V. Jayasree M. Sai Baba

Communicating Ancient Indian knowledge System for the Holistic Development of the School Students for their Physical, Mental and Spiritual Well-being

National Institute of Advanced Studies Bengaluru, India

Conference Report NIAS/NSE/SCO/U/CR/11/2020

Communicating Ancient Indian knowledge System for the Holistic Development of the School Students for their Physical, Mental and Spiritual Well-being

7- 8 May 2019, NIAS, Bengaluru

National Institute of Advanced Studies Bengaluru, India and Chinmaya Viswavidyapeeth Veliyanad, Ernakulam © National Institute of Advanced Studies, 2020

Published by National Institute of Advanced Studies Indian Institute of Science Campus Bengaluru - 560 012 Tel: 2218 5000, Fax: 2218 5028 E-mail: [email protected]

NIAS Report: NIAS/NSE/SCO/U/CR/11/2020

Typeset & Printed by Aditi Enterprises [email protected] Contents

Preamble ...... 2

Participating Organisations ...... 3

Conference Programme...... 4

List of Participants...... 6

Abstracts ...... 9

Conference Summary ...... 21

Recommendations ...... 33

Acknowledgments ...... 33 Communicating Ancient Indian knowledge System for the Holistic Development of

Preamble

Education plays an important role in shaping The meeting aimed at the following: students into good human beings. The modern system of education, which concentrates • Discuss various issues and challenges faced more on imparting professional skills and by the student community developing intellectual knowledge, ignores the holistic development. Imparting holistic • Trace, identify and redefine the ancient education has become a challenge in modern knowledge systems to correlate with modern times. The importance of psychological well- sciences being, emotional health, of the students for the • Arrive at plausible solutions from ancient social-physical-cognitive-development, is well Indian knowledge system for the holistic recognized. Various forms of ancient practices development of children for their physical, such as , meditation, spiritual healing exist mental and spiritual wellbeing in our ancient knowledge system and encompass not only the development of “Annamaya • To explore integrating the ancient knowledge Kosam” (constituting the physical body) but also into imparting education to deal with the for the mind, intellect, vitality and spirituality. All problems faced by the student community these together with balanced food and lifestyle as described in helps to nurture the body, • Identifying the methods of communicating mind, vital force and intellect of school children. the outcomes to reach to the students, A physically, mentally and spiritually advanced teachers and policymakers child will have enhanced self-esteem, confidence and respect through which the child would be • Suggest methods of implementation able to deal with the challenges that are posed by modern-day that life. A two-day meeting The meeting was combinedly organized by on the theme “Communicating Ancient Indian National Institute of Advanced Studies, Knowledge System for the holistic development Bengaluru and Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth, of school children for their physical, mental and Ernakulam with the support from SATYAM, spiritual well-being” was held during 7-8 May programme, Department of Science and 2019 at National Institute of Advanced Studies. Technology, New Delhi.

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Participating Organisations

1. National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru 2. Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth, Ernakulam 3. Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi 4. S- Yoga University, Bengaluru 5. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore 6. Samskriti Utthan Nyas, New Delhi 7. Shiksha Samskriti Utthan Nyas, Kochi 8. National Council for Education, Research and Training, New Delhi 9. Trans-Disciplinary University, Bengaluru 10. M.S. Ramaiah Indic Specaility Ayurveda, Bengaluru 11. Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 12. M.G.M University of Physiotherapy, Navi Mumbai 13. Yoga Foundation, Kochi 14. MIT AD University, Pune

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Conference Programme

Communicating Ancient Indian knowledge system for the holistic development of the school students for their physical, mental and spiritual well-being

National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru and Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth, Veliyanad, Ernakulam

Convenors: Dr. Jayasree and Prof M. Sai Baba, NIAS, Bengaluru Prof. Mohan, CVV, Veliyanad, Ernakulam

7th May 2019

Time Topic Speaker 0930 – 10.00 Welcome V Jayasree About the meeting M Sai Baba Opening remarks Shailesh Nayak Remarks Sanjay Mishra Vote of Thanks K Krishna Mohan 10.00 – 10.30 Contemporary Indian Education and Panchkosha Udharan Atul Kothari 1030 – 1100 The essence of Integral Education: Need of Gurukul tradition to the Harsh Kumar system in the contemporary World 1100 – 1130 Tea break All 1130 – 1200 Ancient Wisdom for modern education system: Challenges and solutions Judu Ilavarasu 1200 – 1230 Enhancing physical activity for overall development in children using Rajani Mullerpatan traditional Indian movement science 1230 – 1300 Personality strengths and their relationship with Life-goals and Well-being: Shankar Rajaraman A Traditional Indian Approach based on Sanskrit Poetics 1300 – 1400 Lunch All 1400 – 1430 Lesson from Indigenous health systems for developmental psychology of Malavika Kapur childhood 1430 – 1500 Spirituality and Well-being in School Children N C Induchoodan 1500 – 1530 Tea Break All 1530 – 1600 Yoga for the Holistic Development of Student’s Personality and Well-being Sripad Ghaligi 1600 – 1630 Indian Knowledge Traditionsand its Contemporary Relevance Darshan Shankar 1630 – 1700 Contemporary education and Panchakosh ki Udhararan-Part II Prof. Atul Kothari 17.00 – 17.30 Discussion

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Technical Discusssion Meeting

Communicating Ancient Indian knowledge system for the holistic development of the school students for their physical, mental and spiritual well-being

National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru and Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth, Veliyanad, Ernakulam

Convenors: Dr. Jayasree and Prof M. Sai Baba, NIAS, Bengaluru Prof. Krishna Mohan, CVV, Veliyanad, Ernakulam

8th May 2019

Time Topic Speaker 0930 – 1000 Holistic Child Development and Education: A Golden Opportunity for Sai Susurla Renaissance based on Indic Wisdom and Modern Technology 1000 – 1030 “Vyakthithwa Vikasa”-An Indian perspective KV Namboothiri 1030 – 1100 The relevance of Ancient Indian Knowledge Tradition for Mental Health K Krishna Mohan and Well-being of Students 1100 – 1130 Tea break All 1130 – 1200 Ancient Indian Knowledge based value education for school children S Rukmini 1200 – 1230 Holistic approach of Ayurveda on children’s health based on life cycle G.G. Gangadharan Nair 1230 – 1300 Imparting Education: Ancient times and Now Jayasree Vaidyanathan 13.00 – 1400 Communicating ancient knowledge systems M Sai Baba 1400 Lunch 16.00 – 17.30 Public lecture Ancient Indian Knowledge System: Holistic Development of Children N.C. Induchoodan Indian Indigenous Health systems and contemporary child psychology Malavika Kapur

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List of Participants

Prof. Atu Kothari Sri. K. Vasudevan National Secretary Namboothiri Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas Retd. BPO, Saraswathi Bal Mandir, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Naraina Vihar, Director New Delhi - 110028 Patanjali Yoga Training and [email protected] Research Center Ernakulam. Kochi, Kerala [email protected]

Major Harsh Kumar Dr. Sripad Ghaligi Secretary Assistant Professor National Council for Education, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Research and Training Ettimada Village, Marg, New Coimbatore Delhi 110016 [email protected] [email protected]

Dr. N.C. Induchoodan Dr. Sai State Chairman, Susarla Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas Dean, State Vice President, School of Vedic Sciences BVB Schools, MIT AD University, Pune Kalki Palace, Edappalli, [email protected] Kochi. Kerala [email protected]

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Dr. Rajani Mullerpatan Dr. G.G. Gangadharan Nair Professor Ramaiah Indic Speciality MGM School of Ayurveda Physiotherapy MSR Nagar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra New BEL Road, Bengaluru mgmschoolofphysiotherapy@ [email protected] gmail.com

Prof. K. Krishna Mohan Dr. Judu Ilavarasu Professor & Head S Vyasa Yoga University, School of Philosophy, 19, Ekanath Bhavan Psychology & Scientific Gavipuram Circle, Heritage K.G.Nagar Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth Bengaluru Velliyanad, Ernakulam, Kerala [email protected] [email protected]

Dr. S. Rukmini Prof Darshan Shankar Sr. Assistant Professor Vice Chancellor School of Humanities Trans-disciplinary University Vellore Institute of Yelahanka. Bengaluru Technology Email: darshanshankar2009@ Vellore, Tamilnadu gmail.com rukminikrishna123@gmail. com

Dr. Sanjay K Mishra Prof. Malavika Kapur Head, KIRAN Division Visiting Professor Department of Science and National Institute of Technology Advanced Studies New Mehrauli Road, IISc Campus, Bengaluru New Delhi [email protected] [email protected]

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Dr. Shankar Rajaraman Prof. Sisir Roy Post-Doctoral Associate Visiting Professor National Institute of National Institute of Advanced Studies Advanced Studies, Bengaluru IISc Campus, Bengaluru [email protected] shankar_rajaraman@ rediffmail.com

Dr. Jayasree Vaidyanathan Ms. Devika Principal Investigator Research intern National Institute of C/o Dr.V. V. Binoy, Advanced Studies Animal Behavior and IISc Campus, Bengaluru Cognition Programme [email protected] NIAS, IISc campus, Bengaluru [email protected]

Prof. M. Sai Baba Ms. Sneha Yadla TV Raman Pai Chair Professor National Institute of National Institute of Advanced Studies Advanced Studies IISc Campus, Bengaluru IISc Campus, Bengaluru [email protected] [email protected]

Mr. A. Vinod Dr. Moumitha Koley Member Indian Institute of Science National Monitoring Bengaluru Committee on Minority [email protected] Education MHRD, Government of India [email protected]

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Abstracts

Contemporary Indian Education and The Essence of Integral Education: Panchkosha Udharan Need of Gurukul Tradition to the System in the Contemporary World Prof. Atul Kothari Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, New Delhi Major Harsh Kumar NCERT, New Delhi Education has a critical role in supporting students to have holistic development which The present talk analyses the idea of India, the constitute physical, mental and spiritual concept of nation, the essence of the building wellbeing. The process of learning has five of a nation, the uniqueness of our culture elements: -Pancha that needs to be and traditions, the setback to the indigenous developed in every child that can lead to educational system suffered. Introduction of personality development. The concept of an alien system of education which helped the Pancha (from Taittriya Upanishad) colonial rulers in strengthening their Empire. explains the five layers for human existence The article further trails the facts for the - , Pranamaya Kosha, core reasons leading to the requirements, the Manomaya Kosha, Vigyanamaya Kosha and traditional system of imparting learning and Anandamaya Kosha. The talk discusses knowledge which existed and the rudimentary the importance of developing each of the requirements to cover the gaps in present time, five koshas and provides some examples and suggesting establishment of institutions of activities for the holistic development of for holistic education, their aim and values children. imbibed through the proposed system which will help the nation to re-establish its ancient Prof Atul Kothari is the National Secretary for glory. Shiksha Sanskrithi Utthan Nyas, New Delhi. He is also the National Co-Convener for Shiksha Major Harsh Kumar, is the Secretary, National Council Bachao Andolan Samithi. He works as the convener for Education, Research and Training (NCERT), for Bharathiya Bhasha Manch as well as Bharathiya New Delhi. He has served the Indian Army. He is Bhasha Abhiyaan. Prof Atul Kothari has served as having 23 years of expertise in supervising General the General Secretary of Akhila Bharathiya Vidyarthi Administration/Operational Management. He did his Parishad. Serving as an expert in Educational master’s in human sociology and currently pursuing a Institutions, Universities of the country on fundamental PhD in Anthropology. He has won several awards and topics in which Nyas is trying to provide an alternative honours during his career. curriculum

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Ancient Wisdom for Modern Education with the ancient wisdom for best results. Yoga System: Challenges and Solutions is one such tool which can be used as a bridging means between ancient and modern value system Dr Judu Illavarasu because it primarily deals with culturing body S-Vyasa Yoga University, Bengaluru and mind and modern education system values these both prospects. Some of the implementing Need for imparting ancient values into today’s strategies will also be discussed. education system has been recognized, mainly because there are many lacunae that are not Dr Judu Ilavarasu has his master’s in Chemistry and addressed by the modern education system. Psychology, and PhD in Yoga. Currently, he is working Holistic development of personality is what is as Associate Professor at Yoga being desired for and not mere development of Anusandhana Samsthana (S-Vyasa), Bengaluru. He certain specialized skills. teaches Research Methodology and his area of research interests include Implicit Social Cognition and Human In the first part of this presentation, three Subtle Energy Field. dimensions of this issue will be discussed: 1) Student characteristics, 2) Teacher characteristics, and 3) Environment in which Enhancing Physical Activity for Overall both interact. Challenges and Solutions under Development in Children using Traditional these sections will be discussed. In the second Indian Movement Science part of the presentation, Yoga as a means of finding a solution for some of these problems Dr Rajani Mullerpatan will be discussed. Professor and Director, MGM Centre of Human Movement Science, Navi Mumbai In ancient times, the qualification (leadership quality) of students (adhikaritva) was considered Physical inactivity is identified as the fourth while imparting education, which has become not leading risk factor for global mortality. Physical so easy to practice in today’s secular educational inactivity levels are increasing at an alarming rate scenario. This has its own merits and demerits. in many countries with major implications on Similarly, teachers of ancient times had certain the prevalence of non-communicable diseases inherent characteristics (shtrotriyam, brahmanistha), (NCDs) and the general health of the population that gave them the power to infuse knowledge, worldwide. A survey conducted by WHO on not only of worldly nature but also of the Indian children in 2013, revealed that only 29% highest spiritual knowledge. What do these of high school students participated in at least qualities of a teacher get translated to, in today’s 60 minutes of physical activity per day on each world? The Ambiance in which a student and a of the 7 days. teacher interact has changed tremendously, and the focus is more on student-centric methods to Physical activity is a behaviour whereas physical develop the best skills in a student. However, the fitness is a biological trait. Health-related fitness purview of the ancient system was life training, includes various components like anthropometric and it’s a big challenge as to how to revive this. measurements, flexibility, balance, muscle There is a need to assimilate the best of the strength-endurance and cardiopulmonary modern education system and try to supplement endurance. Physical activity levels have been

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assessed using questionnaires. However, only Personality Strengths and their quantifying physical activity level does not Relationship with Life-goals and Well- encompass all the components necessary for being: A Traditional Indian Approach maintaining health-related physical fitness. based on Sanskrit Poetics Evaluation of fitness in the field settings using fitness batteries is the current method available Dr Shankar Rajaraman for testing many people. Currently, data for NIAS, Bengaluru reference values on healthy children is primarily sourced from countries like US, UK, Canada Traditional Indian wisdom regards a life led and Australia which provide norms for their well as a life led in the pursuit of certain goals, population. Fitness is a multi-factorial construct collectively referred to as “puru ārtha” (literally which is affected by factors like anthropometry, “human purpose”). The four fold goals of ethnicity, cultural aspects and others. Differences human life are the acquisition of material wealth in variables like hand grip and 6-minute walk (), enjoyment of material wealth (kāma), distance, are already reported to be less by 30% ethically guided acquisition and enjoyment of in Indians in comparison to people from western material wealth (), and eternal freedom countries. On the national front, currently, from the world of matter (). Taking the norms are available only for children based on a correspondence between real-life individuals study done in Kerala. and literary characters as his starting point, Bhoja, the 11th century Sanskrit aesthetician, By becoming more active throughout the day in works out a complex theory of character relatively simple ways, at home and in school, typology that brings together character children can easily achieve the recommended personality, a set of 24 traits that function as activity levels. The ancient traditional Indian personality strengths, character-specific life- movement science of yoga is known to enhance goals, and well-being (defined empirically as the flexibility of the body, endurance and long-lasting pleasure and transcendently as mental abilities. However, this science has been eternal freedom from displeasure). According underutilized for early intervention in children to Bhoja’s theory, the four fold goals of human to enhance their mental and physical capabilities. life are placed along a hierarchy with artha, A large proportion of the time is spent in occupying the lowermost and moksha, the academic pursuit and sedentary leisure activity uppermost, position. If personality strengths with little time left over for physical activity. can be regarded as the paraphernalia in an Hence, the inclusion of structured physical individual’s journey towards achieving his/ activity and traditional methods of enhancing her life-gaols, a fewer number of them are physical fitness levels using evidence-based required for achieving artha as compared to evaluation methods is an urgent need of the moksha. Finally, individuals enjoy greater and hour. more long-lasting well-being as they traverse from artha towards moksha. The talk shall Dr Rajani Mullerpatan is the Professor and Director also draw correspondences between the list of from MGM center for Human Movement Science, Navi personality strengths as proposed by Bhoja on Mumbai. She is also an Affiliate Societies Officer, the one hand and Peterson and Seligman on the International Society of Biomechanics. other.

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Dr Shankar Rajaraman is an allopathic doctor with performance in the examinations. It totally a post-graduate diploma in psychiatry. He also holds overlooks the learning potential and creativity a Masters in Sanskrit and psychology. His doctoral overall development in all the domains. In thesis was on an interdisciplinary topic bridging contrast, the best practices in teaching/learning psychology and Sanskrit poetics. He is a Sanskrit recommend child centred approach where poet with several publications to his credit. He has each child is active in learning. There is a dire translated works in Ayurvedic dietetics and literature need for a paradigm shift in teaching/learning from Sanskrit to both English and Kannada. For practices in India. In contrast, the Indigenous his contribution to Sanskrit language and literature, health systems of Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and he was awarded the Presidential Award by the Tibetan medicine systems, the approach to child Honourable President of India in 2019. development is holistic and developmentally appropriate. The presentation will focus on what preferred practices can be gleaned and Lessons from Indian Indigenous incorporated into contemporary school practice Health Systems for Developmental to promote holistic and positive well-being of Psychology of Childhood school children.

Prof Malavika Kapur Prof. Malavika Kapur, Visiting Professor, NIAS and NIAS, Bengaluru formerly a Professor and Head of Clinical Psychology at NIMHANS, Bengaluru. She is a consultant Contemporary Developmental Psychology to various organizations such as WHO, UGC, aims at promoting the holistic development NCERT, ICMR, ICSSR. Her areas of interest are of children. Overall and holistic development Developmental Psychology, Community Mental Health includes the domains of Physical, Cognitive, programmes for Children and Adolescents, Primary Language, Emotional, Social, Moral and Sexual Health Care personnel and Anganwadi Workers. development. Education system on the other In the recent past, she has been exploring traditional hand only educational achievement of the pupil healing systems from the Perspective of Developmental as the sole aim and the most desirable aim not Psychology only of the teachers but also of the parents. The WHO considers the school as the “safety net” for the promotion of Mental Health. The Spirituality and Well-being in onus of promoting healthy overall development School Children in all the domains of development thus needs to be considered as a top priority in the school Dr N.C. Induchoodan setting. Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, Kerala, State Chairman Bharathiya Vidya Niketan, Kochi Unfortunately, the present education system is biased towards Teacher Centric and unidirectional Our traditional knowledge system is oriented teaching, negating the learning potentials of the for Panchakosha vikasam (development pupil. This widely practised system depends of Annamaya, Pranamaya, Manomaya, entirely on rigid rote learning and memorising, vijnanamaya and Anandamaya kosam). with a heavy emphasis on the syllabus and the Development of Anandamaya kosam, leading

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to total happiness or bliss that could easily Yoga for the Holistic Development of be achieved through spirituality. As against Student’s Personality and Well-being the common notion, spirituality is not the opposite of physical or material things but Dr Sripad Ghaligi encompasses everything in this universe. It Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Ettimada, gives an experience of interconnectedness or Coimbatore rather oneness with the cosmos. This realization melts away our ego and arouses the emotion Yoga is one of the cohesive and rigorous “Athmano Mokshardham Jagath Hithaya” and multifaceted disciplines to develop a holistic improves the Bhavam (Service mentality) personality. It is occupying a special position in in the individuals. Normally, Mind creates and the modern world as a process of refinement re-creates within a framework. Spirituality of the physical, intellectual, emotional, social leads to the liberation from that framework. and spiritual arena of an individual. Pragmatic The compatible becomes compatible. This benefits of Yoga are being recognised in various universe exists on both physical and spiritual domains of life. This is being authenticated by laws. While physical laws were taught, spiritual its popularity and research pursued in the field laws were overlooked. Children, who are the of yoga and allied subjects. Yoga is one of the future citizens of the country should also be emerging fields requiring more attention to aware of those spiritual laws for their eternal the application of various principles of yoga happiness to shape their lives and the impact especially for the students. The present education of the violation of these laws. Once they system is accentuating only on some of the understand these moral values, such as honesty, aspects of the personality of a student but lacking sincerity, sacrifice; good words, thoughts, in the holistic development of personality. This acts and deeds etc., automatically the divine is leading to many problems and challenges at consciousness will increase in the individuals. It the physical, emotional and intellectual levels is also important to make them understand that of students. Principles of yoga can provide violence, greed and lustful love will give way to preventive, restorative and nurturing guidelines peace, happiness and unconditional love. This for holistic personality. This presentation is to paper highlights, how we can help our children highlight the approach of Yoga towards holistic to manifest the perfection in them to make this development of student’s personality and well- earth a better place to live in. “Loka Samastha being. Sukhino Bhavanthu”. Dr Sripad H. Ghaligi, has a PhD related to Yoga Dr N. C. Induchoodan is the Kerala State Chairman Psychology, (Bhagavadgita and Yoga ) from Mysore for Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas. He is also the State University. He has an M.Sc. in Yoga from SVYASA Vice President for Bharathiya Vidya Niketan, Kerala University and M.A. in Sanskrit. He has completed and Chairman, Green Doctor Movement, Swadeshi six years program in Veda, and Yoga in Science Movement, Kerala. An ecologist by profession traditional Gurukula system from Veda Vijnana and retired DFO from Kerala Forest Department. Gurukulam, Bangalore. He has been a resource person Currently, he is active in the field of school education and to various cultural and spiritual organizations and focuses on the value-based education and for the holistic for Department of State Education Research and development of School children Training (DSERT), Bangalore. He has conducted

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several courses, training camps and workshops for a new transdisciplinary domain that combines systemic students, teachers and corporate on topics related to perspectives of Ayurveda with the molecular approaches Veda, Samskrita, Yoga and allied subjects. He worked of biology. His work has received several national and as an Assistant professor and Head-Yoga and Lifestyle International Awards like the Norman Borlaug Award in Jain University and Jain Group of Institutions, (1998), Columbia University’s International Award Bangalore. He is presently working as an Assistant (2003) for the revitalization of traditional systems of professor and Coordinator in Amrita Darshanam- health-care in India and Padma Shri, by the Government International Centre for Spiritual Studies, Amrita of India in 2011. School of Engineering Coimbatore campus.

Holistic Child Development and Indian Knowledge Traditions and its Education: A Golden Opportunity for Contemporary Relevance Renaissance based on Indic Wisdom and Modern Technology Prof Darshan Shankar Vice-Chancellor, Trans-disciplinary University, Dr Sai Susarla Bengaluru MIT-AD University, Pune

Today the content of school education in India Most parents today grapple with several burning in all domains of knowledge is largely based questions about children, their upbringing, on the modern western cultural and intellectual education and success in life. What is the ideal traditions. While knowledge from any cultural and way to raise and educate my child? How to intellectual source may be enlightening within the handle the difficulties that arise in dealing with limitations of its world view, it is utterly untrue unwanted behaviour? What is the ideal approach that any particular knowledge tradition, however to formal and informal education and what illuminating, provides the only or the best way of are their relative roles in a child’s growth and knowing nature. The prevalence of a dominant fulfilment? What is the role of discipline and monocultural orientation in the Indian education how to inculcate it? How to handle chronically system is indeed a skewed orientation. This has difficult and/or recalcitrant behaviours? How resulted in euro-centric categories of knowledge, to nurture a progressive and inclusive outlook epistemologies and ontologies in all domains of in the next generation? knowledge. In India, the skew is evident in the best of knowledge institutions, across various The importance of these issues is being felt disciplines, due to the relatively recent political acutely at the present time. The western model history of colonialism and its aftermath. of intellect-focused education that is prevalent for the last several centuries has led the world Anant Darshan Shankar is the Managing Trustee to a state where more than 40% of adolescents of the Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health in developed countries suffer from mental Traditions (FRLHT) and Vice-Chancellor of the depression of some sort, domestic and social Trans-Disciplinary University (TDU), Bangalore. violence is rising at an alarming rate and the During the last 25 years, FRLHT-TDU has inspired earth is on the brink of ecological disaster. research and outreach in the field of Ayurveda-biology Since today’s children are tomorrow’s humanity,

14 National Institute of Advanced Studies the School Students for their Physical, Mental and Spiritual Well-being child development and education are critical multinational corporations in the US and India. He determinants of its future state. was a technical director at NetApp in Bengaluru. He has a PhD in Computer Science from the University Fortunately, a couple of trends are helping of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA. He has close to 20 bring renaissance. The overwhelming explosion research publications and 25 patents in the areas of in the body of knowledge is raising questions large-scale data management and analytics. He is on the feasibility of the existing information- interested in understanding the Indian spirituality imparting approach to education. One will and focused to make India’s native knowledge more never be able to learn enough in school or accessible and understandable to the younger generation college. This is driving a shift towards meta- through technology and education. He is the co- education (learn how to learn) where Indic founder and Dean of a new School of Vedic Sciences wisdom excels. It also frees up student’s time to (mitvedicsciences.com) since June 2017 under MIT focus on higher-order life issues, where again, Group of Institutions, Pune. Indic wisdom excels.

Second, Information, Communication “Vyakthithwa Vikasa”- and Automation Technology (ICAT) has An Indian Perspective revolutionized the way in which learning happens. Ubiquitous and free access to knowledge in Mr Kaithapram Vasudevan Namboothiri consumable capsules at fingertips is dramatically changing the face of education in two ways – The present talk describes about the “Vyakthiwa democratized access to multiple viewpoints, and Vikasa” –Personality development in school the rapid rise of demand for non-formal, just- children. This concept has been explained in in-time education. Brick-and-mortar institutions Indian philosophy as “Aham Asmi” – with pre-set curricula are too slow and inflexible meaning I am – the God as everyone to adapt to the evolving requirements of the having God in them, is the essence of Indian society today. They are rapidly going out of education. Ways to achieve Brahman are through fashion – the rising homeschooling families in Pancha Kosha development and through India is a case in point. Patanjali’s yoga and mediation practices that are the road map for physical, psychological and These trends present a unique opportunity spiritual development. for Indic knowledge and wisdom to guide the younger generation that was simply not Mr. Kaithapram Vasudevan Namboothiri, is the possible at scale till recently. In this discourse, president of Patanjali Yoga Peetham, Kochi. He served we examine Sri Aurobindo’s and the Mother’s as the Deputy Director of Education, Government of views on Sanaatana Dharmic approach to child Kerala. He is also on the Board of Studies of S-Vyasa development and education, and how it is within Yoga University, Bengaluru. He has written several reach to practice nowadays and opens a golden articles and books on Yoga and conducted programmes opportunity for renaissance globally. on yoga on television. Before joining Patanjali, he was an active member of Vidya Bharathi. Dr Sai Ramakrishna Susarla has a 20 year long career in software research and development with

National Institute of Advanced Studies 15 Communicating Ancient Indian knowledge System for the Holistic Development of

The relevance of Ancient Indian positive benefits of practices and systems rooted Knowledge Tradition for Mental Health in Indian knowledge traditions to the cognitive, and Well-being of Students emotional and psychological development of children. Further, there are many insights and Prof Krishna Mohan detailed practices from ancient Hindu spiritual Chinmaya Viswavidhyapeeth, literature which will help physical, psychological Velliyanad, Ernakulam and emotional well-being as well as the positive personality of the students. The presentation In recent years reports and research studies will elaborate on various aspects of ancient have highlighted the negative consequences Indian knowledge tradition and their relevance of present school education system to mental to mental health and well-being of students health and well-being of school students. from a preventive, promotion and holistic Further, parental expectation, peer and societal developmental perspective. Further, outline ways pressures are causing serious mental problems and means to include in the school curriculum. among students in India. The transition from childhood to adulthood involves complex Dr Krishna Mohan is a Professor and Head for School physical, psychological, emotional and social of Philosophy, Psychology and Scientific Heritage at developmental changes, all taking place at the same Chinmaya ViswaVidyaPeetha, Kochi. His research time. School going age is critical for developing interests include applications of psychological and a holistic physical, psychological and emotional cognitive processes to mental health and well-being. well-being as well as positive personality. Prof. Mohan is trained in psychotherapies rooted in Scholars and educationists have pointed out Indian cultural and spiritual perspectives and has been the limitations of the western education system conducting several workshops and sessions on well-being and methods as well as the value system and and positive psychology. He has several publications to approaches followed by the schools in India in his credit and an international affiliate member of the educating the students. It is a well known fact American Psychological Association. that the present system has not given the desired results and more so has influenced the attitude of teachers, parents, society for wrong reasons. Ancient Indian Knowledge-based Given this background and need to give priority to Value Education for School Children student’s holistic development for better mental health and well-being the presentation will try to Dr S Rukmini show the relevance of ancient Indian knowledge Senior Assistant Professor, traditions. Ancient Indian knowledge traditions VIT University, Vellore are rooted in cultural ethos and the practices are time tested and known for their benefits for In recent years, the learner-centric approach has mental health and well-being. These practices gained importance and is in practice leading to are elaborated in the Sastras, yoga system, Hindu neglect of holistic development of a student. religio-spiritual tradition. Further, the ancient Recent studies suggest that there is a shift in the Indian education system has been embedded for value system leading to individualism and other the holistic development of children and youth. forms of negative behaviours among students. In recent years, research studies have shown Further, there is a general perception that due

16 National Institute of Advanced Studies the School Students for their Physical, Mental and Spiritual Well-being to mechanical delivery and evaluation, teaching that is presently being delivered, the students will and learning process is becoming less joyful be imbued with values and full flowering of the and there is an over-emphasis on techniques individual as a whole will be possible. Drawing the methods of teaching. Teaching, which is an from the rich scope in Ancient Indian literature art that requires much of patience and love has in imparting the afore-mentioned values, certain been reduced to that of intellectual attainments, key aspects such as the importance of Time, which in turn has made the role of the teacher to the very purpose of life, role of discipline mere imparting of information rather than the and definition of success in education and the cultivating of an inquiring mind. Overemphasis key aspects of education such as Listening, on techniques has made us more rational and Reflection, Application and priorities in life will scientific. It is making our thinking enormous be discussed. and thought-provoking but the problems that we face are mainly at the emotional level. Perhaps Dr Rukmini is senior academic at VIT, Vellore, Tamil this has led to the keeping of the emotional Nadu. She has a PhD in English Literature and has world at variance with their thoughts and actions 20 years of experience in the field of Teaching English and insensitiveness to human feelings and Language and Literature. Her areas of interest are in emotions. Only when the three- thought, and Indian Philosophy, Literature and Culture. She has 25 action and emotions- are integrated, one can publications to her credit. She has presented 30 research achieve harmony and one who integrates them is papers. a master. Thus, the need for value-based teaching as it provides the right kind of understanding of life, for it alone can set the mind free from A Holistic Approach of Ayurveda on conditioning and instil in one, love which in its Children’s Health based on Life Cycle action builds better relationship amongst people. Dr G. G. Gangadharan Nair In the light of these developments, the MS Ramaiah Indic speciality Ayurveda, presentation highlights the necessity for value- Bengaluru based teaching that instils in the learner moral values, ethical values, human values and spiritual Ayurveda, probably the world`s oldest science values. Ancient Indian knowledge penned on healing and healthcare, has a comprehensive down by the Rishis that has come down to us approach towards health involving the person in through the scriptures is a repository of Spiritual its totality; body, mind, spirit and their interrelation knowledge. To quote the with the external environment. Ayurveda offers “Adyatma Vidya Vidyaanam”- which meant it is a life cycle approach, based on one`s gender and the spiritual knowledge that is the highest form ecosystem in which one is living and in tune with of all knowledge. Their writings on the education one`s cultural background. that always emphasized the power of right understanding have always given courage and In Ayurveda the whole childhood is divided inspiration to both the teacher and the taught. into three phases: i) Ksheeraada - 0-12 months, If such literature is introduced in the teaching ii) Ksheerannada - 12 months - 2 years & iii) curriculum along with the skills and knowledge Annaada - 2 years - 16 years.

National Institute of Advanced Studies 17 Communicating Ancient Indian knowledge System for the Holistic Development of

The present talk deals with healthcare on the intellectual growth of children side-lining approaches of Ayurveda in school going their holistic development and physical, mental children ie. 5 to 16th year of their life span. and spiritual well-being. Modern education does It deals with specific advises for children and not emphasize the ancient notion of education remedies for the diseases and for children`s “Sa Vidya yavimuktaye”—means education is proper growth milestones by taking appropriate that which leads to liberation – freeing from food and herbal formulations and rasayanas. life bondages. India has a rich heritage of It also describes the importance of abhyanga, knowledge system that was practised from our proper sleep and rest and need for a conducive ancient times which for the overall development social and domestic environment for proper of children, including intellectual and spiritual growth of the child. This phase (0-16 years) growth. In order to understand the best is the most important part in one`s physical, practices to be incorporated from our ancient mental and intellectual growth. Ayurveda knowledge systems into modern education, it approach to health and diseases is not drug- is very important to understand how education based but involves the whole body`s response has been transitioned from ancient to modern to the internal and external environment. times. In this presentation, an attempt has been made to highlight the important landmarks in Prof. Dr G. G. Gangadharan is a practising Ayurveda the history of education in India from ancient physician with a PhD from Tilak Maharashtra to contemporary times. This would be helpful Vidyapeeth, Pune and a post-doctoral degree from in identifying the best practices from our McGill University, Canada. He is the Director of knowledge system that can be blended with Ramaiah Indic Specialty Ayurveda – Restoration modern education for the overall development Hospital, (RISA), Bengaluru, a 100-bed NABH of our future citizens. accredited Ayurveda Hospital. He is an expert on authentic Ayurveda methods of diagnosis – especially Dr Jayasree Vaidyanathan is a Meteorologist with the pulse diagnosis and treatment, and successfully expertise on geographic information systems, river basin treats lifestyle disorders. He has dedicated himself to management and drinking water issues and presently the propagation of Ayurveda knowledge and promoting working on science communication on “Water, Energy the use of Ayurveda and local health traditions at the and Environment”. She is also working on value-based grass-root level in rural parts of India. education focusing resource conservation for school/ college children. She has conducted several pieces of training for school students and women SHG on Imparting Education: various environment issues and is a certified “Training Ancient Times and Now of Trainer”. Before joining NIAS, she has worked in both Private and Academic positions. She is also Dr Jayasree Vaidyanathan a consultant to International Organizations such as NIAS, Bengaluru Winrock, CCES Global, ISET international and member and advisor of various organizations in Kerala, Education is the process of learning or the Karnataka and Odisha. She has many publications acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs to her credit and presented papers in National and and habits that shape a child into a good human International conferences. being. Present-day education is focussed mostly

18 National Institute of Advanced Studies the School Students for their Physical, Mental and Spiritual Well-being

Communicating Ancient Indian Present work includes obtaining effective and Knowledge Systems informative insights on managing public perceptions and public acceptance of public risks associated with Prof. M. Sai Baba new and emerging technologies, through science and Shri TV Raman Pai Chair Professor, NIAS, technology communications. Developing platforms for Bengaluru enhancing interaction between scientists and the public using conventional and nonconventional media of Education plays an important role in laying communication. the foundation for shaping young minds into a responsible citizen of the world. The teacher- His interests include understanding Ancient wisdom and learner relationship places an important role adopting the same for the wellbeing of society. in shaping the students into good human beings. With the development of Science and Technology, education has become more of Dr. Sanjay K Mishra imparting professional skills and ignores the holistic development. With changing times and Dr. Sanjay K Mishra is the Advisor and Head for globalization, a disconnect between what one is Knowledge involvement in research advancement through capable of and the choice of the learning streams Nurturing (KIRAN) Division of Department of has become the order of the day. Often talked Science and Technology, New Delhi. about gap in skill development and employability are a manifestation of the way education is being imparted. While to some extent intellectual Mr. A. Vinod curiosity is being addressed, the physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing is being ignored, affecting Mr. A. Vinod, Member, National monitoring the development of young minds into matured committee on Minority Education, MHRD, New human beings. One major aspect which is being Delhi. He is working as a Teacher in Government increasingly noticed is the inability of the learner Higher secondary school at Karuvarakundu. Vinod has to cope up with the challenges of assimilating a Bachelor’s in mathematics and a degree in moral and what is being taught and leading to lack of self- spiritual education. He conducts programmes for school esteem resulting in imbalance and affecting children on character building and overall development as mental health. Mentoring and getting connected described in Upanishad and Yoga sastra. He coordinates to the learner are the need of the hour. The talks the Educational activities in South India of Shiksha discuss some of these aspects of learning. Sanskriti Utthan Nyas.

Prof. M. Sai Baba, Outstanding Scientist and formerly Prof. Sisir Roy Director, Resources Management Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam Prof. Sisir Roy is the Homi Bhabha Chair Professor and Senior Professor, Homi Bhabha National at the National Institute of Advanced Studies with the Institute. Presently holding “Shri TV Raman Pai NIAS Consciousness Studies Programme. His fields of Chair Professor” at National Institute of Advanced interests are the foundation of quantum physics, quantum Studies, Bengaluru and working in the domain of effects in Biology, modelling brain functions and cognitive Science Communication and Risk Communication.

National Institute of Advanced Studies 19 Communicating Ancient Indian knowledge System for the Holistic Development of

science, quantum tunnelling for dissipative systems, data and cognition programme. She is also interested in analysis and Quasar astronomy. Understanding how yoga and meditation impact mental health. Devika has attended many workshops and seminars related to mental health and well-being. Ms Sneha Sundari Y

Ms Sneha did her Master’s in Plant Biology and Dr Moumitha Koley Biotechnology. She is part of the science communication team at NIAS. Some of the works she has carried Dr Moumitha Koley is an experienced synthetic organic out at NIAS includes studying conflicts arising out of chemist with expertise in conceptualizing, synthesizing implementing projects relating to science and technology and characterizing organic materials. Dr Koley’s PhD in Indian society is from Vienna University of Technology. Her research interest include metal-assisted catalytic transformations in organic chemistry. She is currently involved in teaching and Ms Devika S Iyer designing chemistry experiments in the UG Programme at IISc, Bangalore. She has authored research papers on Ms Devika did her Master’s in Clinical Psychology and novel undergraduate experiments. Her recent research trained on Special Education for Children. Currently engagement is the domain of science and technology policy. working as an Intern with the Animal Behavior

20 National Institute of Advanced Studies the School Students for their Physical, Mental and Spiritual Well-being

Conference Summary

Students of the present generation endure as they would have a different set of issues and various types of challenges in scholastic progress levels of understanding. He also stressed the with respect to understanding curriculum, need for identifying the strategies with definite teacher expectations, parental pressure and many perspectives on what we need to do and why we other socio-psychological factors. In order to need to do for the benefit of the school children. address the above-mentioned issues and for their holistic and overall physical mental and spiritual In his opening remarks, Dr Sanjay Mishra development, experts from various backgrounds mentioned the objectives of the meeting and from different reputed institutions were invited its importance for the Department of Science to deliberate on “Communicating Ancient Indian and Technology in view of the possible Knowledge System for the holistic development implementation strategies. He spoke about the of school children for their physical, mental information available in our ancient system – and spiritual well-being” during 7-8 May 2019, few practices either non-tested or scientifically held at National Institute of Advanced Studies, evidenced and time-tested ones, currently Bengaluru. performed by a few organizations. He also spoke about the challenges faced by school children and The discussion meeting began with Dr Jayasree the need for including some unified, standardized welcoming the guests on behalf of the organizers practices from our ancient system specifically and NIAS and introducing the theme of the for the physical, mental and spiritual well-being meeting. Followed by Prof. Sai Baba briefly of school children. Dr Sanjay Mishra requested describing the programme as well as on what is participants to focus specifically on the issues of expected from the meeting. He spoke about the school-going children and recommend a hybrid importance of holistic development of children implementable and actionable model which and the current situation where one takes care of would be studied in detail through the multi- physical aspects while mental and spiritual well- organization collaborations with DST support. being are neglected. It is of importance to include He concluded by saying that the outcome of and communicate to the younger generation to such a study should lead to recommendations prepare them for coping up with the current to MHRD, for implementation in the academic day challenges. He stressed that the meeting institutes. is intended to identify a few implementable practices from our ancient wisdom to be taken Prof. Krishna Mohan delivered the vote to many schools in the country. of thanks. While thanking the guests for participating in the meeting, he pointed out the During the inaugural session, in his opening need for time tested strategies to be provided remarks Prof. Shailesh Nayak, Director, NIAS to the new generation of school and college highlighted the importance of the topic for the children particularly and society at large for the school students. He emphasized that though this highest wellbeing and harmony. discussion is focussing on school children, it should also address the concerns of students of Major Harsh Kumar opened the technical primary, secondary and higher secondary school session with his talk on “The essence of Integral

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Education: Need of Gurukul Tradition to the pointed out that food, sleep, fear and love are System in the Contemporary World”. He started common for life, but humans need to follow his talk with the concept of “Bharathvarsh” “Dharma” in addition. He introduced the - the concept of nation and the essence of concept of Pancha Koshas which is the body- nation-building and spoke about the uniqueness mind complex of man and consists of five layers of Indian culture and traditions. A brief on (sheaths) of human existence viz., Annamaya shortcomings in the current education system, kosha, Pranamya kosha, Manomaya kosha, how it has been deteriorated over the last few Vigyanamaya kosha, Ananadamaya kosha – decades, degradation in terms of moral, ethical, food, , mind, vigyan and ananda or bliss spiritual and dharmic values were detailed. He respectively. For physical, mental and spiritual applauded the glory of Indian ancient education well-being, all these layers should be in complete system that aimed at both grooming the students harmony with each other. He suggested various for the future as well as to become a good human ways through which these five koshas can be being. Harsh Kumar explained the concept of strengthened in children. Annamaya kosha, being satisfied, ideas of need, greed etc. and the sheath of our physical body is nourished by also on “Vasudaiv Kudumbakam – meaning food. Pranayama kosha is the life force energy the whole world is one family”. He described controlling our bodily and spiritual rhythm and how the Gurukul learning nurtured the students holds the body and mind together. As life /prana through deep levels of determination, focus is determined by our state of mind, pranayama and concentration and how Guru/ the teacher practices are useful. Manomayakosha is made up served his role as teacher, mentor, parent of human thoughts, feelings, mind and emotion. and role model for the child. He emphasized This included Gyanendriya and Karmendriya that the Nation needs well qualified, trained – Gyanendriya has five organs of perception manpower who would be the future leaders through sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch with good qualities such as faith in values, self- and Karmendriya have five organs for action- esteem, national identity, perseverance etc., that prehension, locomotion, articulation, excretion got eliminated in the process of the modern and procreation. As these components are education. He briefed about various efforts of central to human existence, meditation can boost NCERT to include some of the moral values this Kosha. Vigyanamayakosha is composed through various programmes for both children of Vigyan or the intellect, the faculty that and for parents. Suggested that in order to re- discriminates and determines our will. As the establish the ancient glory, Indian knowledge mind is wavery always and controlling mind is very and tradition needs to be reinstated and re- difficult, mental growth in children is essential established in the school educational system. for keeping mind calm, concentrated, detached and being positive in thinking. Mediation is the Prof. Atul Kothari’s talk on “Contemporary tool work for Vigyanamayakosha. The firth of Indian education and Panchkosha Udharan” was the Anadamaya kosha is the innermost kosha on the need for Pancha Kosha development in in the proximity of the soul. It is composed of modern education. He spoke about the current Ananda or the bliss. Atman lies in this Kosha education system and the need for education and explained how all other koshas contribute as a means for overall personality development and help in easy development of Anandayamaya comprising physical and mental growth. He kosha. Prof. Kothari quotes the famous

22 National Institute of Advanced Studies the School Students for their Physical, Mental and Spiritual Well-being

Sloka “Atmano mokshartham Jagat hitaya cha” of pranayamakosha and manomayakosha, which speak about salvation and ultimate well- children were made to practise pranayama and being on earth for which vitalizing ananadamaya meditation every day. Some strategies to reduce kosha is very important. He concluded with the fickle mindedness were through music, devotion, message “desh ko badalna hay tho shiksha ko service and patience teaching, Omkar chanting badlo”. for concentration, participation in arts and sports and for “sharing and caring” through sitting In the second part of his presentation, Prof. and sharing lunch together, changing seating Kothari provided some examples of activities arrangements often were adopted. He pointed for the holistic development of children out how daily practice becomes a habit in the based on the Pancha kosha concept which children, and they start doing it on their own are practised in many schools under Shiksha after some time. Positive things lead to good Sanskriti Utthan Nyas (SSUN) in different parts habits, getting rid of weakness and achieving of the country. He described how physical goodness and by learning patience students development can be achieved in school students can have higher thinking skills. Some activities through physical education classes for about 20 for the development of Vigyanamayakosha are minutes through activities such as - brisk yoga conducting competitions for essay writing and and sandhi yoga for 5 minutes, Soorya namaskar debating, lecturing on the birth anniversary for 3 minutes, standing for 3 minutes and of great men, daily one question in one of four pranayamas for 5 minutes. Sleep, diet and the periods, writing quotes, leaning mantras, basic hygiene are also practised among school planning tasks priority, inspiring to study etc. children. He spoke of some practices in their In order to develop Anandamaya kosha, few schoolseg: Saraswathi Vidya Mandir, Naraina, strategies are helping in running the class, donate New Deli - making children drink water, training used books, helping other students in learning, on first aid, regular medical check-ups, imparting schools adopting one village/slums, working basic etiquette while sneezing and coughing, in old age homes, planting trees, developing teaching of cleanliness – personal/classroom the habit of self-introspection. He concluded /school/ cleanliness, habits of washing daily his speech by saying once these are regularly bathing, wearing clean clothes, teaching about practised in schools, it aids in holistic personality environment – through not wasting foods, development and overall well-being in children. planting trees, use of lights and fans after usage, no water wastage, not using plastics and many Dr Judu Ilavarasu discussed on the topic “Ancient others were part of the personality development. Wisdom for Modern Education System: As a part of teaching about the environment, it Challenges and Solutions”. While mentioning included forming environment council in schools, about the modern education system he pointed not using plastic water bottles, gifting books, out the modern education is ignoring trust and other useful items, installation of rainwater on teachers and missing of moral values. He systems, keeping food and water for birds were emphasized the need for balancing spiritual and suggested. Students can develop helping habit by material values. The ancient education system teaching them about labour by assisting in library has so many merits in terms of life training wok, voluntary work, developing the habit of and if some of the practices are revived and doing every task efficiently. For the development assimilated in the modern system would bring

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the best results. Dr Judu explained the self- from WHO survey reports) lack of which determination theory of motivation, the macro poses health risks including mortality. While theory of human motivation and personality, explaining the difference between physical the basic concept of which are competence, activity and fitness, she pointed out what WHO autonomy and relatedness. According to him, recommends for children and adolescents ages this five-century old theory is still applicable of 5 to 17 to do 60 minutes of moderate to in the modern-day and described how we can vigorous and intense physical activity every nourish these three aspects of this theory in our day that can promote health and fitness. Also, educational setup by giving autonomy, defining no specific forms such as any form like yoga, the purpose and providing freedom. He defined Tai chi and other traditional forms are being yoga being a mastery tool to maintain equilibrium prescribed at present and there is a need for for body and mind control and explained the generating scientific evidence-based solutions conditions of Avarana and Vikshepa in three for individuals and institutes to decide upon that states viz., wakeful, dream and the deep sleep. suits them best. In her talk, she described how According to him, it is very important to the Mahatma Gandhi Mission in Navi Mumbai understand the three – “Gunas: sattva, rajas and is evaluating scientifically the effects and tamo” in children, which are well established in benefits of some of the physical activities such the children in the preconception stage. There as the Yoga, Surya Namaskar, Thoppukarnam, is a need for intervening parents from the pre- ancient sport forms, specific dance forms, conception stage as 80% of character formation sitting cross-legged on the floor etc., being begins during this time. He suggested that tested across various age groups. She pointed yoga as the best tool which can bridge the gap out that all these forms are to be scientifically between the ancient and modern value system, proven solutions that can be recommended in and culture both mind and body. In order to the current complex medico-legal systems. She have a persistent change in the education system, suggested that the school going children have Dr Judu suggested incorporating some suitable different levels of flexibility, endurance and components of yoga especially those with mental abilities which vary at different periods higher dimensions into the education system. of the schooling that need to be built up through Such forms are to be included in most passive physical activity. The ancient Indian movement and consistent ways in order to achieve holistic science such as yoga have been underutilized development in children. for the early intervention in children. Therefore, there is a need for structured physical activity in Dr Rajani Mullerpatan presented on “Enhancing the school curriculum which though exists in physical activity for overall development in the present curriculum in some form, and are children using traditional Indian movement practised either partially or fully in many schools. science”. She started with ancient Indian She opined that these are inadequate and are not knowledge (AIKS) system, its values and need to carefully and meticulously monitored. Dr Rajani unravel the system and the need to incorporate suggested for the physical and mental health of some of them in the health and education children, yoga, meditation and Thoppukarnam system. Rajani’s talk was more focussed towards to be integrated with physical education, and the importance of physical activity and fitness for overall development – introducing health that is declining in the present times (evidenced sanskar through cultural exercises, Indian

24 National Institute of Advanced Studies the School Students for their Physical, Mental and Spiritual Well-being movement science forms such as delight and education through the depiction of dance form, squatting, cross leg sitting on literature. He explicated these poetics described floor etc. can be combined. Incorporating the how heroes whowere symbolized as prototypes Sanskrit language for understanding of Ancient achieving a particular goal through appropriate Indian Knowledge Systems, gender equality and actions and also how these characters in drama introducing ancient food habits such as Ragi and literature had been used to communicate Porridge were also suggested. the knowledge of life goals, especially to sukumaramatis — individuals and youth who Dr Shankar Rajaraman spoke on “Personality are wary of direct exposure to values and who strengths and their relationship with life are averse to advice. Dr Shankar concluded goals and well-being and how the traditional with suggesting few implementable strategies knowledge from the Sanskrit poetics” can be such as exposure to these poetics through communicated to the youth for their well-being. various means such as providing examples from He started how our Indian tradition regards life uddata, lalitha udatta and Santa from modern having a purpose the “Purushartha” - having four literature, drama, movies, televisions etc. making components artha - aquision of material wealth, the children correlating with hero’s and anti- - enjoyment of material wealth, dharma - hero’s personality to the state of well-being, ethically guided acquisition of material wealth making youth identify their life experiences and and moksha -eternal freedom from the world of recording their thoughts. matter. The first two being natural instincts and the other two are to be learnt. These goals, being Dr Malavika Kapoor’s presentation was on dependent on each other follow a hierarchy from “Lessons from Indian Indigenous health artha to moksha and described how it progresses systems for the Developmental Psychology both horizontally and vertically. He explained of childhood”. She spoke about the objectives that life is well lived when a person progress of the contemporary development psychology in the vertical direction and ultimately attains for the promotion of holistic development moksha. Our tradition assures vertical progress of children that includes physical, cognitive, of every individual at some point in their lives. language, emotional, social, moral and sexual Dr Shankar described how metaphysical basis developments. Her talk covered important for these goals are detailed in Sankhya Darshana aspects of child development especially brain that regards universe consisting of two realities and mind and the emotional difficulties of purusha - the consciousness and prakriti - the children and how screen time affects the child’s matter and how intellect is very important in development. She mentioned how old theories aiding bondage leading to the realization of of Darwin, Freud and others viewed child consciousness. He also explained what APA development that is presently not much relevant defines well-being as the state of happiness and the necessity for changing approach to the and contentment with low levels of distress modern children. Dr Malavika mentioned that and overall physical and mental health and children are born as scientists with their innate absolute well-being as attaining eternal freedom ability to learn from their growing environment from displeasure that helps to liberate the soul. through various means such as mimicry, Sanskrit poetics have a greater role in achieving modelling, simple instructions and how values these life goals as their objectives are aesthetic inculcate in them starting from age two. She

National Institute of Advanced Studies 25 Communicating Ancient Indian knowledge System for the Holistic Development of

detailed various developmental stages of the child etc. and cited examples on how each one of these especially brain and mind development and how provides interconnectedness to self and others indigenous health system such as the Ayurveda, and induces “Seva Bhavam” in individuals. Unani, Siddha and Tibetan approaches childcare. Spiritual development helps to understand She spoke about triguna- rajo, tamo and sattvic the value of honesty, sincerity and many good and tridosha – vata, pitha and kapha and the need qualities which can raise divine consciousness for identifying these in each of the children to leading to happiness and unconditional love. He suggest strategies to promote sattvic guna. She rightly pointed out that for overall development, also mentioned that it is important to consider knowledge of spiritual laws is essential and the individual difference in the children for any how spirituality can be habituated in children intervention and the need for holistic approach which becomes automatic action in them. Dr through diet, play arts, crafts and the inclusion of Induchoodan cited examples from his experience formal and informal games and yoga, meditation, and described how their organisation, the Shiksha relaxation techniques. Limiting screen usage, Sanskriti Utthan Nyas impart value education in replacing with real-time activities could also be schools through simple thoughts and deeds on sought. building the honesty, sincerity, sharing and caring, donating etc. so that children develop these good Dr N. C Induchoodan spoke about spirituality habits and experience spiritual well-being. He and the holistic development of children. concluded his talk by giving few suggestions such He started his talk with Shri. Vivekananda’s as making the children do some charity through famous quote on education as a manifestation donation of books, small contribution to “Seva of perfection that exists in man and briefed of Nidhi”, planting trees for benefit of man-kind, importance of Pancha Koshas. For “Vyakthithva sharing food with others and few more among Vikas”, all the five koshas are not being attended school children which will not only help in their through proper interventions starting from spiritual well-being but also for contributing childhood. Dr Induchoodan stressed the to “Lokasamasthasukinobhavantu”- May all in the importance of intervening the Ananadamaya World live in happiness. kosha, which is connected to the spirituality of any person. Spirituality is seen as a connection Dr Sripad Ghaligi’s presentation dealt with of a person to self, others, and the community yoga for the holistic development of student’s and development of anandamaya kosha leads personality and well-being. He spoke about the to total happiness.He described spirituality as issues in the current education system which a culture aimed at “health, wealth and welfare” focus towards objected-oriented knowledge of man and one involving beliefs and values to acquirement and is accentuating only some of the provide a meaning to life. The existence of the aspects of the personality of students omitting universe is based on physical and spiritual laws holistic personality development. Yoga from the and the present education system overlooks ancient system is intended for the well-being and spiritual laws. Therefore, it is important to currently being practiced in many schools but involve spiritual laws in school children from not in the right way in the sense it was meant for. the very young age onwards. Dr Induchoodan Dr Sripad mentioned that there are several yoga also described spiritual laws consisting of divine sutra concepts available in , Bhagavat Gita oneness, vibration, attraction, , relationship and other Sastras which talks about yoga asanas

26 National Institute of Advanced Studies the School Students for their Physical, Mental and Spiritual Well-being and postures in detail for the holistic personality Prof. Darshan Shankar gave an overview of the development. These principles of yoga can Indian Knowledge systems and its contemporary provide preventive, restorative and nurturing relevance. He described contemporary education guidelines. The requirement of activities vary as an aftermath of dominant imposition of from person to person and therefore while western cultural and intellectual tradition from adopting any practice, other factors such as colonial times. AIKS are relevant even today hereditytraits, environment, parenting etc. need and need to think about changing the education to be considered. The yoga are to be system. Prevalence of dominant mono-culture understood properly based on the situations orientation in Indian education is skewed and has and contexts while adopting them for achieving resulted in euro-centric categories of knowledge, desired results. Dr Sripad spoke about different epistemologies and ontologies in all domains of ways of conveying the message, which are knowledge. He pointed out that the modern defined in , He detailed the three education system is based on a reduced view samhitas - viz., prabhu , suhruth samhita of nature and limited to the world of reality as and kanta samhita - how the instructions are amendable to six instruments – five sense organs provided in different enjoyable ways so that it is and the state of mind. Prof Darshan also spoke not felt as instructions. Prabhu samhita, is like about the modern health system having western a king ordering to do’s and don’ts and similar to medicine base whereas ancient Ayurveda though vedas and ., Suhrut samhita instructed by superior in many ways has less adaptability (3%) a friend in form of stories and kaanta samhita even today. Ayurvedic medicines and practices which is likened to a wife instructing husband lack evidence with stipulated standard preventing softly, such as the poetry and literature. He expandability and adoptability in other countries. also highlighted the benefits of introducing He pointed out the need for generating pieces the concepts of form Bhagavat of evidence for our ancient practices to increase Gita which is yoga based on action and that acceptability. Ancient Indian Knowledge talks about the need for every human being to Systems having great contemporary relevance in engage some sort of activity. He also described many domains such as agriculture, technology, the need for interpreting the himsa and health care and even education, Prof Darshan based on the context and about (for right suggested some of the good practices be living) and (ethical rules) that are to be introduced in schooling and at the college level followed by every individual. He mentioned that through policy-level interventions. consciousness as the core of personality to have cognition. Dr Sripad also highlighted the need Dr Sai Susarla talked about “Holistic Child to understand the dominant guna of each child Development and Education: A Golden to be considered while introducing interventions. Opportunity for Renaissance based on Indic He concluded his presentation by highlighting Wisdom and Modern Technology”. He briefed the role of parents and teachersin imparting the happenings in current education, perception ethics and values to children and communicating of society and expectations of children, parents, them with appropriate examples from Vedas, the teachers, society etc. which is undergoing huge epics and etc., for their transformations. He talked about information overall personality development. explosion at a fast pace because of internet and

National Institute of Advanced Studies 27 Communicating Ancient Indian knowledge System for the Holistic Development of

social media and the helplessness of teachers vinyasa, and training workshop for the parents who are finding hard to finish syllabus on time to learn their children better. and about budding internet universities in the U.S. offering a short course for students to Vasudevan Namboothiri’s presentation was on choose from. The expectations from the society “Vyakthithva Vikasa” concept and how Indian are far-reaching, ways of achievement, how philosophy describes “Aham Brahma Asmi” – children rule everything in house, increasing meaning I am Brahman – the God as everyone concept of homeschooling, school and college having God in them. He explicated child as a becoming socialization points, the dominance “Vyakthi” having a concrete picture equal to of artificial intelligence are some of the issues God - Brahman and is the invocation is the in the modern education system. He also spoke essence of Indian education. He referred to about changing employer perceptions who “” which speaks about the look for characteristics such as self-reliability, Pancha Koshas – Annamaya kosha, Pranamya productivity, communicative, empathetic, etc., kosha, Manomaya Kosha, Vigyanamaya kosha as required qualities for job selection. Society and the Anandamaya kosha and ways and understands and accepts value-based education means to achieve “Brahman”. These koshas as the need to the hour but is left with no idea are roadmaps for physical, psychological and on how to achieve it. Dr Susala described various spiritual development. Any ‘Vyakthi” (person) efforts of MIT Pune where they are engaged in can gain, the status through development of imparting value education by communicating Koshas which has to start from schooling. the importance of discovering oneself, defining success in terms of social impacts, ethics greater He explained how yogic exercises, meditation, than materialistic gains, shifting focus from relaxation and few postures, work for the self-orientation to self-congregation through betterment of each of these koshas. Mr directives, self-worth analysis, exposing children Vasudevan spoke about the usefulness of sitting to people who do great work in the society in the right posture, the right way of meditation, etc. Sai Susurla explained various approaches relaxation, breathing etc. for physical and mental through which people can be made efficient, like, development and wrong methods resulting in useful learning, increasing ability to comprehend, problems. Mind and body being interconnected, retain, observe and infer things, knowledge various interventions are to be made to control acquirement on their own, hierarchical teaching the body to maintain physical health. It is such as seniors teaching juniors, introducing important to control the mind through proper life skills etc. Values were imparted to them breathing techniques. He pointed out the need through outcome-oriented ways. Dr Sai Susurla for introducing some important yoga, meditation suggested introducing few values and practices and pranayama techniques in school children of Ancient Indian Knowledge Systems such as which they can practice daily during assembly doing pooja which can develop an emotional time. He also suggested music learning as a means connect, ayurvedic approach of physical health to control the mind for school children. He also through mom’s kitchen, Bharathiya kathas pointed that any child should be “Veeryavaan” without teaching morals, Soorya namaskar – should be able to absorb what is taught in and pranayama, logical studies such as - one-hearing itself which can be achieved only

28 National Institute of Advanced Studies the School Students for their Physical, Mental and Spiritual Well-being through observance of “Brahmacharya” — that the yoga, meditation and spiritual values be a form of self-restraint as per Patanjali yoga integrated into educational institutions as a part sutra. According to Patanjali, yoga is the way of curriculum leaving aside esoteric and religious for “chitta, vritti, niroda” - that silences the and misleading spiritual concepts. disturbance of the mind. Mr Vasudevan also explained the first line of the Atma Shatakam, Dr Rukmini in her talk gave an idea about ancient the famous Adi Sankara quote on self-realization Indian knowledge-based value education for – “Mano Buddhi chitta Ninham”and school children. While talking about the flaws the need for the development of Anandamaya in modern education, she mentioned that the kosam intended for eternal bliss. education system does not consider the holistic development of children. She spoke about Prof Krishna Mohan’s presentation was on the how the teachers are imparting information to relevance of ancient Indian knowledge tradition children empowering them with employability for mental health and well-being of children. focus failing to cultivate the inquiring mind. He spoke about the current education system in Current day children undergo many problems at which the transition from childhood to adulthood an emotional level. She highlighted the need for involves complex physical, psychological, thought, and action and emotions to be integrated emotional and social developmental changes, to achieve harmony. Dr Rukmini discussed the all taking place at the same time. School going limitations of science and its development failing age is critical for developing holistic - physical, to consider holistic developments and how psychological and emotional well-being as modern science has isolated and eliminated many well as positive personality. He spoke about important practices as there were not verified/ the relevance of yoga and meditation and the measured through physical instrumentation. need for spiritual values in children. Most of Such systems failed to discover the underlying these practices are elaborated in Sastras, yoga reality and process of creation that governs all systems, Hindu religion - spiritual tradition has phenomena in nature. She tinted the repository been rooted in our ancient education system. of knowledge which were penned down our As cited through “Chitta Vrithi Nirodha” Rishis and has reached to us through scriptures, yoga promotes unison of body and mind and , Vedas and Epics. It is essential to envisages wellness of human beings for physical, introduce value-based teaching that inculcates mental and spiritual well-being. In children, yoga moral, ethical, spiritual and human values in practices improve balance, endurance, flexibility children. She suggested that such literature need and strength and meditation helps in increasing to be introduced in the school curriculum along concentration power, relieves stress and anxiety with skills and knowledge, it will not only help and strengthens theimmune system. Though in imbibing these values but also aid in holistic research studies have shown positive benefits development as an individual. She gave some of these practices, many lack scientific evidence suggestions such as replacing English rhymes due to the factors such as testing methodologies, introduce patriotic songs and and slokas, sample size and control methods, lack of ancient stories to be made available in social comparative studies, subjective and culture media, inculcating moral and ethical values in the bias, replications and generalizations and few middle schools through various other methods, others. As for recommendations, he suggested language being connected to other subjects,

National Institute of Advanced Studies 29 Communicating Ancient Indian knowledge System for the Holistic Development of

including knowledge about Indian IKT through procedures and immunomodulatory recipes, geography lessons, recitation competitions, vyadhibala virodha – antagonistic to be strong summer schools on IKT, inclusion of mother and virulence of the disease, Vydadhutpada tongue and vernacular language in education Pratibandhakatwa - capacity to inhibit and bind scenario, teaching about spiritual leaders, causes and factors of diseases in each stage of moral science books included with traditional child development and what interventions are values. Dr Rukmini gave some replacements of required at each stage. He described various teaching numerals following a spiritual approach interventions for anti-natal and after childbirth and suggested that such practices go well with stages for ideal growth, immunity building and physical and mental development without being disease prevention. For a healthy body, Ayurveda seen in isolation. specifies wholesome diet to children with five important rasas - madhura, sour, salt, bitter, Dr G.G. Gangadharan presentation wason the pungent and Kashaya with the importance of holistic approach of Ayurveda on children’s each in this order. Details on how much food health based on the life cycle of children. He to be given and the timings were also provided. spoke about the concepts of Ayurveda, the He also emphasised the need for following eugenics on child care as a process initiating specific dinacharya, rathricharya and sattwik from the preconception stage - preparing dharma for healthy body, mind. Introducing the mother and father from the planning of is very much necessary from early pregnancy onwards for a healthy progeny. While childhood for mental and spiritual development. introducing the concept of “nature versus Since the needs of children are different some nurture”, he explained the developments in the rasayanas based on their body composition are field of epigenetics and the ability to change to be prescribed to them to aid their growth and individual phenotype, though influences such as development. He also emphasised the need for nutrition, toxin exposure, parental behaviour etc. “brahmacharya” - the self-control and few codes The genetic characteristics are the culmination of conduct to be followed by children. Such code of ethnicity, family aspects, geo-climatic of conduct can be reinforced in children by the conditions, age and diet and lifestyles. He cited family members, teachers, peers and mentors. that the ancient Ayurveda principles describe the He concluded by saying when a person follows influence of diet, lifestyle and therapy on healthy ayurvedic principles at moderate levels, it can offspring. According to Ayurveda, an ideal lead to longevity. offspring is the appropriateness of maternal, paternal, spiritual, nutritional and psychological In her talk, Dr Jayasree Vaidyanathan described factors. He detailed the three Gunas dominating the history of education in India beginning at each stage of the human body, kapha guna from the ancient system, emphasizing the dominating in early life, pitta guna in mid-life shifts and changes in contemporary times. She and vata guna in later part of life. He explained described how the education system changed the ageing process and control/prevention from the concept of “Sa Vidya Ya Vimukyate through ayurvedic interventions in each of the — education for liberation” to the present-day decades of human life. Dr Gangadharan talked education system that focuses on scholastic about various samskaras like Garbhadharana growth. Her talk aimed at understanding the (conception procedure), prakara yoga – changes in the education system to identify how

30 National Institute of Advanced Studies the School Students for their Physical, Mental and Spiritual Well-being and when the transition has taken place and to is to identify, discern and absorb. And how the see how the current system has been evolved ancient wisdom took care of physical, mental, over a period. The important landmarks in the social and emotional spiritual well-being. He history of education in India were presented spoke about the need for highly motivated starting from Vedic times, epic and Buddhist, and skilled manpower as essential to make our the Islamic, the colonial periods to the current country achieve progress in all domains. Prof Sai system. Various aspects of education such Baba described holistic approach consisting of as aim, type, language, methods, contents, learning, building skillsets, appreciation of ethics, number of years of schooling, relationships, sensitivity to the stakeholders as well as wealth life situations etc. were compared across these generation and the need for all stakeholder to be time scales. There was a gradual change in the made aware of these challenges. He spoke about focus of education from the Vedic period till the the scientific inquiry for obtaining knowledge, to Buddhist period. There was an abrupt shift in gain a better understanding and for explanations the focus of education from the Islamic period to be more useful. Research and development whose focus was more towards the promotion being a continuous process, all knowledge is for of Islamic religion. During the Islamic period, enhancement of quality of life and is aimed at many Hindu centres of learning like Taxila and developing new knowledge, apply and connect Nalanda faced a huge setback. In the aftermath to the society. Convincing others about our of the medieval period, the formal schooling ancient Indian knowledge systems and reaching system was initiated by the East India company out to society are the biggest challenges. He through missionaries. Evolution of modern highlighted the role of parents in nurturing the education post-independence was also briefed. child as primary lessons are learnt from parents The presentation concluded by highlighting the and present-day parental expectation from importance of reviving some of the relevant teachers to nurture their children at school. It systems inherent in ancient knowledge that is very important to understand and recognise needs to be blended with modern education for the interplay of teacher and parent in the child’s overall well-being of children - physical, mental development. He also cited that the ancient and spiritual. Indian system and spirituality need to be imbibed from a very young age itself. There is a need to Prof. Sai Baba presented the challenges of reinvent out the ancient Indian system, to be communicating our ancient value systems. made simple and integrate into our education He started with famous quotes of Swami system. These systems were emphasizing about Vivekananda, Dr Radhakrishnan and Sri the holistic development of self as well as others Buddha on education, knowledge and thoughts which is the challenge. respectively and highlighted what the current generation is missing in their studies. The Suggestions on implementable strategies by the personality trait of children is a complex participants are listed below: interplay among various factors but synergistic interactions from all fronts making the person Judu Ilavarasu suggested that S-Vyasa University motivated and successful. He mentioned that in has already developed many modules on Yoga today’s competitive world as life is dependent practices for the personality development of on information and knowledge the challenge children. The university can share these modules

National Institute of Advanced Studies 31 Communicating Ancient Indian knowledge System for the Holistic Development of

with NIAS. Another suggestion is, incorporate Prof Atul Kothari would provide details ayurvedic practices in daily life on the model of various strategies for Pancha Kosha of “food through mom’s kitchen” and “AIKS development they have implemented through Olympiad” for school children. their organisation and would help to implement in schools Sripad Ghaligi discussed Amritha Viswa Vidya Peetha literature on Yoga sutras and ancient N C Induchoodan extended all help to implement knowledge which would be shared with NIAS the practices of value-based education and and willingness to extend all possible help in this imparting spirituality through their schools and direction. offered to share the details of practices for both students and training of teachers which Shiksha Major Harsh Kumar cited about the modus Sanskriti Utthan Nyas carried out in various operandi of NCERT working on the inclusion schools across the country. of ancient Indian knowledge system in the curriculum. He also offered to help in the Vinod A suggested exhibition of ancient implementation of strategies through NCERT Indian practices and discussion of the same, publications. implementation through teachers.

Rukmini would contribute to the implementation Jayasree suggested outreach activities through of values and ethics education social media by NIAS communication team

Malavika Kapur suggested the creation of a Krishna Mohan suggested simple activities from repository of knowledge base and identify few ancient system to be included. The link between practices for implementation in schools. Also, the researcher and the implementors are to be preparation of small handouts/manuals/ both strengthened. in English and local language for dissemination.

32 National Institute of Advanced Studies the School Students for their Physical, Mental and Spiritual Well-being

Recommendations

To initiate a detailed study on Ancient Indian 3. Develop strategies for implementation with Knowledge system for the holistic development piloting in selected schools and well-being of school children through 4. Evaluate communication approaches to 1. Creation of a repository of ancient practices advance the study in other geographic focusing on holistic development in terms of locations physical, mental and well being 5. Recommend policy level strategies to be 2. Identify implementable strategies for the incorporated in the school curriculum for well-being of school children wider outreach and dissemination.

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to our Director, Prof. Shailesh Delhi and Dr. Sanjay Mishra and Dr. Vandana Nayak and Prof. V. S. Ramamurthy, for guiding Singh are acknowledged with thanks. Speacial us and proving all support to conduct the thanks goes to NIAS administration and staff meeting successfully. Financial support from as well as all participants of the programme for Department of Science and Technology, New making this discussion meeting a grand success.

National Institute of Advanced Studies 33 Document Control Sheet

1 Document No and Year : NIAS/NSE/ SCO /U/CR/ 11 /2020

2 Title : Communicating Ancient Indian Knowledge system for the Holistic Development of school students for their physical, mental and spiritual well being

3 Type of Document : Conference Report

4 No. of Pages and Figures : 34 pages

5 No. of References : Nil

6 Authors : Jayasree Vaidyanathan and M Sai Baba

7 Originating School : Natural Sciences and Engineering

8 Programme : Nil

9 Collaboration : Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth, Ernakulam

10 Sponsoring Agency : Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi

11 Abstract: Education plays an important role in shaping students into good human beings. The modern system of education, which concentrates more on imparting professional skills and developing intellectual knowledge, ignores the holistic development. Imparting holistic education has become a challenge in modern times. The importance of psychological well-being, emotional health, of the students for the social-physical-cognitive-development, is well recognized. Various forms of ancient practices such as yoga, meditation, spiritual healing exist in our ancient knowledge system and encompass not only the development of “Anamaya Kosam” (constituting the physical body) but also for the mind, intellect, vitality and spirituality. All these together with balanced food and lifestyle as described in Ayurveda helps to nurture the body, mind, vital force and intellect of school children. A physically, mentally and spiritually advanced child will have enhanced self- esteem, confidence and respect through which the child would be able to deal with the challenges that are posed by modern-day life. This two day meeting discussed various aspects of Holistic development fo Children with an aim for their physical, mental and spiritual well-being”.

12 Keywords : Holistic development, children, yoga, meditation, spirituality

13 Security Classification : Unclassified

14 ISBN : Nil Conference Gallery National Institute of Advanced Studies

The National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) was conceived and established in 1988 by the vision and initiative of the late Mr. J.R.D. Tata primarily to nurture a broad base of scholars, managers and leaders to address complex and important challenges faced by society through interdisciplinary approaches. The Institute also engages in advanced multidisciplinary research in the areas of humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and engineering, as well as conflict and security studies.

Natural Sciences and Engineering National Institute of Advanced Studies Bengaluru, India