In a groundbreaking move, the Indian government has opened the doors of its prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) to students from traditional gurukuls. This initiative, titled 'Setubandha Vidwan Yojana,' aims to bridge the gap between India's ancient gurukul system and modern scientific education.
The Ministry of Education is backing the scheme, which is being implemented by the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) division of the Central Sanskrit University (CSU). It will provide research fellowships to gurukul students across 18 interdisciplinary fields, ranging from traditional areas like Ayurveda and Sanskrit grammar to modern disciplines like cognitive science, mathematics, physics, and health sciences.
Under the 'Setubandha Vidwan Yojana,' students who have studied in traditional gurukuls, even without formal academic degrees, will now have the opportunity to earn recognized qualifications and receive generous scholarships for research at premier IITs. This marks a significant shift in India's education policy, creating elite research pathways for scholars from non-formal backgrounds rooted in classical learning.
To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a minimum of five years of rigorous study in a recognized gurukul and demonstrate excellence in Shastras or traditional knowledge. The maximum age for applying is 32 years. Selected scholars will receive monthly fellowships and annual research grants. Category 1 scholars (equivalent to postgraduate level) will receive a monthly fellowship of Rs 40,000 and an annual research grant of Rs 1 lakh, while Category 2 scholars (equivalent to PhD level) will be awarded Rs 65,000 monthly and an annual grant of Rs 2 lakh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized the importance of reviving and strengthening the gurukul system while simultaneously promoting modern institutions like IITs, IIMs, and AIIMS. He has also lauded efforts to keep Indian traditions alive through teachings in Gurukuls, which embody the belief that acquiring knowledge is life's highest pursuit.
The 'Setubandha Vidwan Yojana' is a significant step towards institutional recognition of traditional knowledge systems. It acknowledges the value of integrating classical learning with modern scientific inquiry. By opening up IITs to students from gurukuls, the government aims to create a more inclusive and diverse research environment, fostering cross-disciplinary innovation. This initiative not only provides opportunities for students from non-traditional backgrounds but also enriches the IIT system by bringing in diverse perspectives and knowledge systems.
Several IITs have been actively involved in promoting Indian knowledge systems. IIT Jodhpur, for instance, has established a center dedicated to this purpose. This reflects a broader trend within the IIT system to incorporate traditional Indian knowledge into contemporary education and research. The integration of students from gurukuls into the IIT system is expected to further strengthen this trend, leading to a more holistic and culturally grounded approach to education and research.
The initiative has the potential to transform the lives of many students from underprivileged backgrounds, empowering them to pursue higher education and contribute to India's scientific and technological advancement. By providing financial support and research opportunities, the government is investing in the future of these students and the nation as a whole. This move is expected to encourage more students to pursue traditional learning while also aspiring to excel in modern fields.
