Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, PMO, and several other key departments, emphasized the importance of merging India’s ancient wisdom with modern technology. This fusion, he believes, will give India a unique global advantage and contribute to achieving the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.
Celebrating Science and Heritage Research Initiative (SHRI)
The Minister made these remarks during the celebration of five years of the Science and Heritage Research Initiative (SHRI), organized by the Department of Science and Technology. The event highlighted India’s efforts to preserve and modernize its rich heritage through the fusion of science and tradition.
India’s Rich Heritage: A Treasure Trove of Knowledge
Dr. Jitendra Singh praised India’s heritage, calling it a vast repository of knowledge, with nearly 5 million ancient manuscripts and palm-leaf inscriptions, along with iconic monuments like Konark, Khajuraho, and Chola temples. He emphasized that no other country possesses such an extensive and ancient treasure of wisdom, which must be harnessed for global leadership.
Key Initiatives Under SHRI
The Minister highlighted key SHRI initiatives aimed at preserving India’s heritage, including:
- Non-invasive techniques for heritage preservation
- Digitalization of the Ajanta caves
- Restoration of artifacts
These initiatives showcase how heritage and technology can coexist and drive societal progress.
Government’s Commitment to Integrating Traditional Knowledge with Technology
Dr. Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to integrating traditional knowledge with cutting-edge technologies, a vision supported by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Notable initiatives include:
- The creation of the Ayush Ministry
- The Aroma Mission
- The Hydrogen Mission
Additionally, the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) has been instrumental in making India’s traditional knowledge accessible for global research while safeguarding it from misuse.
Successful Examples of Fusion
Dr. Singh cited successful examples of combining traditional wisdom with modern science:
- The Lavender Revolution through CSIR’s Aroma Mission, which transformed the lives of farmers in Jammu and Kashmir
- The Deep Sea Mission and Hydrogen Mission, inspired by India’s ecological heritage
These examples demonstrate how India’s traditional knowledge complements modern scientific innovations to tackle contemporary challenges.
Yoga as a Global Asset
Dr. Singh also referenced Prime Minister Modi’s global initiatives, such as International Yoga Day, which has been celebrated annually since 2015 with support from 190 countries. The widespread acceptance of Yoga showcases India’s ability to translate its heritage into global solutions.
The Role of Scientific Institutions and Startups
The Minister called on Indian scientific institutions to adopt global standards and strategies to ensure India’s achievements gain international recognition. He emphasized the need to align government schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Scheme with heritage preservation efforts, ensuring that traditional crafts thrive as sustainable sources of income.
Innovations Under SHRI
Dr. Singh unveiled several innovative products and technologies developed under SHRI, including:
- Kosh Shree: A crowdsourced Sanskrit dictionary and article authoring tool
- Sakshatkar: A coffee table book showcasing India’s contributions to global science
- A structured yoga module for diabetes management: A lifestyle approach based on India’s ancient yoga tradition
- Purple Himalayas herbal infusion: A lavender and rhododendron-based antioxidant-rich tea
- HerbaHeal Cream and Gel: Herbal products for wound management, developed from traditional knowledge
Advanced Technologies in Heritage Preservation
The event also showcased the “Tales of Ajanta – VR Experience,” a virtual reality project that brings the Ajanta Caves to life through cutting-edge technology. Developed under the Indian Heritage in Digital Spaces initiative, this project uses advanced 3D scanning and animation to digitally preserve Ajanta’s intricate frescoes and sculptures.
The Road to Viksit Bharat
As India approaches its centenary as an independent nation in 2047, Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of aligning heritage with innovation. This alignment will create sustainable development opportunities and position India as a leader in the global knowledge economy.
Conclusion
The event highlighted the collaborative efforts across ministries to promote science, heritage, and innovation, and reaffirmed India’s commitment to preserving its cultural roots while advancing in the global scientific arena.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. What is the vision of India’s development as stated by Dr. Jitendra Singh?
A) Digital Bharat by 2047
B) Viksit Bharat by 2047
C) Smart India by 2047
D) Green Bharat by 2047
Answer: B) Viksit Bharat by 2047
2. Which of the following initiatives is NOT mentioned by Dr. Jitendra Singh in his speech?
A) Aroma Mission
B) Deep Sea Mission
C) Green India Mission
D) Hydrogen Mission
Answer: C) Green India Mission
3. What technology was used to preserve the Ajanta Caves digitally?
A) Augmented Reality
B) 3D scanning and animation
C) Virtual Reality
D) Laser scanning
Answer: B) 3D scanning and animation
4. What is the primary focus of the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Scheme?
A) Providing healthcare to artisans
B) Offering training, tools, and financial support to artisans
C) Promoting yoga and traditional crafts
D) Digitalizing traditional knowledge
Answer: B) Offering training, tools, and financial support to artisans
5. Which of the following products was launched during the event?
A) Lavender tea
B) HerbaHeal Cream and Gel
C) Digital Ajanta frescoes
D) Yoga for Diabetes App
Answer: B) HerbaHeal Cream and Gel