India has a rich legacy of practices and knowledge touching different spheres of life and a scientific heritage traversing various Science & Technology (S&T) domains. The traditional knowledge of India is available in various forms such as classical texts, manuscripts and/or as oral communication that has been passed on over thousands of years. This valuable knowledge is often part of our daily practices as well. Some of the traditional practices are livelihood means of the concerned knowledge holders. Our traditional practices exist in synergy between human needs and nature, often balancing resources and requirements in a local context. However, with time, India’s Traditional Knowledge Systems are eroding rapidly, and the nation has also been witnessing erosion in people’s faith towards our traditional knowledge. A grave concern is the mindless attitude of some to mimic non-Indian cultures and disdain for our traditions. It’s important to recognize that traditional heritage is an integral part of any country’s development and progression. This calls for necessary attention and action from the concerned stakeholders in the country to build further on our scientific inheritance. Only a well-informed and balanced society can drive the advancement of the country.

Under the visionary leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister and President, CSIR Society, Shri Narendra Modi, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is spearheading the efforts to collaborate with the relevant partners from across the country and implement the national initiative SVASTIK (Scientifically Validated Societal Traditional Knowledge) for communicating India’s traditional knowledge to the society. CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) is the nodal organization to implement this national initiative.

The prime mission of the initiative is to conserve scientifically validated traditional practices, and instil confidence in citizens regarding the scientific values of our traditional knowledge/practices.

We invite the suggestions of academicians, researchers, subject-matter experts, students, NGOs, and the public on how to instil confidence in society about our traditional knowledge and practices. This will help us in our mission to inculcate a scientific temper and instil confidence in citizens by stimulating the Science-Scientist-Society connect towards our traditional knowledge and practices.

Click here to read more about the SVASTIK Initiative of CSIR-NIScPR. (PDF 1519 KB)
Or visit the website - https://niscpr.res.in/nationalmission/svastik

How much are you aware of our traditional knowledge and practices? Participate in MyGov quiz and check your awareness of the traditional knowledge of India. Quiz Link: https://quiz.mygov.in/quiz/quiz-on-indian-traditional-knowledge/

The last date to share your ideas and suggestions is 31st August 2022.