Fusion of traditional knowledge system with tech key to India’s global leadership: VC Bansal
Prof Sat Prakash Bansal, Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Himachal Pradesh, on Friday emphasised the need to redefine higher education in India and called for an effective integration of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) with modern technology to position the country as a global knowledge superpower.
He addressed a key session at the 100th Annual Conference of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) held in Pune on April 29 and 30.
Prof Bansal said, “India’s traditional knowledge heritage holds immense contemporary relevance and must be aligned with emerging technological tools. The IKS is not merely of historical value but has practical applications across disciplines such as science, healthcare, environment and social sciences.”
He added that the integration of traditional wisdom with technologies like artificial intelligence, data analytics and digital learning platforms could significantly enhance academic quality and promote innovation-driven education. According to him, such a blended approach would help create a more holistic and future-ready higher education system.
Prof Bansal said that the university had initiated the publication of academic resources on the IKS, developed specialised curricula and signed national and international agreements to strengthen research collaboration and academic exchange.
Prof Bansal described the National Education Policy-2020 as a transformative framework that encouraged the integration of traditional knowledge into mainstream education. He urged universities to design undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that balance ancient wisdom with modern science, fostering critical thinking, innovation and cultural awareness among students.
He concluded that a meaningful synergy between India’s rich knowledge traditions and contemporary technological advancements could drive a transformative shift in education and firmly establish India as a leader in the global knowledge economy.
The session featured prominent speakers such as Atul Kothari of Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, Shashi Kala Wanjari, Shrinivas Varakhedi and Kumar Molugaram, who collectively underlined the importance of scientifically integrating traditional knowledge with modern education and research practices.
