Encourage out-of-box thinking among students: Bhagwat to HEIs

• 16 Nov 2024

Encourage out-of-box thinking among students: Bhagwat to HEIs

 

Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), highlighted the challenges faced by young scholars in India, particularly the loss of innovative research due to bureaucratic inefficiencies. Speaking at a national conference held at SGT University in Gurugram, Bhagwat urged leaders of higher education institutions to create an environment that nurtures creativity and ensures that valuable ideas are not stifled by red tape.

 

Fostering Innovation in Education

 

Bhagwat emphasized that young people possess immense potential for innovation but often face systemic obstacles that hinder their progress. He noted that while the government is making efforts to support innovation, there needs to be a greater focus on eliminating bureaucratic barriers. "The government must continue its efforts, but it is essential to look at these systemic issues as well," he said, urging university vice-chancellors and academic leaders to actively foster out-of-the-box thinking and innovation within their institutions.

 

The conference, titled Vision for Viksit Bharat--VIVIBHA 2024, was organized by the Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal, an RSS-affiliated body. Its central theme was to promote a robust research culture among youth by integrating India’s rich cultural heritage with modern scientific advancements. Bhagwat called on educational leaders to create an atmosphere where students can explore new ideas freely, without being constrained by rigid systems. "Resources are secondary to intentions. When the will to innovate is there, resources follow," he stated.

 

Integrating Tradition with Modernity

 

In his address, Bhagwat also highlighted the importance of balancing India’s traditional knowledge systems with modern scientific approaches. He argued that significant progress in research has not necessarily been driven by advanced technologies, but by the passion and curiosity of the researchers themselves. "It is not the equipment, but the enthusiasm of the researcher that drives progress," he remarked, encouraging universities to create an environment where academic freedom and experimentation are valued.

 

Bhagwat further emphasized the importance of incorporating India’s cultural and philosophical heritage into education. He criticized Western-centric development models and argued for a more holistic, Bharat-centric approach that aligns with the natural world. "We need to develop a system of research that is in harmony with nature, not one that exploits it," he said, pointing to the environmental challenges faced by some global experiments despite initial successes.

 

Historical Insights and Future Directions

 

Reflecting on India’s historical contributions to various fields of knowledge from the 1st to the 16th centuries, Bhagwat reminded the audience of the nation’s legacy as a global leader in innovation. He attributed India's decline in certain areas to the disruption of this progress. However, he also pointed out that India had shown the world how development can be achieved in harmony with nature, citing the example of sustainable agricultural practices that have been in place for over a thousand years without causing environmental degradation.

 

Bhagwat also touched upon the concept of dharma and its relevance to contemporary education. He discussed the four pillars of dharma—truth, compassion, austerity, and non-violence—and their role in purifying the mind and fostering empathy. He expressed concern about political rhetoric surrounding poverty, questioning its sincerity, but acknowledged that shared suffering could prevent the exploitation of others' hardships.

 

A Call for Educational Reform

 

Concluding his address, Bhagwat called for educational reform that aligns with India’s unique approach to development. He urged educational institutions to empower the youth to think critically and creatively, fostering an environment where India can once again become a global leader in innovation and research. "We must provide examples of excellence from our own heritage, and empower the younger generation to carry this legacy forward," he said.

 

Bhagwat’s vision for the future of Indian education is one where innovation, tradition, and sustainability are intertwined, creating an ecosystem that is not only globally competitive but also deeply rooted in India’s cultural identity.