Lucknow: Himachal Pradesh governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Thursday highlighted the historical depth, contemporary relevance, and interdisciplinary potential of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) in higher education.Speaking at a seminar organised by the history department of National PG College, he said, “India’s early advances in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, governance, and political economy significantly contributed to global knowledge. Scholars such as Aryabhata, Charaka, and Sushruta documented these contributions, and travellers like Fa-Hien and Hiuen Tsang acknowledged India as a major centre of learning, countering colonial-era stereotypes.” He emphasized that Indian Knowledge Systems promotes equality, ethical responsibility, and holistic education. “Indian knowledge traditions, combining external and inner knowledge, should guide teaching, research methodologies, and institutional values,” he said. Shukla also stressed the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern education. Highlighting the Gurukul system under Rishi Vashishtha, he said, “Students were treated equally regardless of background, and discrimination had no place. This principle remains vital for contemporary education.” Shukla said, “Colonial narratives stereotyped India, ignoring its legacy as a global centre for learning.” “The Varna system was originally based on guna and karma, not birth, highlighting India’s long-standing principles of fairness and inclusivity,” he added. The seminar concluded with interactive paper presentations by students and faculty, reaffirming the importance of including Indian Knowledge System in modern curricula and pedagogy.
