Curiosity Is First Lamp Of Knowledge: LG

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday called for a balance between modern science and traditional values, saying science provides speed while values give direction to progress.

Addressing the Foundation Day celebrations of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and the Annual Day of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Gurukul, Sinha said the Gurukul should evolve as a centre where tradition and modernity complement each other.

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“Science gives us speed, while values give us direction and the balance between speed and direction is true progress,” he said.

Addressing students of the Gurukul, Sinha emphasised the importance of curiosity in learning and said questioning has always been an integral part of India's knowledge traditions.

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“Curiosity is the first lamp of knowledge,” he said, adding that the Upanishadic tradition was based on dialogue, reflection and experience.

He said teachers should impart not only knowledge but also values and samskara to students.

Sinha also stressed the need for science and spirituality to progress together, particularly in the age of artificial intelligence.

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“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.

Welcoming the Gurukul's inclusion of modern subjects, particularly science and computer technology, he said education must prepare students for emerging technologies while retaining a strong foundation in values.

The Lieutenant Governor also called upon the Gurukul and the Shrine Board to make environmental consciousness a way of life. He urged them to undertake initiatives related to water and energy conservation, tree plantation and cleanliness, and make the institutions examples of sustainable development.

Referring to the Prithvi Sukta of the Atharvaveda, Sinha said India's ancient scriptures reflected a deep respect for nature and emphasised the need to combine traditional knowledge with modern scientific understanding to address challenges such as climate change.

He proposed three initiatives for the Gurukul: a Values and Science Innovation Centre to facilitate dialogue between Indian knowledge traditions and modern science; a Service and Society Campaign to engage students in activities such as cleanliness, digital literacy and environmental protection; and Future Skills and Ethical Technology to prepare students for emerging technologies with a focus on responsibility and ethics.

Sinha said he was confident that the Gurukul would emerge as a centre of education where tradition and modernity enrich one another and where students develop into“aware, sensitive and virtuous 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 initiatives undertaken by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board to improve convenience, safety and facilities for devotees, saying the achievements reflected dedication, discipline and a spirit of service.

Mahamandleshwar Shri Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Dr Ashok Bhan, Lalit Bhasin and 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.

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