IIT Roorkee Claims Its Anthem Inspired by RamCharitManas
IIT Roorkee has recently emphasized the significance of incorporating values from the ancient Indian epic, RamCharitManas, into modern education. This assertion was made during the Eighth International Ramayana Conference, which took place at the institute and was held in collaboration with Shri RamCharit Bhawan USA.
Conference Highlights
The three-day conference focused on the relevance of ancient knowledge in the development and growth of contemporary society. IIT Roorkee’s Director, KK Pant, highlighted the importance of integrating the values of RamCharitManas into educational frameworks. He stated, “Modern education needs to understand and inculcate the values of RamCharit Manas that the purpose of education is not just to provide a livelihood, but to serve humanity.”
Inspiration from RamCharitManas
According to Pant, the institute’s anthem, known as ‘Kulgeet’, draws inspiration from the Chaupai of RamCharitManas. The phrase “Parhit Saris Dharma nahi Bhai” (there is no better duty than helping others) from the epic resonates with the institute’s ethos, which is echoed in the line “Sarjan hit Jeevan nit arpit” (life always dedicated to benefit society) from IIT Roorkee’s Kulgeet. These sentiments underscore the importance of serving society as a core principle of education.
Core Values of Education
During his address, Pant elaborated on various human values that are crucial in today’s context. These include:
- Duty towards parents
- Social responsibility
- Integrity in public life
- Ideal of Ramrajya
He asserted that these values are guiding forces for contemporary themes such as sustainability, wellness, ethics, and nation-building. Pant encouraged the youth of India to view knowledge not merely as a means to secure high salaries but as a tool to serve society and contribute to the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047.
Importance of Traditional Knowledge
Professor Dinesh Shastri, Vice Chancellor of Uttarakhand Sanskrit University, also spoke at the conference. He emphasized the rich Sanskrit and philosophical traditions underlying the Ramayana. Shastri advocated for the introduction of these texts through structured courses in schools and higher education institutions within the framework of Indian Knowledge. He noted that internalizing values such as benevolence, truth, and compassion can significantly reduce social ills like corruption and disharmony.
Significance of the Venue
Professor Rajat Agrawal, Head of the Department of Management Studies at IIT Roorkee, highlighted the unique significance of hosting the Ramayana Conference at the institute. He pointed out that the 180-year-old historical campus provides an ideal setting for a confluence of knowledge and devotion, making it a fitting venue for such discussions.
Research Contributions
Professor Om Prakash Gupta, founder of Shri Ramcharit Bhavan and faculty member at the University of Houston Downtown, informed attendees that around 150 research papers on Ramayana and related spiritual literature were presented during the conference. These papers advocated for the relevance of traditional Indian knowledge in the development and growth of society.
Conclusion
The discussions at IIT Roorkee’s conference reflect a growing recognition of the importance of integrating traditional values into modern education. By drawing on the wisdom of texts like RamCharitManas, educational institutions can foster a sense of social responsibility and ethical conduct among students, preparing them to contribute positively to society.
Note: The integration of ancient wisdom into modern education is not just a matter of cultural preservation; it is a vital step towards building a more compassionate and responsible society.
