Prayagraj: Emphasising the need to blend traditional knowledge with modern education, experts at a two-day national meet of IIIT directors called for integrating Bharatiya scientific traditions into higher education curricula. The event began on Saturday at the Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad (IIIT-A).Addressing the inaugural session, Atul Kothari, secretary of Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, highlighted the importance of incorporating indigenous knowledge systems alongside contemporary scientific approaches. He advocated for interdisciplinary curricula that combine ancient texts with modern research, suggesting the inclusion of subjects like Ayurveda, yoga and astronomy to enrich academic depth and relevance. Kothari underlined that the Bharatiya scientific perspective promotes holistic learning, critical thinking and harmony between nature and human life. He also shared practical strategies and case studies for institutions to adopt such integrated frameworks.Welcoming participants, director IIIT-A, Mukul Sharad Sutaone said the symposium aims to integrate Bharatiya Knowledge Treasure (BKT) across disciplines including science, engineering, management and humanities. Directors from several IIITs and institutions such as Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad attended the meet.Guest of Honour B S Murthy noted that academic programmes focused on Indian heritage are already being implemented successfully in some institutions. Experts from IITs and universities also presented talks on topics like computational linguistics, Panini’s grammar and ancient Indian mathematics, highlighting their relevance in modern research.A panel discussion among IIIT directors reviewed the current status of such knowledge systems in curricula and explored future pathways. The meet will conclude on April 26 with the adoption of key resolutions aimed at strengthening culturally rooted and scientifically robust education frameworks.
