DIALOGIC PROCESS AND ABILITY TO QUESTION IS THE ESSENCE OF ANCIENT INDIAN KNOWLEDGE TRADITIONS: DR. KARAN SINGH
VARANASI : Renowned scholar and former Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University, Padma Vibhushan Dr. Karan Singh has said that the ancient Indian treasure of knowledge offers the guiding light for the welfare of humanity. Addressing the inaugural function of the silver jubilee celebrations of Malaviya Centre for Peace Research, BHU, at K N Udupa Auditorium on Friday, he discussed in detail the four pillars of learning. These four pillars have been stated in the report of the International Commission on Education for the 21st century. Dr. Karan Singh was also a member of the commission. The report to UNESCO titled “Learning: The Treasure Within” proposes a holistic approach for education for the greater good of the human race.
Dr. Karan Singh said that these four pillars include “learning to know”, “learning to do”, “learning to live together” and “learning to be”. He questioned the common perception that learning comes to an end after completing university education. “In fact it is when actual learning starts. One keeps learning and one has to retain the capacity to learn”, he underlined. Learning to know is what we know as Jnana Yoga. He said the ability to know and question forms the basis of this pillar of learning. “We have had a centuries’ old tradition of asking questions and holding dialogue to enrich our knowledge. This is what our scriptures are based on. Be it the Bhagwad Gita, the Upnishads or any other books” he said adding that the dialogic process was an essential part of India’s ancient knowledge tradition.
Terming the second pillar of learning which is “learning to do” as “Karma Yoga”, Dr. Singh said learning will go in vain if it is not put to good and meaningful use. Exhorting the younger generation to make best use of their youth in learning good things, wherever they get it from, he urged them to develop a positive and constructive attitude. Putting it into the context of the Indian Education System, he called for more efforts to educate youth between school and college by equipping them with useful life, occupational or professional skills.
Discussing the “learning to live together” as Saha Yoga, the former BHU chancellor focused on five sets of essential values which are family values, societal values, inter-faith values, environmental values and global values. He called for developing a bigger sense of responsibility towards the family, society, environment and the planet. He said that the diversity in beliefs, thoughts, views, faiths, cultures and practices is the source of our strength and uniqueness as a nation. Reminding people of their fundamental duties, Dr. Singh said if we demand rights, we must also act in accordance to what is expected from us as citizens, hence we must not only be aware and responsible towards our fundamental duties but also honestly play our part. He suggested that the fundamental duties be placed on all the classrooms all over the country to educate and sensitize students about them. Dr. Singh quoted verses from the holy texts while underlining the importance of inter-faith values and said that our scriptures had centuries ago already highlighted it. Dr. Karan Singh said that respecting nature and treating the whole world as a family is what our ancient traditions have always taught us, but the race of development in a way made us forget it as he cautioned against ignoring environment and nature. Expressing concerns over the climate and environment challenges the world faces today, he said we as human race must rise to the occasion before it gets too late. He emphasized the need for greater efforts in peace research and studies given the ongoing global conflicts and turbulence.
He said that the “learning to be” pillar is about evolving as a person and developing one’s personality with a greater sense of responsibility, better sense of judgment and optimizing one’s full potential and skills. He asked young students to work hard and nurture themselves to be able to contribute in transforming the society and in nation building. “You are the builders of a new India and a new world, so work hard to take on this challenge”, he called upon the youngsters.
Dr. Singh recalled his previous visits to Banaras Hindu University and his tenures as Chancellor of the university. Terming his bond with Banaras Hindu University a very special and strong one, he said it was a privilege for him to serve the institution as chancellor for the longest tenure.
Delivering the presidential address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sudhir Kumar Jain said that we must look at education with a broader outlook. He said that education should not be confined to merely securing good grades, passing exams, getting degrees or finding good jobs. It must be aimed at motivating students and generating aspirations in them. Finally, education should aim to make students and youth capable of realizing their aspirations. Voicing concern about having a narrow approach on education, he called upon educationists to take lead and contribute in transforming the education system that paves way for the holistic development of students.
Prof. Binda Paranjape, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, while delivering the welcome address called it a very special occasion as the centre celebrated its 25 years of excellence. Prof. Priyankar Upadhyaya, UNESCO Chair Professor, recalled the contribution of Dr. Karan Singh in the growth and flourishing of Malaviya Centre for Peace Research. He said that MCPR is the first such centre in the university system in the country and has emerged as a leading multi-disciplinary and inter-cultural centre.
Prof. Manoj Mishra, coordinator, MCPR, presented a brief journey of the centre’s accomplishments. Prof. Anju Sharan delivered the vote of thanks. Vandana Saroj and Priyanka Seth presented the rendition of the kulgeet. Ms. Molanisa conducted the program. A number of faculty members, BHU students, school students and teachers and guests attended the program.