July 30, 2025

The Indian government has taken a transformative step in education by launching the 'Setubandha Vidwan Yojana', aiming to harmonize centuries-old wisdom derived from traditional gurukuls with contemporary academic and scientific inquiry. This initiative opens doors for students schooled in these ancient education systems, providing them a pathway to earn recognized qualifications and significant scholarships for advanced research at premier institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). The 'Setubandha Vidwan Yojana' is backed by the Ministry of Education, administered by the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) division of the Central Sanskrit University (CSU). It focuses on bridging traditional learning and modern academic disciplines, emphasizing the importance of traditional scholars in today's educational landscape. This initiative represents a seismic shift in India’s educational framework, making elite research opportunities accessible to individuals with non-formal backgrounds. Under this new program, scholarships of up to Rs 65,000 per month are available across 18 interdisciplinary fields. These range from Ayurveda to cognitive science and architecture to political theory, to grammar, performing arts, mathematics, physics, and health sciences. This range underscores the government's commitment to recognizing the value of diverse fields emanating from traditional studies. According to a senior official from the Ministry of Education, 'Setubandha is the first national-level program to formally integrate traditional scholars into the research ecosystem of IITs, without insisting on conventional degrees.' The eligibility for this program requires a minimum of five years of rigorous study in a recognized gurukul and demonstrable excellence in Shastras or traditional knowledge, rather than standard academic qualifications. Additionally, applicants must not be older than 32 years. The scholarship structure further differentiates two categories based on academic equivalence. Scholars under Category 1, which equates to postgraduate level, will receive a monthly fellowship of Rs 40,000 and an annual research grant of Rs 1 lakh. Meanwhile, Category 2, which is equivalent to PhD level, offers a monthly fellowship of Rs 65,000 and an annual grant of Rs 2 lakh. Some of the specific research areas recognized under this initiative include Anvikshiki Vidya (philosophy and cognitive science), Ganit-Bhaut-Jyotish Vidya (mathematics, physics, astronomy), and Bhaishajya and Arogya Vidya (Ayurveda and health sciences). These fields have been selected based on their relevance and growing global interest in areas like Ayurveda, yoga, and indigenous governance systems. The establishment of this program is a significant acknowledgment of traditional knowledge systems, which have historically operated outside formal academic structures. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes the integration of Indian Knowledge Systems into mainstream curricula and encourages cross-disciplinary studies rooted in the country’s rich intellectual heritage. This addition aims not only to empower traditional scholars but also to enrich the modern research landscape with centuries-old insights and practices. With this initiative, the government intends to leverage traditional wisdom for modern applications in science, technology, and social policy. The educational landscape in India is evolving, and the 'Setubandha Vidwan Yojana' could be a pivotal moment in reshaping how traditional knowledge is perceived and utilized in this new age of academia. By fostering an inclusive ecosystem, this program aspires to create harmonious bridges between ancient wisdom and modern scientific inquiry, potentially leading to innovative solutions to contemporary challenges. Overall, the 'Setubandha Vidwan Yojana' is a promising step towards not just preserving traditional learning but actively incorporating it into the fabric of India’s higher education and research frameworks, nurturing a rich blend of past wisdom and future potential.

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Tags: Traditional education, Gurukuls, Scholarships, Iits, Setubandha vidwan yojana, Indian knowledge system,