Indian Knowledge System Center IP University marks a significant step toward reviving India’s rich educational and philosophical heritage.
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), Delhi, has announced the establishment of this new center dedicated to the Indian Knowledge System (IKS). Officially named the In-Situ Centre for Indian Knowledge System and Technology Innovation (CIKTSI), the center will be set up on the university’s Dwarka campus.
The initiative is deeply rooted in India’s age-old guru-shishya parampara, a traditional model of learning where knowledge is passed on through close, one-on-one mentorship between teacher and student. This method, emphasizing hands-on learning, personal growth, and moral development, will serve as the foundation for the center’s educational approach.
Blending Tradition with Modernity
According to GGSIPU Vice Chancellor Prof. Mahesh Verma, the idea behind CIKTSI is to create a space where ancient Indian wisdom can be meaningfully integrated with contemporary academic and scientific research. “This initiative reflects the core of the guru-shishya tradition, which has always focused on character development, experiential learning, and deep mentorship,” he explained. “At the same time, it acknowledges the importance of innovation, research, and relevance in today’s global education landscape.”
By bridging the gap between traditional Indian education and modern pedagogical methods, CIKTSI aims to make age-old practices and philosophies more accessible and applicable in a 21st-century context.
A Vision Rooted in NEP 2020
The idea of establishing such a center is aligned closely with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes the integration of India’s intellectual and cultural traditions into mainstream education. Prof. Saroj Sharma, Dean of the University School of Education and the initial head of the center, pointed out that the NEP has been a major inspiration behind the center’s formation.
“NEP 2020 highlights the value of India’s knowledge heritage and encourages institutions to innovate through interdisciplinary collaboration,” said Prof. Sharma. “CIKTSI will serve as a hub for innovation grounded in India’s rich intellectual traditions, while also fostering academic and research collaboration across various disciplines.”
Initially, the center will be operated on a self-financed basis by the University School of Education. It will also be supported by a multidisciplinary working group made up of representatives from different schools within the university. This committee will guide the center’s development, ensuring that its programs are inclusive, diverse, and forward-thinking.
Activities and Areas of Focus
CIKTSI is envisioned as more than just an academic unit—it will be a dynamic ecosystem for research, innovation, and cultural preservation. The center will engage in a wide range of activities, such as:
- Designing and delivering academic curricula that integrate Indian Knowledge Systems
- Launching new interdisciplinary courses rooted in Indian traditions
- Encouraging research that bridges traditional knowledge and modern science
- Developing skills and capacity for students and educators
- Supporting entrepreneurship and industry partnerships
- Promoting digital preservation of ancient texts and practices
- Organizing community outreach programs
- Facilitating international academic collaborations
This wide scope is intended to make the center a model for how India’s intellectual legacy can support the needs and aspirations of today’s learners and scholars.
A Step Toward Cultural Renaissance
One of the most compelling aspects of CIKTSI is its broader mission—to reconnect India’s younger generations with their cultural roots. In doing so, it hopes to contribute to a wider cultural resurgence, while also advancing sustainable development and strengthening the country’s national identity.
“By connecting ancient knowledge with contemporary application, CIKTSI will contribute not just to academic innovation, but also to the larger project of cultural rebirth,” the university said in a statement.
As India looks toward a future shaped by global collaboration and digital transformation, initiatives like CIKTSI ensure that its past continues to inform and inspire the journey forward. The center stands as a testament to the belief that true education involves not only learning new things but also rediscovering and reinterpreting timeless wisdom.
Also Read: IIT BHU Placements Soar: Highest Package Hits Rs 2.20 Crore in 2024–25
Also Read: Israel-Iran conflict LIVE: Trump urges Tehran evacuation as conflict enters fifth day