There are times in a nation’s history when Providence places before it one work, one aim, to which everything else, however high and noble in itself, has to be sacrificed. Such a time has now arrived for our motherland when nothing is dearer than her service, when everything else is to be directed to that end. If you will study, study for her sake; train yourselves body and mind and soul for her service. You will earn your living that you may live for her sake. You will go abroad to foreign lands that you may bring back knowledge with which you may do service to her. Work that she may prosper. Sri Aurobindo.

As part of the collaboration and community outreach activity, AuroBharati, Sri Aurobindo Society in Collaboration with Kanchi Mamunivar Government Institute for Post graduate Studies and Research (KMGIPSR), Government of Puducherry organized a National Symposium on Global Education, Indian Culture & Sustainability on 7th October, 2024.

On this occasion, Dr. M.E. Krishnakumar, HoD, Tamil, KMGIPGSR, Puducherry welcomed the dignitaries and speakers of the symposium and presented paper on “Global Citizenship through Education – Empowering future leaders” Dr. Srinivasan, HOD of statistics presented inaugural address. In addition to praising the Sri Aurobindo Society’s initiative, Dr. M.SELVARAJ, Director of the Kanchi Mamunivar Government Institute for Postgraduate Studies and Research (KMGIPSR), Government of Puducherry, discussed the value of culture in the fields of global education. Dr. Kasthuri, an associate professor of history, provided clarification on the Indian system of knowledge. Dr.R.Rajavelu, HOD of English spoke about Global Education and its importance for the contemporary scenario.

Dr. Kishor Kumar Tripathy, Member Secretary, AuroBharati, Sri Aurobindo Society, Puducherry, oversaw the orientation session. In the current context, Dr. Tripathy emphasized the value of global education, with particular focus on curriculum development, partnerships and collaboration, cultural awareness, global citizenship, and interdisciplinary learning. He mentioned about the vision of Global Education Advisory Council ‘Global education must prepare students to understand perspectives of other people and cultures across all grade levels and disciplines so as to be able to solve common problems and develop better working relationships.’

Dr. Tripathy spoke to the group about the importance of integrated education and how it aims to foster overall development by making connections between various academic disciplines and real-world experiences. He discussed how critical thinking, community involvement, and experiential learning are important components that can result in engaging experiences. ‘Education to be complete must have five principal aspects corresponding to the five principal activities of the human being: the physical, the vital, the mental, the psychic and the spiritual.’

During his speech, Dr. Tripathy discussed the relationship between Indian culture, global education, and cultural values and traditions. He went on to say that awareness of the common legacy and knowledge system of Indian culture promotes greater chances for cross-cultural interactions and education. He cited many instances from the Indian scriptures, explaining their meanings in the context of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. In addition, Dr. Tripathy provided creative examples of policies, development, intangible cultural heritage, and cultural diplomacy—all of which have made a significant contribution to the advancement of global education in the modern era.

The symposium program was centred on a number of topics, such as the creative arts industry, sustainability, entrepreneurship, national importance of art, and diversity of cultural expressions. A focus was placed on the establishment of a local artist ecosystem, which includes community engagement activities aimed at concurrently engaging the creative community, and on professional development programs for regional artists of all disciplines. Significant contributions held during the program.