IP University Launches Centre to Revive India’s Ancient Wisdom and Learning Traditions

In a heartfelt step toward reconnecting education with India’s timeless roots, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) in Delhi has announced the launch of a unique initiative — the In-Situ Centre for Indian Knowledge System and Technology Innovation (CIKTSI). More than just another academic unit, this centre is a revival of India’s ancient tradition of holistic and experiential learning — the revered guru-shishya parampara.

Set to be housed at the University’s Dwarka campus, the centre aims to become a vibrant space for rediscovering, preserving, and innovating upon India’s traditional systems of knowledge, while blending them seamlessly with modern-day education and research.

Inspired by a Sacred Bond: The Guru-Shishya Parampara

The soul of this initiative lies in the deep, spiritual relationship between teacher and student — known in Indian culture as the guru-shishya parampara. This ancient model isn’t about classrooms and exams alone; it’s about mentorship, personal growth, values, and lifelong learning.

“This is not just an academic development, it’s a cultural one,” said GGSIPU Vice Chancellor Prof. Mahesh Verma. “CIKTSI is our attempt to marry India’s age-old wisdom with the demands and dynamism of modern education. We are bringing back the essence of the guru-shishya bond — a model of character formation, experiential knowledge, and holistic development.”

From Vision to Action

Initially, the centre will be run in a self-financed mode from the University School of Education and led by its Dean, Professor Saroj Sharma, who has been a driving force behind the project.

Prof. Sharma believes the idea is deeply in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates the inclusion of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) into mainstream learning.

“The centre isn’t just about teaching ancient texts,” she explained. “It’s about innovation, collaboration across disciplines, and unlocking the potential of our indigenous wisdom to solve today’s problems — from sustainable living to emotional well-being and ethical leadership.”

What Will the Centre Do?

The CIKTSI is designed to be a living, breathing institution — not a museum of the past, but a bridge to the future. Some of the key activities the centre will focus on include:

• Developing new academic courses and curricula based on Indian knowledge systems

• Promoting interdisciplinary research that brings together tradition and technology

• Skill and capacity building through hands-on learning rooted in Indian contexts

• Supporting entrepreneurship inspired by traditional practices like Ayurveda, organic farming, handicrafts, and more

• Creating digital archives to preserve ancient manuscripts, art, and cultural practices

• Partnering with industries and communities to make traditional knowledge practically applicable

• Building global collaborations to take Indian ideas and systems to the world

A Multidisciplinary Effort

The centre won’t operate in isolation. A multidisciplinary committee will be formed with members from various academic departments of the university to guide and oversee the development of the centre. This collaborative approach is intended to ensure that Indian Knowledge Systems are not just studied — but lived, applied, and expanded upon.

Reclaiming Our Roots, Redefining the Future

CIKTSI hopes to play a role far greater than simply introducing new courses. It aspires to spark a cultural revival that helps young Indians reconnect with their heritage — not as a nostalgic memory, but as a living force of identity, resilience, and progress.

“This is about giving our students a strong foundation, not just professionally, but personally and spiritually as well,” said Prof. Sharma. “Our ancient knowledge systems teach us how to live — how to be ethical, grounded, compassionate human beings. That’s the education we want to offer.”

In a world often caught up in speed, screens, and superficial success, the centre promises something deeper — a return to meaning, purpose, and wisdom rooted in centuries of tradition.

Looking Ahead

Though currently self-financed, the university hopes the centre will eventually receive national recognition and support, with potential collaborations across India and the globe. With time, GGSIPU envisions the centre growing into a model institution — not just for rediscovering India’s knowledge systems, but for applying them creatively to build a better, more sustainable and culturally rooted future.

The launch of CIKTSI marks more than a milestone for IP University — it’s a soulful step towards healing the disconnect between education and values, between heritage and modernity.

As the ancient saying goes, “Vidya dadati vinayam” — true knowledge brings humility. With this initiative, IP University is bringing back that spirit to the heart of learning.