SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday called for integrating traditional values with modern science and technology while addressing the Foundation Day celebrations of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) and the annual day of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Gurukul.
Addressing students and faculty at the event, Sinha stressed the importance of curiosity in learning and said education should go beyond imparting knowledge to inculcate values and samskara among students.
“Curiosity is the first lamp of knowledge. In our tradition, asking questions has never been regarded as a weakness,” he said, referring to the Upanishadic tradition of dialogue, reflection and experience.
The Lieutenant Governor said science and values must develop together, with science providing speed and values offering direction.
“The journey of artificial intelligence and spirituality should proceed together. Our objective should be to strengthen our roots through values and give students new wings through science,” he said.
Sinha welcomed the inclusion of modern subjects, particularly science and computer technology, in the Gurukul’s curriculum.
He also called upon the Gurukul and Shrine Board to promote environmental consciousness through water and energy conservation, tree plantation and cleanliness initiatives.
Referring to the Prithvi Sukta of the Atharvaveda, he said India’s ancient scriptures reflected a deep respect for nature and stressed the need to combine traditional knowledge with modern scientific understanding to address challenges such as climate change.
The Lieutenant Governor proposed three initiatives for the Gurukul — a Values and Science Innovation Centre to promote dialogue between Indian knowledge traditions and modern science; a Service and Society campaign to involve students in activities such as cleanliness, digital literacy and environmental protection; and a Future Skills and Ethical Technology initiative to prepare students for emerging technologies while emphasising responsibility and ethics.
Sinha said he expected the Gurukul to emerge as a centre where tradition and modernity complement each other and students develop into responsible citizens.
“Knowledge is complete only when it is accompanied by compassion, humility, and a sense of responsibility towards humanity,” he said.
He also appreciated the Shrine Board’s initiatives aimed at improving convenience, safety and facilities for devotees.
Mahamandleshwar Shri Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Dr Ashok Bhan, Shri Lalit Bhasin and Shri Suresh Kumar Sharma, members of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; Padma Shri Prof Vishwa Murti Shastri, member of the Governing Council of SMVD Gurukul; SMVDSB CEO Sachin Kumar Vaishya; Additional CEO Alok Kumar Maurya; senior officers and staff of the Shrine Board; and faculty members, parents and students of the Gurukul attended the celebrations.
