Jitendra Singh Highlights Fusion of Traditional Knowledge and Modern Technology at SHRI Event

New Delhi: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the transformative potential of blending India’s ancient wisdom with cutting-edge technology during the celebration of five years of the Science and Heritage Research Initiative (SHRI). The event, organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), showcased achievements and innovations that merge India’s rich heritage with modern scientific advancements.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Singh underscored India’s unique position as a repository of ancient knowledge, with nearly five million manuscripts, historical inscriptions, and architectural marvels such as the Konark and Chola temples. He remarked, “India’s ancient wisdom is unparalleled. By fusing it with contemporary science, we can achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.”

During the event, Dr. Singh unveiled a range of innovations developed under SHRI, demonstrating the initiative’s commitment to leveraging heritage for modern applications:

• Kosh Shree: A Sanskrit encyclopedic dictionary and article-authoring tool powered by crowdsourcing, enabling the collaborative preservation of India’s ancient language.
• Sakshatkar: A coffee table book capturing India’s contributions to global science and technology, offering insights into the nation’s scientific legacy.
• Structured Yoga Module: A diabetes management program rooted in India’s 5,000-year-old yoga tradition, aimed at promoting a lifestyle approach to health.
• Purple Himalayas Herbal Infusion: A tea blend rich in antioxidants, made from lavender and rhododendron, symbolizing eco-friendly innovation.
• HerbaHeal Cream and Gel: Herbal formulations developed with ethnobotanical knowledge from Tamil Nadu’s Malayali tribal community for wound care.

The Minister also inaugurated an exhibition featuring projects such as an advanced electronic jacquard for handloom weaving and a Virtual Reality (VR) experience of the Ajanta Caves. The Tales of Ajanta VR project, developed in collaboration with IITM Pravartak Technology Hub and the Archaeological Survey of India, offers an immersive digital recreation of Ajanta’s frescoes and sculptures.

Dr. Singh lauded initiatives like the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), which has digitized India’s traditional knowledge for global research while safeguarding it from exploitation. He cited successful examples, including the Lavender Revolution under CSIR’s Aroma Mission, and the Ayush Ministry’s efforts to promote traditional medicine globally.

Highlighting Prime Minister Modi’s global initiatives such as International Yoga Day, Dr. Singh said, “India has shown how its heritage can be translated into universal solutions. Yoga’s global acceptance is a testament to our ability to merge tradition with innovation.”

Dr. Singh urged scientific institutions, startups, and private enterprises to create market-driven solutions based on traditional knowledge. He called for aligning government schemes, like the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Scheme, with heritage preservation to empower artisans and promote sustainable livelihoods.

He emphasized the importance of global benchmarks, urging Indian researchers to publish in high-impact journals and use platforms like graphical abstracts and videos to enhance visibility.

As India approaches its centenary in 2047, Dr. Singh outlined a vision where heritage and innovation converge to position the country as a leader in the global knowledge economy. He remarked, “The road to Viksit Bharat is paved with our ancient wisdom and the futuristic technologies we develop today.”

The event was attended by key dignitaries, including Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of DST, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of AYUSH, and Dr. Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, reflecting collaborative efforts across ministries to promote science and heritage.