Dr. Thakur Sudesh Kumar Raunija, a distinguished ISRO scientist and committed social worker who is the man behind the world’s unique platform i.e. Shiksha Mahakumbh Abhiyan in conversation with BW Team, sharing his views on this Abhiyan.
Q: What was the inspiration behind founding the Shiksha Mahakumbh Abhiyan, and how do you see it addressing the educational challenges India faces today?
A: The inspiration behind Shiksha Mahakumbh Abhiyan stems from the realisation that nowhere in the world a global platform apart from Olympic do exist. And this is also limited to sports only which is a small dimension of education as whole. This kind of practice did exist in ancient Bharat in terms of Kumbh culture which witnessed the gatherings of all dimensions of human life. This vast educational potential lies in the glorious history of Bharat remains untapped due to several reasons. Some of them are regional disparities, distorted history due to invaders’ influence, outdated modern curricula, and insufficient collaboration between academic institutions, industries and society. With a focus on bringing together thought leaders, policymakers, educators, and students and bridging the gap between modern technologies and ancient cultural heritages, Shiksha Mahakumbh provides a platform for dialogue and knowledge sharing across multiple sectors, enabling holistic education reforms. The Abhiyan is designed to address Bharat’s educational challenges by fostering innovation, making education more inclusive, and ensuring that it is aligned with the demands of the modern world.
Dr. Thakur SKR along with Prof. Rajeev Ahuja interacting with Hon’ble President of Bharat on Shiksha Mahakumbh Abhiyan
Q: Your journey from a prominent scientist at ISRO to a life coach and author is quite unique. How has your scientific background influenced your approach to education and societal upliftment?
A: My scientific background has provided me with a methodical approach to problem-solving and innovation. At ISRO, precision, collaboration, and foresight were integral to every mission, and these principles have shaped my vision for education. The same attention to detail and emphasis on exploration and discovery that drove my work in space science now informs my approach to education. I believe that, like rocket science, education should be about expanding the mind, fostering curiosity, and equipping individuals with the skills to navigate an evolving world. My transition to societal upliftment has been driven by the conviction that education is the most powerful tool for transforming lives. The chaos in modern era across the globe can be sustained through culture and skill based education.
Q: You’ve been involved in curriculum design and creating new courses. How do you ensure that the curriculum stays relevant to the needs of the current and future job markets?
A: Ensuring curriculum relevance is a dynamic process. It involves continuous engagement with industry experts, academic scholars, and students to understand the evolving demands of the job market. I emphasise the integration of emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and data science into educational frameworks, ensuring that students acquire not only theoretical knowledge but also practical, market-ready skills. Furthermore, the curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and entrepreneurship, preparing students for roles that may not even exist today but will be crucial in the future economy.
Q: In addition to your work in the field of semiconductors and materials, you've also pioneered socio-educational initiatives. How do you manage to balance such diverse fields of work?
A: Disciplined lifestyle which I inherited from my grand parents play a crucial role in it. Further, I do practise the power of energy generation, conservation and direction. This very things helps in balancing diverse fields. My work in semiconductors and materials, while technical, complements my educational initiatives because both are grounded in the idea of development and innovation. I see these fields as interconnected — advances in science and technology directly impact education and societal progress. Delegation and collaboration are key to managing multiple endeavours. I work with dedicated teams for each project, allowing me to stay focused on the larger vision while ensuring that each initiative progresses effectively.
Q: Shiksha Mahakumbh emphasises holistic education. Could you elaborate on the key components of this holistic approach, and how it can transform traditional education systems?
A: Holistic education integrates intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual development, moving beyond rote learning. The key components include experiential learning, interdisciplinary studies, value-based education, and an emphasis on emotional intelligence. By incorporating traditional knowledge systems alongside modern scientific thought, holistic education nurtures well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also socially responsible and empathetic. This approach has the potential to transform traditional education by making it more inclusive, adaptive to individual needs, and relevant to societal and global challenges.
Q: With the rapid advancements in technology and the increasing role of AI, how do you envision the future of education, and what role will initiatives like Shiksha Mahakumbh play in shaping that future?
A: The future of education will be characterised by personalised learning paths, enabled by AI and other technological advancements. AI will allow for more adaptive learning systems that cater to individual strengths and weaknesses, enhancing student engagement and outcomes. Shiksha Mahakumbh, through its emphasis on holistic and value-driven education, will ensure that while we harness technology, we do not lose sight of the human aspect of learning. By fostering innovation in education and encouraging collaboration between academia, industry, and government, Shiksha Mahakumbh will play a crucial role in shaping a future where technology complements, rather than replaces, human creativity and critical thinking.
