SRM University launches Aadigyan to celebrate Indian culture

The International Relations and Higher Studies office at SRM University Andhra Pradesh (SRM AP) has launched Aadigyan, an initiative to introduce India’s rich philosophy, arts, and culture to a global audience.

The Aadigyan was launched at a grand hybrid ceremony on February 26. G Kishan Reddy, minister of tourism, culture, and development of the North- Eastern region of India, was the chief guest. “It is heartening to launch Aadigyan, which marks the beginning of sharing Indian values, culture, heritage and art to a global level. I wish Aadigyan success and congratulate SRM University-AP for providing this wonderful opportunity to the world,” he said.

SRM University-AP vice-chancellor V.S. Rao launched the promo video of Aadigyan and said Aadigyan aims to integrate education with the art and culture of India.

Naga Swetha Pasupuleti, associate director, International Relations and Higher Studies, introduced the partnering institutions — ISKCON, The Art of Living, The Temple Dance, Nrityanjali, Isha Foundation, Rajyoga Education & Research Foundation, Brahma Kumaris; and Vivekananda Institute of Human Excellence, Ramakrishna Math, Hyderabad.

Introducing Project Samskriti to the students of SRM AP, Radhe Jaggi from Isha Foundation highlighted the need to nurture, conserve, and expose the majesty of traditional Indian arts when these art forms are being practised as hobbies.

As an alumnus of SRM, Radheshyam Das, founding director of VOICE (Vedic Oasis for Inspiration Culture and Education) and president of ISKCON, Pune, appreciated the efforts of SRM AP to gear education towards human-making rather than money-making.

Dance goes beyond the realm of physical reality. Indian dance forms are widely used for therapeutic purposes, highlighted Prateeksha Kashi, an Indian Kuchipudi dancer; and actress Himansee Katragadda, the founder of The Temple Dance, shared her happiness to offer Kuchipudi dance courses to the students of SRM AP.

B.K. Shivani, motivational speaker and spiritual teacher from Brahma Kumaris, elucidated the need for living in the fundamental equations of life. Brahma Kumaris will be offering courses on value education and holistic health as a part of Aadigyan.

“Let us not forget the identity and dignity of our own culture and traditions,” said Tushar Guha, the founder and chairman of Nrityanjali Group. Diversity is the basis of existence and India celebrates diversity, said Rajeev Nambiar, director of National Teachers Coordination, The Art of Living.