Chinmay Pade is a senior research scholar at the Department of Design at IIT Delhi. He’s currently pursuing research in the spatial reimagination of learning spaces at primary schools through integration of virtual reality. He recently participated in a Metaretreat organised by INDICA on Pedgagogy at Thiruvanamallai.
What were the main takeaways from the Metaretreat for you?
The Metaretreat provided a profoundly immersive and productive experience, packed with valuable knowledge and meaningful interactions over three days. A key takeaway was the opportunity to learn from the speakers whose perspectives on evidence based approaches were particularly insightful, prompting a deeper look at personal identity. The carefully structured environment, characterized by kindness and care, fostered a strong sense of belonging and support. This created an atmosphere where learning felt organic and engaging, highlighting the importance of such a setting for maximizing the impact of the discussions.
Diverse and thought-provoking conversations were a central element of the retreat, spanning a range of fields from history and architecture to pedagogy and technology integration. The chance to observe every individual’s humility and unique approach to education and pedagogy was deeply inspiring, underscoring the value of learning from diverse models. Furthermore, the retreat emphasized the importance of varied perspectives, particularly those combining fields such as medicine and classical languages, alongside explorations of contemporary global issues and technology's role in education. This fostered a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex challenges and possibilities within the domain of pedagogy. The Metaretreat also provided an invaluable platform for interaction with experts in the field and closeknit group discussions, facilitating a deeper exploration of complex ideas, where concepts were rigorously explored, refined, and challenged, and creating a focused atmosphere where ideas could be chiselled through rigorous discussion, shaping a clearer path forward, and fostering a collective understanding of the complex challenges and opportunities within our field.
The overall experience sparked a desire for continued growth and application of the knowledge gained, prompting a wish to seek further guidance and mentorship. Gratitude was felt for the hospitality, the thoughtfully designed space, and a sense of spiritual connection that permeated the retreat. I feel blessed by Arunachala Shiva, whose constant grace made all this possible. This transformative experience concluded with a strong sense of excitement and commitment to actively contribute to the objectives discussed, and a positive anticipation for the journey ahead.
What attracted you to IKS?
A primary motivation for engagement with the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) stems from a desire to explore the extensive depth and breadth of India's indigenous knowledge traditions. The potential to understand the world through a lens informed by this unique intellectual heritage, integrating diverse fields such as history, architecture, pedagogy, and technology within a unified framework, presents a compelling opportunity for research. IKS, further, represents a crucial rediscovery and revitalization of traditional wisdom, offering perspectives that possess considerable contemporary relevance. Investigation into traditional educational models, and their potential adaptation to address modern challenges, forms a significant focus of inquiry. The inherent interdisciplinary nature of IKS encourages exploration of the interconnectedness within various fields of the Indian tradition, including the sciences, arts, philosophy, and technology, aiming toward a more integrated worldview.
A significant motivation also lies in the rediscovery and revitalization of traditional wisdom embedded within IKS. This includes the documentation and preservation of endangered knowledge, reinterpreting ancient concepts in light of modern contexts, and promoting widespread awareness of India's intellectual heritage. Furthermore, the inherent interdisciplinary nature of IKS encourages research that bridges traditional disciplinary boundaries. This involves exploring the interconnectedness between various fields such as science, art, philosophy, and technology within the Indian tradition. I particularly seek to develop integrated frameworks that unify these diverse elements, fostering collaborative projects and a more holistic worldview. A core motivation is to contribute to the evolution of these culturally rooted traditions. This involves understanding their contemporary significance, promoting cultural preservation and revitalization efforts, and examining the way IKS interacts with global knowledge systems. Research into IKS seeks not only to understand the past but to actively shape a more nuanced, inclusive, and culturally aware vision for the future. Moreover, IKS offers a pathway to connect with and contribute to the evolution of rich, culturally rooted traditions, understanding their contemporary significance within a global context.
How can we connect Indian pedagogy to modern design
The integration of Indian pedagogical principles with modern design methodologies presents a compelling avenue for creating more holistic, ethical, and culturally resonant solutions. A critical point of convergence lies in the concept of anubhava, or experiential learning, which suggests a reorientation of the design process to incorporate direct engagement with environments, materials, and communities, moving beyond purely theoretical models and embracing fieldwork, immersive workshops, and collaborative building techniques. Further, the principle of sarvangeena vikas, emphasizing holistic development, encourages a design practice that considers not just functionality and aesthetics but also the social, cultural, and environmental contexts, ensuring that designed spaces and products foster intellectual, physical, emotional, and spiritual growth. The intentional embedding of values, or samskara, into design solutions, offers another crucial point of intersection, where designers are urged to evaluate the ethical and social implications of their creations, promoting sustainable practices and encouraging mindful consumption. Additionally, the incorporation of deshi jnana, or local knowledge, can make design more culturally relevant and environmentally sustainable by utilizing indigenous materials and techniques and drawing inspiration from local art forms. Finally, the integration of narrative through katha enhances design communication, allowing for a deeper conveyance of the meaning and purpose behind design solutions by contextualizing products and systems within meaningful narratives that resonate with human experiences. This approach presents a framework that values a balance between functionality, aesthetics, cultural relevance, and ethical impact, moving beyond purely utilitarian notions of modern design and incorporating enduring wisdom from Indian pedagogical thought.
Have you done research on finding cultural solutions to modern issues.
Yes, exploring cultural solutions to modern issues is an area I've engaged with, but before delving into specific examples, it's crucial to understand the distinct avenues through which research in the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) domain is approached. The research in IKS can me majorly classified in three different avenues as follows;
The "research through IKS" approach represents a methodological shift that utilizes the inherent knowledge within Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) as a primary framework for addressing contemporary challenges. This approach moves beyond using IKS as merely a subject of study or source of inspiration, instead employing its principles and perspectives as active tools for analysis, design, and problem-solving. It involves identifying the core tenets of a particular IKS and applying them as a lens through which to reframe existing problems, re-evaluate conventional methodologies, and generate novel solutions. This necessitates a deep engagement with the theoretical and practical dimensions of the chosen IKS, treating it as a dynamic and living system that can inform and guide the research process. The core focus is to leverage the unique insights, values, and perspectives embedded in IKS to challenge and enrich current understandings, ultimately transforming the research process itself and enabling a different perspective in problem solving. It prioritizes not just learning about IKS, but learning from IKS.
The "research into IKS" approach, on the other hand, focuses on the systematic and rigorous investigation of IKS as a subject of study in its own right. This involves detailed scholarly analysis, employing a range of research methods, to uncover the historical, philosophical, and practical dimensions of IKS. It aims to develop a nuanced understanding of the various knowledge systems, their evolution, and their underlying principles. This approach emphasizes critical engagement, questioning assumptions, and scrutinizing the validity of claims associated with IKS, thereby contributing to a comprehensive and scholarly understanding.
The "research for IKS" avenue focuses on the application of knowledge generated through research to directly benefit and revitalize IKS and its related practices. It prioritizes practical solutions, community engagement, and the translation of research findings into actionable change. This approach is oriented toward ensuring the continued relevance and application of IKS in the modern world by addressing contemporary problems, preserving traditional practices, and generating new knowledge that is relevant for future generations. It thus provides a concrete pathway to preserve and promote IKS, moving from academic understanding to active benefit.
Our ongoing research, which explores the potential of traditional Gurukul spatial design to revolutionize modern learning environments, embodies a multifaceted engagement with Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS). This research, driven by the idea that spatial arrangements significantly impact learning, investigates how the unique design and architectural elements of Gurukuls fostered holistic development. We approach this exploration by initially using the Gurukul's spatial principles as a primary lens, not just as a source of inspiration, but as a foundational framework for analyzing and redesigning contemporary learning spaces, with the philosophies embedded in Gurukul design becoming the method through which we assess modern educational environments. This allows us to extract and adapt these principles into novel, culturally relevant, and effective solutions for child-centric learning, treating the Gurukul model as a dynamic design guide.
Our ongoing work envisions a framework for developing learning environments that are more than just classrooms. We seek to create spaces that actively nurture the whole child. We are continually seeking to bridge the wisdom of the past with the needs of the present, to design spaces that not only enhance learning outcomes but also promote a sense of connection, well-being, and a lifelong love for learning. This research is an active effort to transform the way we understand and design process , one space at a time, by combining the rich heritage of Gurukul design with the latest thinking in child-centric and sustainable design.
What is the role of IITs in promoting IKS?
As a research scholar within the IIT, I see a multifaceted role for our institution in the promotion of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS). Our unique position, characterized by a strong emphasis on technology, research, and innovation, provides a distinct opportunity to bridge the gap between traditional wisdom and contemporary applications. One crucial role lies in the rigorous research and systematic documentation of IKS, involving dedicated centers or programs within the IIT that focus on analyzing various aspects like traditional medicine, architecture, mathematics, and agriculture. This research must employ integration of traditional as well as modern scientific methodologies to validate the principles inherent in these practices, potentially utilizing archaeological investigations, material analysis, data modeling, and ethnographic studies, in order to move beyond anecdotal understanding.
Furthermore, IITs have a responsibility to integrate IKS into the core curriculum, ensuring that future generations of technologists and scientists appreciate India’s rich intellectual methodologies and heritage. This involves creating interdisciplinary courses, incorporating IKS case studies into engineering problem solving. This integration could cultivate a more holistic and culturally sensitive approach to technology and innovation. Beyond the academic, our institution is uniquely poised to drive the development of technological applications based on IKS principles, translating traditional knowledge into modern solutions. This would involve the creation of eco-friendly construction materials, sustainable agricultural practices, new medicines based on traditional remedies, or the design of intelligent systems inspired by traditional Indian logic and mathematics.
Another critical role lies in fostering interdisciplinary research by creating teams that bring together experts across various fields to study IKS from diverse perspectives. Such collaboration promotes a more comprehensive understanding and the innovative application of traditional and modern knowledge systems. IITs must play a key role in translating research outcomes into real-world impact by promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. This could include creating incubation centres and funding startups focused on commercializing IKS based frameworks, products, and technologies. Our role also extends to creating collaborative networks and partnerships with traditional knowledge holders, communities, and other institutions, ensuring that research is respectful and that IKS is made accessible to a wide audience. Through public awareness and outreach programs, IITs can help foster an appreciation of IKS, highlighting its relevance and value for modern society. Therefore, my perspective as a research scholar is that IITs have a vital role in actively engaging in rigorous study, integration, and innovation, ultimately preserving, promoting, and applying the richness of IKS.
