The Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of Sri Aurobindo College of Commerce and Management, Ludhiana organised a two-day Faculty Development Program (FDP) on “Echoes of Wisdom: Exploring The Indian Knowledge System” on 6th – 7th May 2024. The resource persons for the FDP were Prof. (Dr.) Sudhir Kumar, Former Dean Research & Founder Director, Research and Development Cell, Panjab University, Chandigarh, and Prof. (Dr.) Ravi Inder Singh, Professor and Ex-Director, University Business School, Panjab University, Regional Centre, Ludhiana. Dr. Pooja Mehta, Coordinator-IQAC, introduced the theme to the participants. She further added that the FDP was designed to serve as a valuable platform for participants to engage in profound discussion to augment faculty’s knowledge base. The topic for the first day of FDP was ‘Towards Swaraj: Critical Reflections on the Significance of Bharatiya Jnana Parampara (IKS) in Contemporary Contexts.’ Prof. (Dr.) Sudhir Kumar, emphasized on the need of understanding the importance of Vedas, Upnishads and Shashtras to connect with the Indian Knowledge System and understand the true meaning of integral education. He purported the importance of Prabandh, Anubandh, Sambandh and Pratibandh rather than focusing only on conceptual knowledge of term management. He emphasized on striving a perfect balance of Satvik, Rajsik and Tamsik education. He emphasized on gaining the spiritual knowledge stating today people work on mind and body but not on soul. He provided a transformative perspective that can profoundly impact the future direction of the faculty’s scholarly pursuits. The topic for day 2 of the FDP was ‘Relevance of Indian Knowledge System in the Era of Artificial Intelligence.’ Prof. (Dr.) Ravi Inder Singh, questioned the audience about their thoughts on whether there exists synergy at the inter-section of Indian knowledge system and artificial intelligence. Elaborating upon the global positioning of our country and quoting various global indexes, he stated that British invasion drained not only wealth from our nation, but we also lost our culture, tradition, language and lifestyle. Quoting the instances of Brahamastra, Vimanas, Barbrik, and Kumbhkaran, he narrated that Indian Mythology/ ancient history are filled with the examples of artificial intelligence. And therefore, in the era where India is contesting to be the next Vishaw Guru integration of artificial intelligence with Indian knowledge system is a prerequisite. Principal Prof. (Dr.) Vishal Kumar in his address emphasized that the selection of the theme for this Faculty Development Program (FDP) was a thoughtful process aimed at integrating the modern education system with the “Bhartiya Gyan Prampara”. He articulated that the significance of organizing FDPs, emphasizing their crucial role in expanding the faculty’s knowledge base, thereby contributing to the ongoing development of their academic endeavours. Sh. R.K. Rewari, Secretary, Governing Body applauded the efforts of IQAC and underscored that such FDPs not only foster the personal growth but also contribute significantly to the development of individuals and groups within the academic community. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms. Sarita Arora and Dr. Marinal Gupta on the respective days.
