New Delhi, August 23, 2026: The growing relevance of India’s traditional knowledge systems in contemporary education came into focus at a special programme titled “Bharat Bodh – Reimagining Education Through India’s Knowledge Traditions”, organised by Anjana Welfare Society (AWS) in New Delhi.

Held at Gulmohar Hall of the India Habitat Centre, the event brought together educators, artists, students and representatives from academic institutions to discuss how India’s intellectual and cultural heritage can contribute to the country’s evolving education landscape.

The programme examined the links between traditional Indian knowledge and the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Particular attention was given to subjects such as the Natyashastra, the Bhagavad Gita, Indian philosophy, classical music and dance.

According to the organisers, the Bharat Bodh initiative seeks to familiarise students with India’s diverse knowledge traditions while encouraging them to understand their relevance beyond their historical context. The programme placed emphasis on the potential of art, culture and traditional learning to enrich modern educational experiences.

The Natyashastra, with its extensive treatment of performing arts, and the Bhagavad Gita, known for its philosophical discussions, were among the traditions highlighted during the programme. Classical music and dance were also presented as important avenues through which students can engage with India’s cultural heritage.

The gathering was attended by Union Minister Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel and Union Minister K. G. Suresh, along with prominent Kathak artists Nalini-Kamalini and Abhishek Srivastava. Neelam Saxena, Prof. Kishore Kumar, Prof. Ajay Kumar and Saurabh Parijat were also among those associated with the programme. The Principal of Raidhan(i) College, along with educators, artists and representatives of universities and colleges, participated in the event.

The discussions reflected a broader effort to connect education with India’s cultural and intellectual traditions. Rather than treating heritage merely as a subject of historical study, the Bharat Bodh initiative seeks to explore ways in which traditional knowledge can become part of students’ learning and cultural understanding.

The event also underlined the importance of creating an educational environment where academic learning and cultural awareness can complement each other. Organisers said that exposing young people to India’s artistic, philosophical and intellectual traditions can help them develop a deeper understanding of the country’s heritage.

With NEP 2020 placing greater emphasis on holistic and multidisciplinary education, initiatives such as Bharat Bodh are seeking to examine how India’s traditional knowledge systems can find meaningful space within contemporary classrooms.

The New Delhi programme therefore served as a platform for educators and cultural practitioners to discuss a key question for modern education: how can India’s centuries-old knowledge traditions be introduced to a new generation while keeping them relevant to present-day learning?