic development which The present talk analyses the idea of India, the
constitute physical, mental and spiritual concept of nation, the essence of the building
wellbeing. The process of learning has five of a nation, the uniqueness of our culture
elements: -Pancha Koshas that needs to be and traditions, the setback to the indigenous
developed in every child that can lead to educational system suffered. Introduction of
personality development. The concept of an alien system of education which helped the
Pancha Kosha (from Taittriya Upanishad) colonial rulers in strengthening their Empire.
explains the five layers for human existence The article further trails the facts for the
- Anandamaya Kosha, Pranamaya Kosha, core reasons leading to the requirements, the
Manomaya Kosha, Vigyanamaya Kosha and traditional system of imparting learning and
Anandamaya Kosha. The talk discusses knowledge which existed and the rudimentary
the importance of developing each of the requirements to cover the gaps in present time,
five koshas and provides some examples and suggesting establishment of institutions
of activities for the holistic development of for holistic education, their aim and values
children. imbibed through the proposed system which
will help the nation to re-establish its ancient
Prof Atul Kothari is the National Secretary for glory.
Shiksha Sanskrithi Utthan Nyas, New Delhi.
He is also the National Co-Convener for Shiksha Major Harsh Kumar, is the Secretary, National Council
Bachao Andolan Samithi. He works as the convener for Education, Research and Training (NCERT),
for Bharathiya Bhasha Manch as well as Bharathiya New Delhi. He has served the Indian Army. He is
Bhasha Abhiyaan. Prof Atul Kothari has served as having 23 years of expertise in supervising General
the General Secretary of Akhila Bharathiya Vidyarthi Administration/Operational Management. He did his
Parishad. Serving as an expert in Educational master’s in human sociology and currently pursuing a
Institutions, Universities of the country on fundamental PhD in Anthropology. He has won several awards and
topics in which Nyas is trying to provide an alternative honours during his career.
curriculum

Ancient Wisdom for Modern Education with the ancient wisdom for best results. Yoga
System: Challenges and Solutions is one such tool which can be used as a bridging
means between ancient and modern value system
Dr Judu Illavarasu because it primarily deals with culturing body
S-Vyasa Yoga University, Bengaluru and mind and modern education system values
these both prospects. Some of the implementing
Need for imparting ancient values into today’s strategies will also be discussed.
education system has been recognized, mainly
because there are many lacunae that are not Dr Judu Ilavarasu has his master’s in Chemistry and
addressed by the modern education system. Psychology, and PhD in Yoga. Currently, he is working
Holistic development of personality is what is as Associate Professor at Swami Vivekananda Yoga
being desired for and not mere development of Anusandhana Samsthana (S-Vyasa), Bengaluru. He
certain specialized skills. teaches Research Methodology and his area of research
interests include Implicit Social Cognition and Human
In the first part of this presentation, three Subtle Energy Field.
dimensions of this issue will be discussed:
1) Student characteristics, 2) Teacher
characteristics, and 3) Environment in which Enhancing Physical Activity for Overall
both interact. Challenges and Solutions under Development in Children using Traditional
these sections will be discussed. In the second Indian Movement Science
part of the presentation, Yoga as a means of
finding a solution for some of these problems Dr Rajani Mullerpatan
will be discussed. Professor and Director, MGM Centre of
Human Movement Science, Navi Mumbai
In ancient times, the qualification (leadership
quality) of students (adhikaritva) was considered Physical inactivity is identified as the fourth
while imparting education, which has become not leading risk factor for global mortality. Physical
so easy to practice in today’s secular educational inactivity levels are increasing at an alarming rate
scenario. This has its own merits and demerits. in many countries with major implications on
Similarly, teachers of ancient times had certain the prevalence of non-communicable diseases
inherent characteristics (shtrotriyam, brahmanistha), (NCDs) and the general health of the population
that gave them the power to infuse knowledge, worldwide. A survey conducted by WHO on
not only of worldly nature but also of the Indian children in 2013, revealed that only 29%
highest spiritual knowledge. What do these of high school students participated in at least
qualities of a teacher get translated to, in today’s 60 minutes of physical activity per day on each
world? The Ambiance in which a student and a of the 7 days.
teacher interact has changed tremendously, and
the focus is more on student-centric methods to Physical activity is a behaviour whereas physical
develop the best skills in a student. However, the fitness is a biological trait. Health-related fitness
purview of the ancient system was life training, includes various components like anthropometric
and it’s a big challenge as to how to revive this. measurements, flexibility, balance, muscle
There is a need to assimilate the best of the strength-endurance and cardiopulmonary
modern education system and try to supplement endurance. Physical activity levels have been

assessed using questionnaires. However, only Personality Strengths and their

quantifying physical activity level does not Relationship with Life-goals and Well-
encompass all the components necessary for being: A Traditional Indian Approach
maintaining health-related physical fitness. based on Sanskrit Poetics
Evaluation of fitness in the field settings using
fitness batteries is the current method available Dr Shankar Rajaraman
for testing many people. Currently, data for NIAS, Bengaluru
reference values on healthy children is primarily
sourced from countries like US, UK, Canada Traditional Indian wisdom regards a life led
and Australia which provide norms for their well as a life led in the pursuit of certain goals,
population. Fitness is a multi-factorial construct collectively referred to as “puru ārtha” (literally
which is affected by factors like anthropometry, “human purpose”). The four fold goals of
ethnicity, cultural aspects and others. Differences human life are the acquisition of material wealth
in variables like hand grip and 6-minute walk (artha), enjoyment of material wealth (kāma),
distance, are already reported to be less by 30% ethically guided acquisition and enjoyment of
in Indians in comparison to people from western material wealth (dharma), and eternal freedom
countries. On the national front, currently, from the world of matter (moksha). Taking the
norms are available only for children based on a correspondence between real-life individuals
study done in Kerala. and literary characters as his starting point,
Bhoja, the 11th century Sanskrit aesthetician,
By becoming more active throughout the day in works out a complex theory of character
relatively simple ways, at home and in school, typology that brings together character
children can easily achieve the recommended personality, a set of 24 traits that function as
activity levels. The ancient traditional Indian personality strengths, character-specific life-
movement science of yoga is known to enhance goals, and well-being (defined empirically as
the flexibility of the body, endurance and long-lasting pleasure and transcendently as
mental abilities. However, this science has been eternal freedom from displeasure). According
underutilized for early intervention in children to Bhoja’s theory, the four fold goals of human
to enhance their mental and physical capabilities. life are placed along a hierarchy with artha,
A large proportion of the time is spent in occupying the lowermost and moksha, the
academic pursuit and sedentary leisure activity uppermost, position. If personality strengths
with little time left over for physical activity. can be regarded as the paraphernalia in an
Hence, the inclusion of structured physical individual’s journey towards achieving his/
activity and traditional methods of enhancing her life-gaols, a fewer number of them are
physical fitness levels using evidence-based required for achieving artha as compared to
evaluation methods is an urgent need of the moksha. Finally, individuals enjoy greater and
hour. more long-lasting well-being as they traverse
from artha towards moksha. The talk shall
Dr Rajani Mullerpatan is the Professor and Director also draw correspondences between the list of
from MGM center for Human Movement Science, Navi personality strengths as proposed by Bhoja on
Mumbai. She is also an Affiliate Societies Officer, the one hand and Peterson and Seligman on the
International Society of Biomechanics. other.

Dr Shankar Rajaraman is an allopathic doctor with performance in the examinations. It totally

a post-graduate diploma in psychiatry. He also holds overlooks the learning potential and creativity
a Masters in Sanskrit and psychology. His doctoral overall development in all the domains. In
thesis was on an interdisciplinary topic bridging contrast, the best practices in teaching/learning
psychology and Sanskrit poetics. He is a Sanskrit recommend child centred approach where
poet with several publications to his credit. He has each child is active in learning. There is a dire
translated works in Ayurvedic dietetics and literature need for a paradigm shift in teaching/learning
from Sanskrit to both English and Kannada. For practices in India. In contrast, the Indigenous
his contribution to Sanskrit language and literature, health systems of Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and
he was awarded the Presidential Award by the Tibetan medicine systems, the approach to child
Honourable President of India in 2019. development is holistic and developmentally
appropriate. The presentation will focus on
what preferred practices can be gleaned and
Lessons from Indian Indigenous incorporated into contemporary school practice
Health Systems for Developmental to promote holistic and positive well-being of
Psychology of Childhood school children.
Prof Malavika Kapur Prof. Malavika Kapur, Visiting Professor, NIAS and
NIAS, Bengaluru formerly a Professor and Head of Clinical Psychology
at NIMHANS, Bengaluru. She is a consultant
Contemporary Developmental Psychology to various organizations such as WHO, UGC,
aims at promoting the holistic development NCERT, ICMR, ICSSR. Her areas of interest are
of children. Overall and holistic development Developmental Psychology, Community Mental Health
includes the domains of Physical, Cognitive, programmes for Children and Adolescents, Primary
Language, Emotional, Social, Moral and Sexual Health Care personnel and Anganwadi Workers.
development. Education system on the other In the recent past, she has been exploring traditional
hand only educational achievement of the pupil healing systems from the Perspective of Developmental
as the sole aim and the most desirable aim not Psychology
only of the teachers but also of the parents.
The WHO considers the school as the “safety
net” for the promotion of Mental Health. The Spirituality and Well-being in
onus of promoting healthy overall development School Children
in all the domains of development thus needs
to be considered as a top priority in the school Dr N.C. Induchoodan
setting. Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, Kerala, State
Chairman Bharathiya Vidya Niketan, Kochi
Unfortunately, the present education system is
biased towards Teacher Centric and unidirectional Our traditional knowledge system is oriented
teaching, negating the learning potentials of the for Panchakosha vikasam (development
pupil. This widely practised system depends of Annamaya, Pranamaya, Manomaya,
entirely on rigid rote learning and memorising, vijnanamaya and Anandamaya kosam).
with a heavy emphasis on the syllabus and the Development of Anandamaya kosam, leading

to total happiness or bliss that could easily Yoga for the Holistic Development of
be achieved through spirituality. As against Student’s Personality and Well-being
the common notion, spirituality is not the
opposite of physical or material things but Dr Sripad Ghaligi
encompasses everything in this universe. It Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Ettimada,
gives an experience of interconnectedness or Coimbatore
rather oneness with the cosmos. This realization
melts away our ego and arouses the emotion Yoga is one of the cohesive and rigorous
“Athmano Mokshardham Jagath Hithaya” and multifaceted disciplines to develop a holistic
improves the Seva Bhavam (Service mentality) personality. It is occupying a special position in
in the individuals. Normally, Mind creates and the modern world as a process of refinement
re-creates within a framework. Spirituality of the physical, intellectual, emotional, social
leads to the liberation from that framework. and spiritual arena of an individual. Pragmatic
The compatible becomes compatible. This benefits of Yoga are being recognised in various
universe exists on both physical and spiritual domains of life. This is being authenticated by
laws. While physical laws were taught, spiritual its popularity and research pursued in the field
laws were overlooked. Children, who are the of yoga and allied subjects. Yoga is one of the
future citizens of the country should also be emerging fields requiring more attention to
aware of those spiritual laws for their eternal the application of various principles of yoga
happiness to shape their lives and the impact especially for the students. The present education
of the violation of these laws. Once they system is accentuating only on some of the
understand these moral values, such as honesty, aspects of the personality of a student but lacking
sincerity, sacrifice; good words, thoughts, in the holistic development of personality. This
acts and deeds etc., automatically the divine is leading to many problems and challenges at
consciousness will increase in the individuals. It the physical, emotional and intellectual levels
is also important to make them understand that of students. Principles of yoga can provide
violence, greed and lustful love will give way to preventive, restorative and nurturing guidelines
peace, happiness and unconditional love. This for holistic personality. This presentation is to
paper highlights, how we can help our children highlight the approach of Yoga towards holistic
to manifest the perfection in them to make this development of student’s personality and well-
earth a better place to live in. “Loka Samastha being.
Sukhino Bhavanthu”.
Dr Sripad H. Ghaligi, has a PhD related to Yoga
Dr N. C. Induchoodan is the Kerala State Chairman Psychology, (Bhagavadgita and Yoga sutra) from Mysore
for Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas. He is also the State University. He has an M.Sc. in Yoga from SVYASA
Vice President for Bharathiya Vidya Niketan, Kerala University and M.A. in Sanskrit. He has completed
and Chairman, Green Doctor Movement, Swadeshi six years program in Veda, Vedanta and Yoga in
Science Movement, Kerala. An ecologist by profession traditional Gurukula system from Veda Vijnana
and retired DFO from Kerala Forest Department. Gurukulam, Bangalore. He has been a resource person
Currently, he is active in the field of school education and to various cultural and spiritual organizations and
focuses on the value-based education and for the holistic for Department of State Education Research and
development of School children Training (DSERT), Bangalore. He has conducted

several courses, training camps and workshops for a new transdisciplinary domain that combines systemic
students, teachers and corporate on topics related to perspectives of Ayurveda with the molecular approaches
Veda, Samskrita, Yoga and allied subjects. He worked of biology. His work has received several national and
as an Assistant professor and Head-Yoga and Lifestyle International Awards like the Norman Borlaug Award
in Jain University and Jain Group of Institutions, (1998), Columbia University’s International Award
Bangalore. He is presently working as an Assistant (2003) for the revitalization of traditional systems of
professor and Coordinator in Amrita Darshanam- health-care in India and Padma Shri, by the Government
International Centre for Spiritual Studies, Amrita of India in 2011.
School of Engineering Coimbatore campus.
Holistic Child Development and

Indian Knowledge Traditions and its Education: A Golden Opportunity for
Contemporary Relevance Renaissance based on Indic Wisdom and
Modern Technology
Prof Darshan Shankar
Vice-Chancellor, Trans-disciplinary University, Dr Sai Susarla
Bengaluru MIT-AD University, Pune
Today the content of school education in India Most parents today grapple with several burning
in all domains of knowledge is largely based questions about children, their upbringing,
on the modern western cultural and intellectual education and success in life. What is the ideal
traditions. While knowledge from any cultural and way to raise and educate my child? How to
intellectual source may be enlightening within the handle the difficulties that arise in dealing with
limitations of its world view, it is utterly untrue unwanted behaviour? What is the ideal approach
that any particular knowledge tradition, however to formal and informal education and what
illuminating, provides the only or the best way of are their relative roles in a child’s growth and
knowing nature. The prevalence of a dominant fulfilment? What is the role of discipline and
monocultural orientation in the Indian education how to inculcate it? How to handle chronically
system is indeed a skewed orientation. This has difficult and/or recalcitrant behaviours? How
resulted in euro-centric categories of knowledge, to nurture a progressive and inclusive outlook
epistemologies and ontologies in all domains of in the next generation?
knowledge. In India, the skew is evident in the
best of knowledge institutions, across various The importance of these issues is being felt
disciplines, due to the relatively recent political acutely at the present time. The western model
history of colonialism and its aftermath. of intellect-focused education that is prevalent
for the last several centuries has led the world
Anant Darshan Shankar is the Managing Trustee to a state where more than 40% of adolescents
of the Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health in developed countries suffer from mental
Traditions (FRLHT) and Vice-Chancellor of the depression of some sort, domestic and social
Trans-Disciplinary University (TDU), Bangalore. violence is rising at an alarming rate and the
During the last 25 years, FRLHT-TDU has inspired earth is on the brink of ecological disaster.
research and outreach in the field of Ayurveda-biology Since today’s children are tomorrow’s humanity,

child development and education are critical multinational corporations in the US and India. He
determinants of its future state. was a technical director at NetApp in Bengaluru. He
has a PhD in Computer Science from the University
Fortunately, a couple of trends are helping of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA. He has close to 20
bring renaissance. The overwhelming explosion research publications and 25 patents in the areas of
in the body of knowledge is raising questions large-scale data management and analytics. He is
on the feasibility of the existing information- interested in understanding the Indian spirituality
imparting approach to education. One will and focused to make India’s native knowledge more
never be able to learn enough in school or accessible and understandable to the younger generation
college. This is driving a shift towards meta- through technology and education. He is the co-
education (learn how to learn) where Indic founder and Dean of a new School of Vedic Sciences
wisdom excels. It also frees up student’s time to (mitvedicsciences.com) since June 2017 under MIT
focus on higher-order life issues, where again, Group of Institutions, Pune.
Indic wisdom excels.
Second, Information, Communication “Vyakthithwa Vikasa”-

and Automation Technology (ICAT) has An Indian Perspective
revolutionized the way in which learning happens.
Ubiquitous and free access to knowledge in Mr Kaithapram Vasudevan Namboothiri
consumable capsules at fingertips is dramatically
changing the face of education in two ways – The present talk describes about the “Vyakthiwa
democratized access to multiple viewpoints, and Vikasa” –Personality development in school
the rapid rise of demand for non-formal, just- children. This concept has been explained in
in-time education. Brick-and-mortar institutions Indian philosophy as “Aham Brahma Asmi” –
with pre-set curricula are too slow and inflexible meaning I am Brahman – the God as everyone
to adapt to the evolving requirements of the having God in them, is the essence of Indian
society today. They are rapidly going out of education. Ways to achieve Brahman are through
fashion – the rising homeschooling families in Pancha Kosha development and through
India is a case in point. Patanjali’s yoga and mediation practices that are
the road map for physical, psychological and
These trends present a unique opportunity spiritual development.
for Indic knowledge and wisdom to guide
the younger generation that was simply not Mr. Kaithapram Vasudevan Namboothiri, is the
possible at scale till recently. In this discourse, president of Patanjali Yoga Peetham, Kochi. He served
we examine Sri Aurobindo’s and the Mother’s as the Deputy Director of Education, Government of
views on Sanaatana Dharmic approach to child Kerala. He is also on the Board of Studies of S-Vyasa
development and education, and how it is within Yoga University, Bengaluru. He has written several
reach to practice nowadays and opens a golden articles and books on Yoga and conducted programmes
opportunity for renaissance globally. on yoga on television. Before joining Patanjali, he was
an active member of Vidya Bharathi.
Dr Sai Ramakrishna Susarla has a 20 year long
career in software research and development with

The Ancient Indian

relevance of positive benefits of practices and systems rooted
Knowledge Tradition for Mental Health in Indian knowledge traditions to the cognitive,
and Well-being of Students emotional and psychological development of
children. Further, there are many insights and
Prof Krishna Mohan detailed practices from ancient Hindu spiritual
Chinmaya Viswavidhyapeeth, literature which will help physical, psychological
Velliyanad, Ernakulam and emotional well-being as well as the positive
personality of the students. The presentation
In recent years reports and research studies will elaborate on various aspects of ancient
have highlighted the negative consequences Indian knowledge tradition and their relevance
of present school education system to mental to mental health and well-being of students
health and well-being of school students. from a preventive, promotion and holistic
Further, parental expectation, peer and societal developmental perspective. Further, outline ways
pressures are causing serious mental problems and means to include in the school curriculum.
among students in India. The transition from
childhood to adulthood involves complex Dr Krishna Mohan is a Professor and Head for School
physical, psychological, emotional and social of Philosophy, Psychology and Scientific Heritage at
developmental changes, all taking place at the same Chinmaya ViswaVidyaPeetha, Kochi. His research
time. School going age is critical for developing interests include applications of psychological and
a holistic physical, psychological and emotional cognitive processes to mental health and well-being.
well-being as well as positive personality. Prof. Mohan is trained in psychotherapies rooted in
Scholars and educationists have pointed out Indian cultural and spiritual perspectives and has been
the limitations of the western education system conducting several workshops and sessions on well-being
and methods as well as the value system and and positive psychology. He has several publications to
approaches followed by the schools in India in his credit and an international affiliate member of the
educating the students. It is a well known fact American Psychological Association.
that the present system has not given the desired
results and more so has influenced the attitude
of teachers, parents, society for wrong reasons. Ancient Indian Knowledge-based
Given this background and need to give priority to Value Education for School Children
student’s holistic development for better mental
health and well-being the presentation will try to Dr S Rukmini
show the relevance of ancient Indian knowledge Senior Assistant Professor,
traditions. Ancient Indian knowledge traditions VIT University, Vellore
are rooted in cultural ethos and the practices
are time tested and known for their benefits for In recent years, the learner-centric approach has
mental health and well-being. These practices gained importance and is in practice leading to
are elaborated in the Sastras, yoga system, Hindu neglect of holistic development of a student.
religio-spiritual tradition. Further, the ancient Recent studies suggest that there is a shift in the
Indian education system has been embedded for value system leading to individualism and other
the holistic development of children and youth. forms of negative behaviours among students.
In recent years, research studies have shown Further, there is a general perception that due

to mechanical delivery and evaluation, teaching that is presently being delivered, the students will
and learning process is becoming less joyful be imbued with values and full flowering of the
and there is an over-emphasis on techniques individual as a whole will be possible. Drawing
the methods of teaching. Teaching, which is an from the rich scope in Ancient Indian literature
art that requires much of patience and love has in imparting the afore-mentioned values, certain
been reduced to that of intellectual attainments, key aspects such as the importance of Time,
which in turn has made the role of the teacher to the very purpose of life, role of discipline
mere imparting of information rather than the and definition of success in education and the
cultivating of an inquiring mind. Overemphasis key aspects of education such as Listening,
on techniques has made us more rational and Reflection, Application and priorities in life will
scientific. It is making our thinking enormous be discussed.
and thought-provoking but the problems that we
face are mainly at the emotional level. Perhaps Dr Rukmini is senior academic at VIT, Vellore, Tamil
this has led to the keeping of the emotional Nadu. She has a PhD in English Literature and has
world at variance with their thoughts and actions 20 years of experience in the field of Teaching English
and insensitiveness to human feelings and Language and Literature. Her areas of interest are in
emotions. Only when the three- thought, and Indian Philosophy, Literature and Culture. She has 25
action and emotions- are integrated, one can publications to her credit. She has presented 30 research
achieve harmony and one who integrates them is papers.
a master. Thus, the need for value-based teaching
as it provides the right kind of understanding
of life, for it alone can set the mind free from A Holistic Approach of Ayurveda on
conditioning and instil in one, love which in its Children’s Health based on Life Cycle
action builds better relationship amongst people.
Dr G. G. Gangadharan Nair
In the light of these developments, the MS Ramaiah Indic speciality Ayurveda,
presentation highlights the necessity for value- Bengaluru
based teaching that instils in the learner moral
values, ethical values, human values and spiritual Ayurveda, probably the world`s oldest science
values. Ancient Indian knowledge penned on healing and healthcare, has a comprehensive
down by the Rishis that has come down to us approach towards health involving the person in
through the scriptures is a repository of Spiritual its totality; body, mind, spirit and their interrelation
knowledge. To quote the Bhagavad Gita with the external environment. Ayurveda offers
“Adyatma Vidya Vidyaanam”- which meant it is a life cycle approach, based on one`s gender and
the spiritual knowledge that is the highest form ecosystem in which one is living and in tune with
of all knowledge. Their writings on the education one`s cultural background.
that always emphasized the power of right
understanding have always given courage and In Ayurveda the whole childhood is divided
inspiration to both the teacher and the taught. into three phases: i) Ksheeraada - 0-12 months,
If such literature is introduced in the teaching ii) Ksheerannada - 12 months - 2 years & iii)
curriculum along with the skills and knowledge Annaada - 2 years - 16 years.

The present talk deals with healthcare on the intellectual growth of children side-lining
approaches of Ayurveda in school going their holistic development and physical, mental
children ie. 5 to 16th year of their life span. and spiritual well-being. Modern education does
It deals with specific advises for children and not emphasize the ancient notion of education
remedies for the diseases and for children`s “Sa Vidya yavimuktaye”—means education is
proper growth milestones by taking appropriate that which leads to liberation – freeing from
food and herbal formulations and rasayanas. life bondages. India has a rich heritage of
It also describes the importance of abhyanga, knowledge system that was practised from our
proper sleep and rest and need for a conducive ancient times which for the overall development
social and domestic environment for proper of children, including intellectual and spiritual
growth of the child. This phase (0-16 years) growth. In order to understand the best
is the most important part in one`s physical, practices to be incorporated from our ancient
mental and intellectual growth. Ayurveda knowledge systems into modern education, it
approach to health and diseases is not drug- is very important to understand how education
based but involves the whole body`s response has been transitioned from ancient to modern
to the internal and external environment. times. In this presentation, an attempt has been
made to highlight the important landmarks in
Prof. Dr G. G. Gangadharan is a practising Ayurveda the history of education in India from ancient
physician with a PhD from Tilak Maharashtra to contemporary times. This would be helpful
Vidyapeeth, Pune and a post-doctoral degree from in identifying the best practices from our
McGill University, Canada. He is the Director of knowledge system that can be blended with
Ramaiah Indic Specialty Ayurveda – Restoration modern education for the overall development
Hospital, (RISA), Bengaluru, a 100-bed NABH of our future citizens.
accredited Ayurveda Hospital. He is an expert on
authentic Ayurveda methods of diagnosis – especially Dr Jayasree Vaidyanathan is a Meteorologist with
the pulse diagnosis and treatment, and successfully expertise on geographic information systems, river basin
treats lifestyle disorders. He has dedicated himself to management and drinking water issues and presently
the propagation of Ayurveda knowledge and promoting working on science communication on “Water, Energy
the use of Ayurveda and local health traditions at the and Environment”. She is also working on value-based
grass-root level in rural parts of India. education focusing resource conservation for school/
college children. She has conducted several pieces
of training for school students and women SHG on
Imparting Education: various environment issues and is a certified “Training
Ancient Times and Now of Trainer”. Before joining NIAS, she has worked
in both Private and Academic positions. She is also
Dr Jayasree Vaidyanathan a consultant to International Organizations such as
NIAS, Bengaluru Winrock, CCES Global, ISET international and
member and advisor of various organizations in Kerala,
Education is the process of learning or the Karnataka and Odisha. She has many publications
acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs to her credit and presented papers in National and
and habits that shape a child into a good human International conferences.
being. Present-day education is focussed mostly

Communicating Ancient Indian Present work includes obtaining effective and

Knowledge Systems informative insights on managing public perceptions
and public acceptance of public risks associated with
Prof. M. Sai Baba new and emerging technologies, through science and
Shri TV Raman Pai Chair Professor, NIAS, technology communications. Developing platforms for
Bengaluru enhancing interaction between scientists and the public
using conventional and nonconventional media of
Education plays an important role in laying communication.
the foundation for shaping young minds into a
responsible citizen of the world. The teacher- His interests include understanding Ancient wisdom and
learner relationship places an important role adopting the same for the wellbeing of society.
in shaping the students into good human
beings. With the development of Science and
Technology, education has become more of Dr. Sanjay K Mishra
imparting professional skills and ignores the
holistic development. With changing times and Dr. Sanjay K Mishra is the Advisor and Head for
globalization, a disconnect between what one is Knowledge involvement in research advancement through
capable of and the choice of the learning streams Nurturing (KIRAN) Division of Department of
has become the order of the day. Often talked Science and Technology, New Delhi.
about gap in skill development and employability
are a manifestation of the way education is being
imparted. While to some extent intellectual Mr. A. Vinod
curiosity is being addressed, the physical, mental
and spiritual wellbeing is being ignored, affecting Mr. A. Vinod, Member, National monitoring
the development of young minds into matured committee on Minority Education, MHRD, New
human beings. One major aspect which is being Delhi. He is working as a Teacher in Government
increasingly noticed is the inability of the learner Higher secondary school at Karuvarakundu. Vinod has
to cope up with the challenges of assimilating a Bachelor’s in mathematics and a degree in moral and
what is being taught and leading to lack of self- spiritual education. He conducts programmes for school
esteem resulting in imbalance and affecting children on character building and overall development as
mental health. Mentoring and getting connected described in Upanishad and Yoga sastra. He coordinates
to the learner are the need of the hour. The talks the Educational activities in South India of Shiksha
discuss some of these aspects of learning. Sanskriti Utthan Nyas.
Prof. M. Sai Baba, Outstanding Scientist and formerly

Prof. Sisir Roy
Director, Resources Management Group, Indira Gandhi
Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam
Prof. Sisir Roy is the Homi Bhabha Chair Professor
and Senior Professor, Homi Bhabha National
at the National Institute of Advanced Studies with the
Institute. Presently holding “Shri TV Raman Pai
NIAS Consciousness Studies Programme. His fields of
Chair Professor” at National Institute of Advanced
interests are the foundation of quantum physics, quantum
Studies, Bengaluru and working in the domain of
effects in Biology, modelling brain functions and cognitive
Science Communication and Risk Communication.

science, quantum tunnelling for dissipative systems, data and cognition programme. She is also interested in
analysis and Quasar astronomy. Understanding how yoga and meditation impact mental
health. Devika has attended many workshops and
seminars related to mental health and well-being.
Ms Sneha Sundari Y
Ms Sneha did her Master’s in Plant Biology and Dr Moumitha Koley

Biotechnology. She is part of the science communication
team at NIAS. Some of the works she has carried Dr Moumitha Koley is an experienced synthetic organic
out at NIAS includes studying conflicts arising out of chemist with expertise in conceptualizing, synthesizing
implementing projects relating to science and technology and characterizing organic materials. Dr Koley’s PhD
in Indian society is from Vienna University of Technology. Her research
interest include metal-assisted catalytic transformations in
organic chemistry. She is currently involved in teaching and
Ms Devika S Iyer designing chemistry experiments in the UG Programme
at IISc, Bangalore. She has authored research papers on
Ms Devika did her Master’s in Clinical Psychology and novel undergraduate experiments. Her recent research
trained on Special Education for Children. Currently engagement is the domain of science and technology policy.
working as an Intern with the Animal Behavior

Conference Summary
Students of the present generation endure as they would have a different set of issues and
various types of challenges in scholastic progress levels of understanding. He also stressed the
with respect to understanding curriculum, need for identifying the strategies with definite
teacher expectations, parental pressure and many perspectives on what we need to do and why we
other socio-psychological factors. In order to need to do for the benefit of the school children.
address the above-mentioned issues and for their
holistic and overall physical mental and spiritual In his opening remarks, Dr Sanjay Mishra
development, experts from various backgrounds mentioned the objectives of the meeting and
from different reputed institutions were invited its importance for the Department of Science
to deliberate on “Communicating Ancient Indian and Technology in view of the possible
Knowledge System for the holistic development implementation strategies. He spoke about the
of school children for their physical, mental information available in our ancient system –
and spiritual well-being” during 7-8 May 2019, few practices either non-tested or scientifically
held at National Institute of Advanced Studies, evidenced and time-tested ones, currently
Bengaluru. performed by a few organizations. He also spoke
about the challenges faced by school children and
The discussion meeting began with Dr Jayasree the need for including some unified, standardized
welcoming the guests on behalf of the organizers practices from our ancient system specifically
and NIAS and introducing the theme of the for the physical, mental and spiritual well-being
meeting. Followed by Prof. Sai Baba briefly of school children. Dr Sanjay Mishra requested
describing the programme as well as on what is participants to focus specifically on the issues of
expected from the meeting. He spoke about the school-going children and recommend a hybrid
importance of holistic development of children implementable and actionable model which
and the current situation where one takes care of would be studied in detail through the multi-
physical aspects while mental and spiritual well- organization collaborations with DST support.
being are neglected. It is of importance to include He concluded by saying that the outcome of
and communicate to the younger generation to such a study should lead to recommendations
prepare them for coping up with the current to MHRD, for implementation in the academic
day challenges. He stressed that the meeting institutes.
is intended to identify a few implementable
practices from our ancient wisdom to be taken Prof. Krishna Mohan delivered the vote
to many schools in the country. of thanks. While thanking the guests for
participating in the meeting, he pointed out the
During the inaugural session, in his opening need for time tested strategies to be provided
remarks Prof. Shailesh Nayak, Director, NIAS to the new generation of school and college
highlighted the importance of the topic for the children particularly and society at large for the
school students. He emphasized that though this highest wellbeing and harmony.
discussion is focussing on school children, it
should also address the concerns of students of Major Harsh Kumar opened the technical
primary, secondary and higher secondary school session with his talk on “The essence of Integral

Education: Need of Gurukul Tradition to the pointed out that food, sleep, fear and love are
System in the Contemporary World”. He started common for life, but humans need to follow
his talk with the concept of “Bharathvarsh” “Dharma” in addition. He introduced the
- the concept of nation and the essence of concept of Pancha Koshas which is the body-
nation-building and spoke about the uniqueness mind complex of man and consists of five layers
of Indian culture and traditions. A brief on (sheaths) of human existence viz., Annamaya
shortcomings in the current education system, kosha, Pranamya kosha, Manomaya kosha,
how it has been deteriorated over the last few Vigyanamaya kosha, Ananadamaya kosha –
decades, degradation in terms of moral, ethical, food, prana, mind, vigyan and ananda or bliss
spiritual and dharmic values were detailed. He respectively. For physical, mental and spiritual
applauded the glory of Indian ancient education well-being, all these layers should be in complete
system that aimed at both grooming the students harmony with each other. He suggested various
for the future as well as to become a good human ways through which these five koshas can be
being. Harsh Kumar explained the concept of strengthened in children. Annamaya kosha,
being satisfied, ideas of need, greed etc. and the sheath of our physical body is nourished by
also on “Vasudaiv Kudumbakam – meaning food. Pranayama kosha is the life force energy
the whole world is one family”. He described controlling our bodily and spiritual rhythm and
how the Gurukul learning nurtured the students holds the body and mind together. As life /prana
through deep levels of determination, focus is determined by our state of mind, pranayama
and concentration and how Guru/ the teacher practices are useful. Manomayakosha is made up
served his role as teacher, mentor, parent of human thoughts, feelings, mind and emotion.
and role model for the child. He emphasized This included Gyanendriya and Karmendriya
that the Nation needs well qualified, trained – Gyanendriya has five organs of perception
manpower who would be the future leaders through sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch
with good qualities such as faith in values, self- and Karmendriya have five organs for action-
esteem, national identity, perseverance etc., that prehension, locomotion, articulation, excretion
got eliminated in the process of the modern and procreation. As these components are
education. He briefed about various efforts of central to human existence, meditation can boost
NCERT to include some of the moral values this Kosha. Vigyanamayakosha is composed
through various programmes for both children of Vigyan or the intellect, the faculty that
and for parents. Suggested that in order to re- discriminates and determines our will. As the
establish the ancient glory, Indian knowledge mind is wavery always and controlling mind is very
and tradition needs to be reinstated and re- difficult, mental growth in children is essential
established in the school educational system. for keeping mind calm, concentrated, detached
and being positive in thinking. Mediation is the
Prof. Atul Kothari’s talk on “Contemporary tool work for Vigyanamayakosha. The firth of
Indian education and Panchkosha Udharan” was the Anadamaya kosha is the innermost kosha
on the need for Pancha Kosha development in in the proximity of the soul. It is composed of
modern education. He spoke about the current Ananda or the bliss. Atman lies in this Kosha
education system and the need for education and explained how all other koshas contribute
as a means for overall personality development and help in easy development of Anandayamaya
comprising physical and mental growth. He kosha. Prof. Kothari quotes the famous Rigveda

Sloka “Atmano mokshartham Jagat hitaya cha” of pranayamakosha and manomayakosha,

which speak about salvation and ultimate well- children were made to practise pranayama and
being on earth for which vitalizing ananadamaya meditation every day. Some strategies to reduce
kosha is very important. He concluded with the fickle mindedness were through music, devotion,
message “desh ko badalna hay tho shiksha ko service and patience teaching, Omkar chanting
badlo”. for concentration, participation in arts and sports
and for “sharing and caring” through sitting
In the second part of his presentation, Prof. and sharing lunch together, changing seating
Kothari provided some examples of activities arrangements often were adopted. He pointed
for the holistic development of children out how daily practice becomes a habit in the
based on the Pancha kosha concept which children, and they start doing it on their own
are practised in many schools under Shiksha after some time. Positive things lead to good
Sanskriti Utthan Nyas (SSUN) in different parts habits, getting rid of weakness and achieving
of the country. He described how physical goodness and by learning patience students
development can be achieved in school students can have higher thinking skills. Some activities
through physical education classes for about 20 for the development of Vigyanamayakosha are
minutes through activities such as - brisk yoga conducting competitions for essay writing and
and sandhi yoga for 5 minutes, Soorya namaskar debating, lecturing on the birth anniversary
for 3 minutes, standing asanas for 3 minutes and of great men, daily one question in one of
four pranayamas for 5 minutes. Sleep, diet and the periods, writing quotes, leaning mantras,
basic hygiene are also practised among school planning tasks priority, inspiring to study etc.
children. He spoke of some practices in their In order to develop Anandamaya kosha, few
schoolseg: Saraswathi Vidya Mandir, Naraina, strategies are helping in running the class, donate
New Deli - making children drink water, training used books, helping other students in learning,
on first aid, regular medical check-ups, imparting schools adopting one village/slums, working
basic etiquette while sneezing and coughing, in old age homes, planting trees, developing
teaching of cleanliness – personal/classroom the habit of self-introspection. He concluded
/school/ cleanliness, habits of washing daily his speech by saying once these are regularly
bathing, wearing clean clothes, teaching about practised in schools, it aids in holistic personality
environment – through not wasting foods, development and overall well-being in children.
planting trees, use of lights and fans after usage,
no water wastage, not using plastics and many Dr Judu Ilavarasu discussed on the topic “Ancient
others were part of the personality development. Wisdom for Modern Education System:
As a part of teaching about the environment, it Challenges and Solutions”. While mentioning
included forming environment council in schools, about the modern education system he pointed
not using plastic water bottles, gifting books, out the modern education is ignoring trust
and other useful items, installation of rainwater on teachers and missing of moral values. He
systems, keeping food and water for birds were emphasized the need for balancing spiritual and
suggested. Students can develop helping habit by material values. The ancient education system
teaching them about labour by assisting in library has so many merits in terms of life training
wok, voluntary work, developing the habit of and if some of the practices are revived and
doing every task efficiently. For the development assimilated in the modern system would bring

the best results. Dr Judu explained the self- from WHO survey reports) lack of which
determination theory of motivation, the macro poses health risks including mortality. While
theory of human motivation and personality, explaining the difference between physical
the basic concept of which are competence, activity and fitness, she pointed out what WHO
autonomy and relatedness. According to him, recommends for children and adolescents ages
this five-century old theory is still applicable of 5 to 17 to do 60 minutes of moderate to
in the modern-day and described how we can vigorous and intense physical activity every
nourish these three aspects of this theory in our day that can promote health and fitness. Also,
educational setup by giving autonomy, defining no specific forms such as any form like yoga,
the purpose and providing freedom. He defined Tai chi and other traditional forms are being
yoga being a mastery tool to maintain equilibrium prescribed at present and there is a need for
for body and mind control and explained the generating scientific evidence-based solutions
conditions of Avarana and Vikshepa in three for individuals and institutes to decide upon that
states viz., wakeful, dream and the deep sleep. suits them best. In her talk, she described how
According to him, it is very important to the Mahatma Gandhi Mission in Navi Mumbai
understand the three – “Gunas: sattva, rajas and is evaluating scientifically the effects and
tamo” in children, which are well established in benefits of some of the physical activities such
the children in the preconception stage. There as the Yoga, Surya Namaskar, Thoppukarnam,
is a need for intervening parents from the pre- ancient sport forms, specific dance forms,
conception stage as 80% of character formation sitting cross-legged on the floor etc., being
begins during this time. He suggested that tested across various age groups. She pointed
yoga as the best tool which can bridge the gap out that all these forms are to be scientifically
between the ancient and modern value system, proven solutions that can be recommended in
and culture both mind and body. In order to the current complex medico-legal systems. She
have a persistent change in the education system, suggested that the school going children have
Dr Judu suggested incorporating some suitable different levels of flexibility, endurance and
components of yoga especially those with mental abilities which vary at different periods
higher dimensions into the education system. of the schooling that need to be built up through
Such forms are to be included in most passive physical activity. The ancient Indian movement
and consistent ways in order to achieve holistic science such as yoga have been underutilized
development in children. for the early intervention in children. Therefore,
there is a need for structured physical activity in
Dr Rajani Mullerpatan presented on “Enhancing the school curriculum which though exists in
physical activity for overall development in the present curriculum in some form, and are
children using traditional Indian movement practised either partially or fully in many schools.
science”. She started with ancient Indian She opined that these are inadequate and are not
knowledge (AIKS) system, its values and need to carefully and meticulously monitored. Dr Rajani
unravel the system and the need to incorporate suggested for the physical and mental health of
some of them in the health and education children, yoga, meditation and Thoppukarnam
system. Rajani’s talk was more focussed towards to be integrated with physical education, and
the importance of physical activity and fitness for overall development – introducing health
that is declining in the present times (evidenced sanskar through cultural exercises, Indian

movement science forms such as Bharatanatyam delight and education through the depiction of
dance form, squatting, cross leg sitting on literature. He explicated these poetics described
floor etc. can be combined. Incorporating the how heroes whowere symbolized as prototypes
Sanskrit language for understanding of Ancient achieving a particular goal through appropriate
Indian Knowledge Systems, gender equality and actions and also how these characters in drama
introducing ancient food habits such as Ragi and literature had been used to communicate
Porridge were also suggested. the knowledge of life goals, especially to
sukumaramatis — individuals and youth who
Dr Shankar Rajaraman spoke on “Personality are wary of direct exposure to values and who
strengths and their relationship with life are averse to advice. Dr Shankar concluded
goals and well-being and how the traditional with suggesting few implementable strategies
knowledge from the Sanskrit poetics” can be such as exposure to these poetics through
communicated to the youth for their well-being. various means such as providing examples from
He started how our Indian tradition regards life uddata, lalitha udatta and Santa from modern
having a purpose the “Purushartha” - having four literature, drama, movies, televisions etc. making
components artha - aquision of material wealth, the children correlating with hero’s and anti-
kama - enjoyment of material wealth, dharma - hero’s personality to the state of well-being,
ethically guided acquisition of material wealth making youth identify their life experiences and
and moksha -eternal freedom from the world of recording their thoughts.
matter. The first two being natural instincts and
the other two are to be learnt. These goals, being Dr Malavika Kapoor’s presentation was on
dependent on each other follow a hierarchy from “Lessons from Indian Indigenous health
artha to moksha and described how it progresses systems for the Developmental Psychology
both horizontally and vertically. He explained of childhood”. She spoke about the objectives
that life is well lived when a person progress of the contemporary development psychology
in the vertical direction and ultimately attains for the promotion of holistic development
moksha. Our tradition assures vertical progress of children that includes physical, cognitive,
of every individual at some point in their lives. language, emotional, social, moral and sexual
Dr Shankar described how metaphysical basis developments. Her talk covered important
for these goals are detailed in Sankhya Darshana aspects of child development especially brain
that regards universe consisting of two realities and mind and the emotional difficulties of
purusha - the consciousness and prakriti - the children and how screen time affects the child’s
matter and how intellect is very important in development. She mentioned how old theories
aiding bondage leading to the realization of of Darwin, Freud and others viewed child
consciousness. He also explained what APA development that is presently not much relevant
defines well-being as the state of happiness and the necessity for changing approach to the
and contentment with low levels of distress modern children. Dr Malavika mentioned that
and overall physical and mental health and children are born as scientists with their innate
absolute well-being as attaining eternal freedom ability to learn from their growing environment
from displeasure that helps to liberate the soul. through various means such as mimicry,
Sanskrit poetics have a greater role in achieving modelling, simple instructions and how values
these life goals as their objectives are aesthetic inculcate in them starting from age two. She

detailed various developmental stages of the child etc. and cited examples on how each one of these
especially brain and mind development and how provides interconnectedness to self and others
indigenous health system such as the Ayurveda, and induces “Seva Bhavam” in individuals.
Unani, Siddha and Tibetan approaches childcare. Spiritual development helps to understand
She spoke about triguna- rajo, tamo and sattvic the value of honesty, sincerity and many good
and tridosha – vata, pitha and kapha and the need qualities which can raise divine consciousness
for identifying these in each of the children to leading to happiness and unconditional love. He
suggest strategies to promote sattvic guna. She rightly pointed out that for overall development,
also mentioned that it is important to consider knowledge of spiritual laws is essential and
the individual difference in the children for any how spirituality can be habituated in children
intervention and the need for holistic approach which becomes automatic action in them. Dr
through diet, play arts, crafts and the inclusion of Induchoodan cited examples from his experience
formal and informal games and yoga, meditation, and described how their organisation, the Shiksha
relaxation techniques. Limiting screen usage, Sanskriti Utthan Nyas impart value education in
replacing with real-time activities could also be schools through simple thoughts and deeds on
sought. building the honesty, sincerity, sharing and caring,
donating etc. so that children develop these good
Dr N. C Induchoodan spoke about spirituality habits and experience spiritual well-being. He
and the holistic development of children. concluded his talk by giving few suggestions such
He started his talk with Shri. Vivekananda’s as making the children do some charity through
famous quote on education as a manifestation donation of books, small contribution to “Seva
of perfection that exists in man and briefed of Nidhi”, planting trees for benefit of man-kind,
importance of Pancha Koshas. For “Vyakthithva sharing food with others and few more among
Vikas”, all the five koshas are not being attended school children which will not only help in their
through proper interventions starting from spiritual well-being but also for contributing
childhood. Dr Induchoodan stressed the to “Lokasamasthasukinobhavantu”- May all in the
importance of intervening the Ananadamaya World live in happiness.
kosha, which is connected to the spirituality of
any person. Spirituality is seen as a connection Dr Sripad Ghaligi’s presentation dealt with
of a person to self, others, and the community yoga for the holistic development of student’s
and development of anandamaya kosha leads personality and well-being. He spoke about the
to total happiness.He described spirituality as issues in the current education system which
a culture aimed at “health, wealth and welfare” focus towards objected-oriented knowledge
of man and one involving beliefs and values to acquirement and is accentuating only some of the
provide a meaning to life. The existence of the aspects of the personality of students omitting
universe is based on physical and spiritual laws holistic personality development. Yoga from the
and the present education system overlooks ancient system is intended for the well-being and
spiritual laws. Therefore, it is important to currently being practiced in many schools but
involve spiritual laws in school children from not in the right way in the sense it was meant for.
the very young age onwards. Dr Induchoodan Dr Sripad mentioned that there are several yoga
also described spiritual laws consisting of divine sutra concepts available in Vedas, Bhagavat Gita
oneness, vibration, attraction, karma, relationship and other Sastras which talks about yoga asanas

and postures in detail for the holistic personality Prof. Darshan Shankar gave an overview of the
development. These principles of yoga can Indian Knowledge systems and its contemporary
provide preventive, restorative and nurturing relevance. He described contemporary education
guidelines. The requirement of activities vary as an aftermath of dominant imposition of
from person to person and therefore while western cultural and intellectual tradition from
adopting any practice, other factors such as colonial times. AIKS are relevant even today
hereditytraits, environment, parenting etc. need and need to think about changing the education
to be considered. The yoga sutras are to be system. Prevalence of dominant mono-culture
understood properly based on the situations orientation in Indian education is skewed and has
and contexts while adopting them for achieving resulted in euro-centric categories of knowledge,
desired results. Dr Sripad spoke about different epistemologies and ontologies in all domains of
ways of conveying the message, which are knowledge. He pointed out that the modern
defined in samhitas, He detailed the three education system is based on a reduced view
samhitas - viz., prabhu samhita, suhruth samhita of nature and limited to the world of reality as
and kanta samhita - how the instructions are amendable to six instruments – five sense organs
provided in different enjoyable ways so that it is and the state of mind. Prof Darshan also spoke
not felt as instructions. Prabhu samhita, is like about the modern health system having western
a king ordering to do’s and don’ts and similar to medicine base whereas ancient Ayurveda though
vedas and shastras., Suhrut samhita instructed by superior in many ways has less adaptability (3%)
a friend in form of stories and kaanta samhita even today. Ayurvedic medicines and practices
which is likened to a wife instructing husband lack evidence with stipulated standard preventing
softly, such as the poetry and literature. He expandability and adoptability in other countries.
also highlighted the benefits of introducing He pointed out the need for generating pieces
the concepts of Karma yoga form Bhagavat of evidence for our ancient practices to increase
Gita which is yoga based on action and that acceptability. Ancient Indian Knowledge
talks about the need for every human being to Systems having great contemporary relevance in
engage some sort of activity. He also described many domains such as agriculture, technology,
the need for interpreting the himsa and ahimsa health care and even education, Prof Darshan
based on the context and about yamas (for right suggested some of the good practices be
living) and niyama (ethical rules) that are to be introduced in schooling and at the college level
followed by every individual. He mentioned that through policy-level interventions.
consciousness as the core of personality to have
cognition. Dr Sripad also highlighted the need Dr Sai Susarla talked about “Holistic Child
to understand the dominant guna of each child Development and Education: A Golden
to be considered while introducing interventions. Opportunity for Renaissance based on Indic
He concluded his presentation by highlighting Wisdom and Modern Technology”. He briefed
the role of parents and teachersin imparting the happenings in current education, perception
ethics and values to children and communicating of society and expectations of children, parents,
them with appropriate examples from Vedas, the teachers, society etc. which is undergoing huge
epics Ramayana and Mahabharata etc., for their transformations. He talked about information
overall personality development. explosion at a fast pace because of internet and

social media and the helplessness of teachers vinyasa, and training workshop for the parents
who are finding hard to finish syllabus on time to learn their children better.
and about budding internet universities in the
U.S. offering a short course for students to Vasudevan Namboothiri’s presentation was on
choose from. The expectations from the society “Vyakthithva Vikasa” concept and how Indian
are far-reaching, ways of achievement, how philosophy describes “Aham Brahma Asmi” –
children rule everything in house, increasing meaning I am Brahman – the God as everyone
concept of homeschooling, school and college having God in them. He explicated child as a
becoming socialization points, the dominance “Vyakthi” having a concrete picture equal to
of artificial intelligence are some of the issues God - Brahman and is the invocation is the
in the modern education system. He also spoke essence of Indian education. He referred to
about changing employer perceptions who “Taittiriya Upanishad” which speaks about the
look for characteristics such as self-reliability, Pancha Koshas – Annamaya kosha, Pranamya
productivity, communicative, empathetic, etc., kosha, Manomaya Kosha, Vigyanamaya kosha
as required qualities for job selection. Society and the Anandamaya kosha and ways and
understands and accepts value-based education means to achieve “Brahman”. These koshas
as the need to the hour but is left with no idea are roadmaps for physical, psychological and
on how to achieve it. Dr Susala described various spiritual development. Any ‘Vyakthi” (person)
efforts of MIT Pune where they are engaged in can gain, the status through development of
imparting value education by communicating Koshas which has to start from schooling.
the importance of discovering oneself, defining
success in terms of social impacts, ethics greater He explained how yogic exercises, meditation,
than materialistic gains, shifting focus from relaxation and few postures, work for the
self-orientation to self-congregation through betterment of each of these koshas. Mr
directives, self-worth analysis, exposing children Vasudevan spoke about the usefulness of sitting
to people who do great work in the society in the right posture, the right way of meditation,
etc. Sai Susurla explained various approaches relaxation, breathing etc. for physical and mental
through which people can be made efficient, like, development and wrong methods resulting in
useful learning, increasing ability to comprehend, problems. Mind and body being interconnected,
retain, observe and infer things, knowledge various interventions are to be made to control
acquirement on their own, hierarchical teaching the body to maintain physical health. It is
such as seniors teaching juniors, introducing important to control the mind through proper
life skills etc. Values were imparted to them breathing techniques. He pointed out the need
through outcome-oriented ways. Dr Sai Susurla for introducing some important yoga, meditation
suggested introducing few values and practices and pranayama techniques in school children
of Ancient Indian Knowledge Systems such as which they can practice daily during assembly
doing pooja which can develop an emotional time. He also suggested music learning as a means
connect, ayurvedic approach of physical health to control the mind for school children. He also
through mom’s kitchen, Bharathiya kathas pointed that any child should be “Veeryavaan”
without teaching morals, Soorya namaskar – should be able to absorb what is taught in
and pranayama, logical studies such as Nyaya - one-hearing itself which can be achieved only

through observance of “Brahmacharya” — that the yoga, meditation and spiritual values be
a form of self-restraint as per Patanjali yoga integrated into educational institutions as a part
sutra. According to Patanjali, yoga is the way of curriculum leaving aside esoteric and religious
for “chitta, vritti, niroda” - that silences the and misleading spiritual concepts.
disturbance of the mind. Mr Vasudevan also
explained the first line of the Atma Shatakam, Dr Rukmini in her talk gave an idea about ancient
the famous Adi Sankara quote on self-realization Indian knowledge-based value education for
– “Mano Buddhi Ahamkara chitta Ninham”and school children. While talking about the flaws
the need for the development of Anandamaya in modern education, she mentioned that the
kosam intended for eternal bliss. education system does not consider the holistic
development of children. She spoke about
Prof Krishna Mohan’s presentation was on the how the teachers are imparting information to
relevance of ancient Indian knowledge tradition children empowering them with employability
for mental health and well-being of children. focus failing to cultivate the inquiring mind.
He spoke about the current education system in Current day children undergo many problems at
which the transition from childhood to adulthood an emotional level. She highlighted the need for
involves complex physical, psychological, thought, and action and emotions to be integrated
emotional and social developmental changes, to achieve harmony. Dr Rukmini discussed the
all taking place at the same time. School going limitations of science and its development failing
age is critical for developing holistic - physical, to consider holistic developments and how
psychological and emotional well-being as modern science has isolated and eliminated many
well as positive personality. He spoke about important practices as there were not verified/
the relevance of yoga and meditation and the measured through physical instrumentation.
need for spiritual values in children. Most of Such systems failed to discover the underlying
these practices are elaborated in Sastras, yoga reality and process of creation that governs all
systems, Hindu religion - spiritual tradition has phenomena in nature. She tinted the repository
been rooted in our ancient education system. of knowledge which were penned down our
As cited through “Chitta Vrithi Nirodha” Rishis and has reached to us through scriptures,
yoga promotes unison of body and mind and Upanishads, Vedas and Epics. It is essential to
envisages wellness of human beings for physical, introduce value-based teaching that inculcates
mental and spiritual well-being. In children, yoga moral, ethical, spiritual and human values in
practices improve balance, endurance, flexibility children. She suggested that such literature need
and strength and meditation helps in increasing to be introduced in the school curriculum along
concentration power, relieves stress and anxiety with skills and knowledge, it will not only help
and strengthens theimmune system. Though in imbibing these values but also aid in holistic
research studies have shown positive benefits development as an individual. She gave some
of these practices, many lack scientific evidence suggestions such as replacing English rhymes
due to the factors such as testing methodologies, introduce patriotic songs and bhajans and slokas,
sample size and control methods, lack of ancient stories to be made available in social
comparative studies, subjective and culture media, inculcating moral and ethical values in the
bias, replications and generalizations and few middle schools through various other methods,
others. As for recommendations, he suggested language being connected to other subjects,

including knowledge about Indian IKT through procedures and immunomodulatory recipes,
geography lessons, recitation competitions, vyadhibala virodha – antagonistic to be strong
summer schools on IKT, inclusion of mother and virulence of the disease, Vydadhutpada
tongue and vernacular language in education Pratibandhakatwa - capacity to inhibit and bind
scenario, teaching about spiritual leaders, causes and factors of diseases in each stage of
moral science books included with traditional child development and what interventions are
values. Dr Rukmini gave some replacements of required at each stage. He described various
teaching numerals following a spiritual approach interventions for anti-natal and after childbirth
and suggested that such practices go well with stages for ideal growth, immunity building and
physical and mental development without being disease prevention. For a healthy body, Ayurveda
seen in isolation. specifies wholesome diet to children with five
important rasas - madhura, sour, salt, bitter,
Dr G.G. Gangadharan presentation wason the pungent and Kashaya with the importance of
holistic approach of Ayurveda on children’s each in this order. Details on how much food
health based on the life cycle of children. He to be given and the timings were also provided.
spoke about the concepts of Ayurveda, the He also emphasised the need for following
eugenics on child care as a process initiating specific dinacharya, rathricharya and sattwik
from the preconception stage - preparing dharma for healthy body, mind. Introducing
the mother and father from the planning of compassion is very much necessary from early
pregnancy onwards for a healthy progeny. While childhood for mental and spiritual development.
introducing the concept of “nature versus Since the needs of children are different some
nurture”, he explained the developments in the rasayanas based on their body composition are
field of epigenetics and the ability to change to be prescribed to them to aid their growth and
individual phenotype, though influences such as development. He also emphasised the need for
nutrition, toxin exposure, parental behaviour etc. “brahmacharya” - the self-control and few codes
The genetic characteristics are the culmination of conduct to be followed by children. Such code
of ethnicity, family aspects, geo-climatic of conduct can be reinforced in children by the
conditions, age and diet and lifestyles. He cited family members, teachers, peers and mentors.
that the ancient Ayurveda principles describe the He concluded by saying when a person follows
influence of diet, lifestyle and therapy on healthy ayurvedic principles at moderate levels, it can
offspring. According to Ayurveda, an ideal lead to longevity.
offspring is the appropriateness of maternal,
paternal, spiritual, nutritional and psychological In her talk, Dr Jayasree Vaidyanathan described
factors. He detailed the three Gunas dominating the history of education in India beginning
at each stage of the human body, kapha guna from the ancient system, emphasizing the
dominating in early life, pitta guna in mid-life shifts and changes in contemporary times. She
and vata guna in later part of life. He explained described how the education system changed
the ageing process and control/prevention from the concept of “Sa Vidya Ya Vimukyate
through ayurvedic interventions in each of the — education for liberation” to the present-day
decades of human life. Dr Gangadharan talked education system that focuses on scholastic
about various samskaras like Garbhadharana growth. Her talk aimed at understanding the
(conception procedure), prakara yoga – changes in the education system to identify how

and when the transition has taken place and to is to identify, discern and absorb. And how the
see how the current system has been evolved ancient wisdom took care of physical, mental,
over a period. The important landmarks in the social and emotional spiritual well-being. He
history of education in India were presented spoke about the need for highly motivated
starting from Vedic times, epic and Buddhist, and skilled manpower as essential to make our
the Islamic, the colonial periods to the current country achieve progress in all domains. Prof Sai
system. Various aspects of education such Baba described holistic approach consisting of
as aim, type, language, methods, contents, learning, building skillsets, appreciation of ethics,
number of years of schooling, relationships, sensitivity to the stakeholders as well as wealth
life situations etc. were compared across these generation and the need for all stakeholder to be
time scales. There was a gradual change in the made aware of these challenges. He spoke about
focus of education from the Vedic period till the the scientific inquiry for obtaining knowledge, to
Buddhist period. There was an abrupt shift in gain a better understanding and for explanations
the focus of education from the Islamic period to be more useful. Research and development
whose focus was more towards the promotion being a continuous process, all knowledge is for
of Islamic religion. During the Islamic period, enhancement of quality of life and is aimed at
many Hindu centres of learning like Taxila and developing new knowledge, apply and connect
Nalanda faced a huge setback. In the aftermath to the society. Convincing others about our
of the medieval period, the formal schooling ancient Indian knowledge systems and reaching
system was initiated by the East India company out to society are the biggest challenges. He
through missionaries. Evolution of modern highlighted the role of parents in nurturing the
education post-independence was also briefed. child as primary lessons are learnt from parents
The presentation concluded by highlighting the and present-day parental expectation from
importance of reviving some of the relevant teachers to nurture their children at school. It
systems inherent in ancient knowledge that is very important to understand and recognise
needs to be blended with modern education for the interplay of teacher and parent in the child’s
overall well-being of children - physical, mental development. He also cited that the ancient
and spiritual. Indian system and spirituality need to be imbibed
from a very young age itself. There is a need to
Prof. Sai Baba presented the challenges of reinvent out the ancient Indian system, to be
communicating our ancient value systems. made simple and integrate into our education
He started with famous quotes of Swami system. These systems were emphasizing about
Vivekananda, Dr Radhakrishnan and Sri the holistic development of self as well as others
Buddha on education, knowledge and thoughts which is the challenge.
respectively and highlighted what the current
generation is missing in their studies. The Suggestions on implementable strategies by the
personality trait of children is a complex participants are listed below:
interplay among various factors but synergistic
interactions from all fronts making the person Judu Ilavarasu suggested that S-Vyasa University
motivated and successful. He mentioned that in has already developed many modules on Yoga
today’s competitive world as life is dependent practices for the personality development of
on information and knowledge the challenge children. The university can share these modules

with NIAS. Another suggestion is, incorporate Prof Atul Kothari would provide details
ayurvedic practices in daily life on the model of various strategies for Pancha Kosha
of “food through mom’s kitchen” and “AIKS development they have implemented through
Olympiad” for school children. their organisation and would help to implement
in schools
Sripad Ghaligi discussed Amritha Viswa Vidya
Peetha literature on Yoga sutras and ancient N C Induchoodan extended all help to implement
knowledge which would be shared with NIAS the practices of value-based education and
and willingness to extend all possible help in this imparting spirituality through their schools and
direction. offered to share the details of practices for both
students and training of teachers which Shiksha
Major Harsh Kumar cited about the modus Sanskriti Utthan Nyas carried out in various
operandi of NCERT working on the inclusion schools across the country.
of ancient Indian knowledge system in the
curriculum. He also offered to help in the Vinod A suggested exhibition of ancient
implementation of strategies through NCERT Indian practices and discussion of the same,
publications. implementation through teachers.
Rukmini would contribute to the implementation Jayasree suggested outreach activities through
of values and ethics education social media by NIAS communication team
Malavika Kapur suggested the creation of a Krishna Mohan suggested simple activities from
repository of knowledge base and identify few ancient system to be included. The link between
practices for implementation in schools. Also, the researcher and the implementors are to be
preparation of small handouts/manuals/ both strengthened.
in English and local language for dissemination.

Recommendations
To initiate a detailed study on Ancient Indian 3. Develop strategies for implementation with
Knowledge system for the holistic development piloting in selected schools
and well-being of school children through
4. Evaluate communication approaches to
1. Creation of a repository of ancient practices advance the study in other geographic
focusing on holistic development in terms of locations
physical, mental and well being
5. Recommend policy level strategies to be
2. Identify implementable strategies for the incorporated in the school curriculum for
well-being of school children wider outreach and dissemination.
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to our Director, Prof. Shailesh Delhi and Dr. Sanjay Mishra and Dr. Vandana
Nayak and Prof. V. S. Ramamurthy, for guiding Singh are acknowledged with thanks. Speacial
us and proving all support to conduct the thanks goes to NIAS administration and staff
meeting successfully. Financial support from as well as all participants of the programme for
Department of Science and Technology, New making this discussion meeting a grand success.

Document Control Sheet
1 Document No and Year : NIAS/NSE/ SCO /U/CR/ 11 /2020
2 Title : Communicating Ancient Indian Knowledge system for the

Holistic Development of school students
for their physical, mental and spiritual well being
3 Type of Document : Conference Report
4 No. of Pages and Figures : 34 pages
5 No. of References : Nil
6 Authors : Jayasree Vaidyanathan and M Sai Baba
7 Originating School : Natural Sciences and Engineering
8 Programme : Nil
9 Collaboration : Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth, Ernakulam
10 Sponsoring Agency : Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi
11 Abstract:
Education plays an important role in shaping students into good human beings. The modern
system of education, which concentrates more on imparting professional skills and developing
intellectual knowledge, ignores the holistic development. Imparting holistic education has become
a challenge in modern times. The importance of psychological well-being, emotional health, of
the students for the social-physical-cognitive-development, is well recognized. Various forms of
ancient practices such as yoga, meditation, spiritual healing exist in our ancient knowledge system
and encompass not only the development of “Anamaya Kosam” (constituting the physical body)
but also for the mind, intellect, vitality and spirituality. All these together with balanced food
and lifestyle as described in Ayurveda helps to nurture the body, mind, vital force and intellect
of school children. A physically, mentally and spiritually advanced child will have enhanced self-
esteem, confidence and respect through which the child would be able to deal with the challenges
that are posed by modern-day life. This two day meeting discussed various aspects of Holistic
development fo Children with an aim for their physical, mental and spiritual well-being”.
12 Keywords : Holistic development, children, yoga, meditation, spirituality
13 Security Classification : Unclassified
14 ISBN : Nil
Conference Gallery
The National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) was conceived and established
in 1988 by the vision and initiative of the late Mr. J.R.D. Tata primarily to nurture
a broad base of scholars, managers and leaders to address complex and important
challenges faced by society through interdisciplinary approaches. The Institute also
engages in advanced multidisciplinary research in the areas of humanities, social
sciences, natural sciences and engineering, as well as conflict and security studies.
Natural Sciences and Engineering

Bengaluru, India

Ancient Indian Knowledge System For Holistic Development of School Students

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Ancient Indian Knowledge System For Holistic Development of School Students

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

V.

National Institute of Advanced Studies

Ancient Indian knowledge System for the

7- 8 May 2019, NIAS, Bengaluru

National Institute of Advanced Studies

NIAS Report: NIAS/NSE/SCO/U/CR/11/2020

Typeset & Printed by

Participating Organisations ........................................................................................ 3

Conference Summary ............................................................................................... 21

2 National Institute of Advanced Studies

1. National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru

National Institute of Advanced Studies 3

National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru

7th May 2019

Time Topic Speaker

4 National Institute of Advanced Studies

Technical Discusssion Meeting

Communicating Ancient Indian knowledge system for the holistic development of

National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru

8th May 2019

Time Topic Speaker

National Institute of Advanced Studies 5

Prof. Atu Kothari Sri. K. Vasudevan

Major Harsh Kumar Dr. Sripad Ghaligi

Dr. N.C. Induchoodan Dr. Sai Ramakrishna

6 National Institute of Advanced Studies

Dr. Rajani Mullerpatan Dr. G.G. Gangadharan Nair

Prof. K. Krishna Mohan Dr. Judu Ilavarasu

Dr. S. Rukmini Prof Darshan Shankar

Dr. Sanjay K Mishra Prof. Malavika Kapur

National Institute of Advanced Studies 7

Dr. Shankar Rajaraman Prof. Sisir Roy

Dr. Jayasree Vaidyanathan Ms. Devika

Prof. M. Sai Baba Ms. Sneha Yadla

Mr. A. Vinod Dr. Moumitha Koley

8 National Institute of Advanced Studies

Contemporary Indian Education and The Essence of Integral Education:

National Institute of Advanced Studies 9

10 National Institute of Advanced Studies

assessed using questionnaires. However, only Personality Strengths and their

National Institute of Advanced Studies 11

Dr Shankar Rajaraman is an allopathic doctor with performance in the examinations. It totally

12 National Institute of Advanced Studies

National Institute of Advanced Studies 13

Holistic Child Development and

14 National Institute of Advanced Studies

Second, Information, Communication “Vyakthithwa Vikasa”-

National Institute of Advanced Studies 15

The Ancient Indian

16 National Institute of Advanced Studies

National Institute of Advanced Studies 17

18 National Institute of Advanced Studies

Communicating Ancient Indian Present work includes obtaining effective and

Prof. M. Sai Baba, Outstanding Scientist and formerly

National Institute of Advanced Studies 19

Ms Sneha did her Master’s in Plant Biology and Dr Moumitha Koley

20 National Institute of Advanced Studies

National Institute of Advanced Studies 21

22 National Institute of Advanced Studies

Sloka “Atmano mokshartham Jagat hitaya cha” of pranayamakosha and manomayakosha,

National Institute of Advanced Studies 23

24 National Institute of Advanced Studies

National Institute of Advanced Studies 25