Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh said here today fusion of traditional knowledge with modern technology could give India’s advantage over others.
The Minister underscored the transformative potential of blending India’s ancient wisdom with contemporary scientific innovations while speaking at the celebration of five years of the Science and Heritage Research Initiative (SHRI).
Organized by the Department of Science and Technology, the event celebrated the strides made in preserving and modernizing India’s rich heritage. The Minister highlighted this fusion as India’s unparalleled strength in achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh speaking during an event to celebrate five years of the “Science and Heritage Research Initiative” (SHRI) at New Delhi.
Dr. Jitendra Singh lauded India’s heritage as a treasure trove of knowledge, with nearly 5 million ancient manuscripts, palm-leaf inscriptions, and thousands of historically significant monuments such as Konark, Khajuraho, and Chola temples etc. Each, he said, is a testament to India’s scientific prowess, architecture, and innovation. “No other country in the world has such an extensive and ancient repository of wisdom. This is our unique strength, and we must harness it to lead globally,” he remarked.
He pointed to key initiatives under SHRI, such as non-invasive techniques for heritage preservation, digitalizing the Ajanta caves, and artifact restoration. These efforts, he said, not only preserve India’s legacy but also showcase how heritage and technology can coexist to pave the way for societal progress.
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the government’s commitment to synergizing traditional knowledge with cutting-edge technologies, a philosophy consistently championed by Prime Minister Modi. “India’s journey in leveraging its heritage alongside modern science has seen milestones like the creation of the Ayush Ministry, Aroma Mission, and Hydrogen Mission,” he said. He noted the government’s work in digitalizing traditional knowledge under the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), making it accessible for global research while ensuring its protection from misuse.
He cited examples of successful fusion, including the Lavender Revolution through CSIR’s Aroma Mission, which transformed the lives of farmers in Jammu and Kashmir, and projects like Deep Sea Mission and Hydrogen Mission that draw inspiration from India’s ecological heritage. “These examples show how India’s traditional wisdom complements the most advanced scientific innovations to address today’s challenges,” he explained.
Dr. Jitendra Singh referenced Prime Minister Modi’s global initiatives, such as International Yoga Day, which has been celebrated annually since 2015 with support from 190 countries. “This global acceptance of Yoga demonstrates India’s ability to translate its heritage into universal solutions, setting a precedent for other traditional knowledge systems to gain global recognition,” he stated.
The Minister urged Indian scientific institutions to adopt global benchmarks and strategies to showcase India’s achievements. “If we aspire to lead the world by 2047, we must not only innovate but also gain global acceptance for our work. Traditional knowledge, when scientifically validated and marketed effectively, will become India’s most valuable global asset,” he said.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the need to integrate scientific innovation with livelihood opportunities, particularly through traditional crafts and skills. He urged greater alignment between government schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Scheme and heritage preservation efforts. This scheme, he explained, offers training, tools, and financial support for artisans, ensuring that traditional crafts not only survive but thrive as sustainable sources of income.
He also called for more collaboration between scientific institutions, startups, and private enterprises to create market-driven solutions for traditional knowledge systems. “From creating start-ups around ancient crafts to developing AI-powered heritage conservation tools, India has the potential to lead in innovation that respects its cultural roots,” he said.
Science and Heritage Research Initiative (SHRI): Celebrating Five Years of Progress
