Ongoing Projects

MoU with Indian Institute Of Information Technology Manipur

Our MoU with IIIT Manipur, Imphal, and the IKS Conference organized at its campus on Feb 25th and 26th 2025,We look forward to continuing our engagement with these institutions and further advancing the vision of IKS.

Bṛhat Role: Partner and Curator

niśkāma śeva (selfless social service) in Different Schools of Indic thought: Alternate Models for Mainstream Social Work”: A Two Day National Seminar | 2, 3 March 2024 | IIT Kharagpur

Abstract
In social work, ‘spirituality’ is gradually being visualised as a classical intervention (particularly in transpersonal domains) as well as in lending an epistemic base to the values and ethics of the profession. The underlying assumption is that the spiritual Self of the individual needs to be addressed and all other aspects of existence converge into or diverge from that spiritual Self.   This two-day national Seminar is scheduled to fortify the more recent social work conceptualisations of the whole person that includes ‘spirituality’ – which is reflected in the social work literature with a broadened focus to embrace it. The programme would deep dive into the centrality of ‘individual self-making ‘Self-actualization’’ to acts of ‘altruism’ that cut across the rich spiritual legacy of bhārata encompassing sanātana dharma (with its sub-traditions ‘sampraḍaya’), Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism.This is aimed at lending and advancing knowledge in mainstream social work through deliberations based on the holistic, Indic Model of selfless social service.
The registered audience would comprise students - faculty from Higher Educational Institutions, professionals – and stakeholders from the social work arena
and its allied domains. Scholars and grassroots volunteers engaged in niśkāma śeva across various Indic schools of thought will facilitate the sessions.

Principle Investigator & Project Tenure: Prof. Richa Chopra Center of Excellence for Indian Knowledge Systems, IIT Kharagpur (CoE-IKS IIT Kharagpur) | September 2023 - March 2024 

Funding Agency | Grants-in-aid: Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), Ministry of Education (MoE), Govt. of India (GoI) |  INR 4,50,000

Bṛhat Role: Knowledge Partner

Talks at Amrita School of Spiritual and Cultural Studies, Amrita University

Shri Raghava Krishna recently delivered two influential lectures at Amrita School of Spiritual and Cultural Studies, Amrita Vishwavidyapeetham in Kollam, Kerala. He enlightened the interdisciplinary faculty on 'Civilizational Policy Making' and conducted a Faculty Development Programme focusing on 'A Cognitive Shift to Solve Global Crises', emphasizing the role of Indian Knowledge Systems in tackling global issues. The enthusiastic response from faculty and students, coupled with Amma's blessings, signals a positive direction for prospective collaborative endeavors between the institutions.

Bṛhat Role: Creation and Delivery

MoU with the Indian Knowledge Systems Division, Ministry of Education

On 29th July 2023, Brhat had the honour of signing an MoU with the Indian Knowledge Systems Division, Ministry of Education at the inauguration of the Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Samagam, 2023 to further initiatives in the areas of IKS-centered education and culture-compatible public policy. 

The event was aimed to create a forum where academics, sector experts, policymakers, industry representatives, teachers, and students could come together to exchange their perspectives, success stories, and best practices in implementing the NEP 2020.

We announced two courses on this occasion: 
1. Design Thinking for Excellence in Public Services, from a civilizational perspective 
2. Nītividhāna: A course on Indic Public Leadership, moving beyond theory to practice and making culturally sensitive decisions in governance roles

Bṛhat Role: Partner and Curator

MoU with Chanakya University, Bangalore

On June 26th, 2023 - Bṛhat Educational Trust signed an MoU with Chanakya University, Bangalore as a critical stepping stone to key initiatives in the emergent space of Indian Knowledge Systems. We look forward to the manifestation of this shared vision for the young minds of Bhārata through stimulating quality education and training in IKS that can further develop a comprehensive ecosystem for teaching and learning based on time-tested indigenous principles.

Bṛhat Role: Partner and Curator

A Yoga-Vedānta Theoretical Framework of Consciousness & Cognition: Phenomenological (first person) Accounts of sādhaks from Different Indic Schools of Thought

Abstract:

In Bhārata, the accounts of ‘sanātana dharma’ extend from centuries. Within sanātana dharma’, there are many spiritual sub-traditions, generally called “sampraḍaya”. Seeking to emphasize their fidelity to Vedas, darśana (as yoga-vedānta), upaniṣads, and bhagavadgītā, these sub-traditions differ in ideology, sādhanā, rituals, and forms of worship, yet with a commonality – the centrality of ‘individual self-making and ‘Self-actualization’ to acts of altruism. The underlying assumption, being that the spiritual Self of the individual needs to be addressed, and all other aspects of existence (encompassing social) converge into, or diverge from, that spiritual Self.
The current research aims to explore the psychic processes (mental, emotional & spiritual) in the evolution of an individual through micro-oriented spiritual enculturation (as meditation, mantrā chanting, kīrtans and other practices) and its macro-oriented altruistic demonstrations (niśkāma karma) – based on first-person accounts (phenomenological) of renunciate sādhaks from the Ramakrishna order
(advaitavedānta), Baul tradition (vaiṣṇava sahajiyā) and ISKCON (gaudīya vaiṣṇavism). Insights into Consciousness and Cognition along with its manifestation as niśkāma karma - critical to the field of positive psychology and spiritually inclined social work interventions, by a grounded theory is envisioned.
Further, this groundwork is conscious of the call for future research on developing a better understanding of the nature of subjective experiences and that ‘sophisticated measures are needed’. yoga- vedānta can contribute to authentic ‘First-Person Research Methodologies’ based on their logical superstructures. Outlining scientific research directions for a ‘yoga-vedānta First Person Research Methodology framework’ will also be undertaken.

Principle Investigator & Project Tenure: Prof. Richa Chopra Center of Excellence for Indian Knowledge Systems, IIT Kharagpur (CoE-IKS IIT Kharagpur) | October 2023 - October 2025


Funding Agency | Grants-in-aid:  IKS Division of MoE, GoI | INR12,65,250

Bṛhat Role: Research & Knowledge Partners

MoU with Amrita IKS Centre at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham

On December 19th, Bṛhat Education Trust proudly entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Amrita IKS Centre at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, marking a significant step towards nurturing a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indian Knowledge Systems.

At Bṛhat, we view Indian Knowledge Systems as a universal episteme deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of our civilizational knowledge and values. The Amrita IKS Centre, a collaborative effort between the Amrita School of Ayurveda and Amrita Darshanam – Amrita Centre for Spiritual & Cultural Studies, aligns perfectly with our vision.

Students at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (AVV) have demonstrated a profound interest in exploring our cultural heritage. In response to this enthusiasm, our partnership will concentrate on several strategic areas to foster civilization-centered leadership skills among students. This includes supporting Curriculum and Capacity Building with a focus on IKS.

Our inaugural initiative under this partnership is the "Firekeepers of Civilization" program. This comprehensive module is designed to ignite wonder and curiosity while instilling a strong sense of civilizational awareness. Our goal is to prepare students for the challenges ahead by generating a deep, reflective understanding of their cultural legacy.

We are committed to meeting students and educators at their current level of understanding and guiding them through perspectives grounded in the first principles of Indian Knowledge Systems. This partnership between Bṛhat Education Trust and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is more than an agreement; it's a beacon for future generations to discover, understand, and cherish the wealth of knowledge that defines our civilization. Join us as we embark on this enlightening journey together.

Bṛhat Role: Partner and Curator

MoU with Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Viswa Mahavidyalaya, Kancheepuram

On 21st July 2025, Brhat has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Shri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Viswa Mahavidyalaya (SCSVMV) to advance the integration of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) into modern education. This collaboration will drive initiatives such as faculty development programs (FDPs) and student training modules, enabling educators and learners to engage deeply with India's intellectual traditions. The partnership reflects Brhat’s ongoing mission to make IKS accessible, contemporary, and impactful across educational spaces.

Bṛhat Role: Partner and Curator

Integrating Indian Psychology - Review and Way Forward

In a groundbreaking 3-day workshop held at the Ritambhara Retreat Centre in Bengaluru, thought leaders from key institutions such as the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems and Chanakya University convened to chart a new course for Indian Psychology. The workshop, underpinned by the profound concept of Puruṣārtha Śāstra, laid out a visionary framework for understanding and nurturing the human psyche through the lens of India's rich intellectual and spiritual traditions.

Participants undertook a critical review of the prevailing psychological landscape and its shortcomings in fostering holistic well-being. They envisaged a transformative educational model that promotes interdisciplinary learning and leverages the time-honored guru-śiṣya tradition. The collective commitment was to establish 50 specialized institutions dedicated to redefining psychology, deeply anchored in indigenous knowledge and tailored diagnostic tools focused on consciousness.

This initiative signifies a paradigm shift from a fragmented to a more integrated approach to mental health, with Brhat Education positioned at the forefront of this movement. Brhat's pivotal role in this initiative involves spearheading educational reforms, shaping curricula, and nurturing the capacity of future practitioners in Indian Psychology. This synopsis captures the essence of Brhat's mission and ongoing projects, showcasing its commitment to revolutionizing the field and fostering a society rooted Indic psychological wisdom.

Bṛhat Role: Curator and Consultant

Faculty Training Programme in IKS by the UGC

The Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Division within the Ministry of Education kick-started the first in its Faculty Training Programmes (FTP) series, a collaborative effort with the University Grants Commission (UGC), at the HRDC in Nagpur, Maharashtra. This initiative is set to be replicated across various states in the following six months at other UGC HRDCs.

The Nagpur FTP spanned from July 31st to August 5th, 2023, and was attended by around 180 faculty members from different higher education institutions. The programme offered a hands-on approach to embedding Indian Knowledge Systems in the academic curriculum, encompassing a wide range of subjects from Ayurveda to Temple Management and Inter-Civilizational discourse.

Dr. Pankaj Saxena (Co-Founder & Director of Cultural Research, Bṛhat) and Sri Raghava Krishna (Founder & CEO, Bṛhat) were among the key speakers at the event. Dr. Saxena elucidated on the Hindu Temple's integral role in sustaining civilizational memory and culture, underscoring its significance in societal functions, including economics and scholarship. Concurrently, Sri Raghava Krishna spoke on Bhārata's rich and longstanding civilization, emphasizing its ontological and epistemological traditions and their capacity to provide solutions to modern challenges, alongside their historical global impact and the importance of incorporating these traditions into current educational curricula.

Bṛhat Role: Curator and Consultant

MoU with ŚIKṢĀ: Study Centre for Indian Knowledge System for Holistic Advancement

On 23rd October 2024 to continue our efforts to promote IKS as an essential epistemic lens, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ŚIKṢĀ: Study Centre for Indian Knowledge System for Holistic Advancement, based at IIT Kanpur. We will collaborate with the center to develop IKS courses aligned with the NEP, alongside workshops and FDPs.

Bṛhat Role: Partner and Curator

MoU with Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University (BAOU)

On 4th of January we are delighted to announce our partnership with Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University (BAOU), a NAAC accredited A++ and Category 1 (UGC) university. Together, we will offer IKS-related workshops, sessions, and courses.

Bṛhat Role: Partner and Curator

Emerging interdisciplinary models based on the study of niśkāma śeva (selfless social service) in the different Indic schools of thought.

Abstract
In social work, spirituality is gradually visualised as a classical intervention (particularly in transpersonal domains) as well as in lending an epistemic base to the values and ethics of the profession. In bhārata, the accounts of ‘sanātana dharma’ extend from centuries. Within sanātana dharma, there are many spiritual sub-traditions, generally called “sampraḍaya”. Seeking to emphasize their fidelity to Vedas, darśana (as yoga-vedānta, āyurveda), upaniṣads, bhagavadgītā, these sub-traditions differ in
ideology, sādhanā, rituals, forms of worship, yet with a commonality – the centrality of ‘individual self-making and ‘Self-actualization’’ to acts of altruism. This plays a critical role in configuring the nature of the public sphere. The underlying assumption being that the spiritual Self of the individual needs to be addressed and all other aspects of existence converge into, or diverge from, that spiritual
Self.

The current research aims to
1. explore the psychic processes in the evolution of an individual through micro-oriented spiritual enculturation and its macro-oriented altruistic demonstrations (niśkāma śeva) – based on phenomenological accounts of renunciate sādhaks from Ramakrishna order (Advaita vedānta), Bauls (vaiṣṇava sahajiyā), ISKCON (gaudīya vaiṣṇavism) and the Art of Living (AOL; yoga-vedānta, āyurveda). An Indic model of niśkāma śeva - critical to spiritually inclined social work
interventions are envisioned.

2. evolve the ‘Art of Living’ as a ‘science of living’ module/theory by identification of common factors that help participants transform themselves and

3. outline scientific research directions for a ‘yoga-vedānta ‘First Person Research Methodology framework’.

Principle Investigator & Project Tenure: Prof. Richa Chopra Center of Excellence for Indian Knowledge Systems, IIT Kharagpur (CoE-IKS IIT Kharagpur) | October 2023 - October 2026

Funding Agency| Grants-in-aid: Sponsored Research and Industrial Consultancy (SRIC), IIT Kharagpur INR 24,95,900

Bṛhat Role: Collaborator

MoU with Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur

On February 19th, 2024, Brhat signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding with Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU), Kanpur, initiating a landmark collaboration. This partnership was celebrated with a week-long workshop on AI for Research in Social Sciences, starting on the auspicious occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti. The event focused on the exploration of Digital Humanities through the Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) lens, emphasizing the importance of integrating IKS into all facets of academic and policy-making activities. Vice Chancellor Vinay Kumar Pathak advocated for the foundational role of IKS in the university's departments, identifying four critical focus areas: the study of Digital Humanities with an IKS perspective, the development of an IKS-based curriculum across all streams, faculty development through IKS, and the incorporation of IKS insights into public policy. This MOU, marking the first such collaboration with a State University for Brhat, underscores CSJMU's historical interest in interdisciplinary humanities and social sciences and its partnership with the Deendayal Research Institute, demonstrating a mutual commitment to enriching contemporary academic and policy domains with traditional knowledge.

Bṛhat Role: Curator and Consultant

MoU with Auro University, Surat

On 19th October 2024, Bṛhat signed an MoU with Auro University, Surat. The MoU will have both Bṛhat and Auro University working together on offering faculty development programs (FDPs), conducting Nītividhāna (civilizational public policy program), and identifying and hosting research scholars on IKS subjects. In this critical partnership, we hope to build a future rooted in Indian wisdom, empowering educators and students alike.

Bṛhat Role: Partner and Curator

MoU with Gujarat University

On December 16, 2024, under the esteemed leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Neerja Gupta Ji a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with Gujarat University
This collaboration marks a significant step towards integrating Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) into Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs).Through this partnership, we will jointly develop curricula, design courses, organize Faculty Development Programmes (FDPs), and conduct IKS workshops.
We are committed to bringing IKS closer to all stakeholders and fostering its widespread implementation in higher education.

Bṛhat Role: Partner and Curator

Our Projects