With a limited creature like man, the power of the environment is immense.
Sri Aurobindo
The ground-breaking event titled ‘An Interdisciplinary Approach to Achieving a Self-Reliant Curriculum and Environmental Sustainability through Education’ was collaboratively organized by SSUN and The Institution of Engineers, Chennai, Tamil Nadu on the 13th of December, 2025.
Dr. Kishor Kumar Tripathy, Member Secretary of AuroBharati, was invited to participate in the event and presented a discourse on Environmental Sustainability & Traditional Knowledge Systems: An Interdisciplinary Approach for a Self-Reliant Curriculum and Environmental Sustainability through Education”
During this event, Shri A Vinod, the National Co-ordinator of SSUN, highlighted the theme of “Atmanirbhar Bharat through Education” and underscored the importance of cultivating skills, innovation, and critical thinking in alignment with national priorities. By incorporating multidisciplinary learning, vocational training, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, and digital education, he said that India can foster self-reliant, socially responsible citizens who actively contribute to environmental sustainability and the long-term resilience of the nation.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Tripathy asserted that an interdisciplinary approach to education is crucial for developing a self-reliant curriculum that effectively addresses the challenges of environmental sustainability. He noted that integrating science, social sciences, technology, economics, ethics, and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) allows learners to grasp environmental issues in a comprehensive manner and devise locally relevant, sustainable solutions.
Emphasizing the thoughts of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother on this subject, Dr Tripathy spoke about the living and conscious force of nature, human exploitation of nature and its remedies, Integral Education, ecological sensitivity, conscious living, ecological harmony, and respect for all forms of life.
He stated that the Government of India has initiated various schemes that align education with sustainability objectives. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 encourages multidisciplinary learning and the incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS).
Programs such as the Swachh Bharat Mission, the National Mission on Clean Ganga, LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), the Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP), and the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) highlight the importance of environmental awareness, skill enhancement, and behavioral transformation through education.
Highlighting international practices, Dr. Tripathy noted that globally, nations have embraced innovative approaches. Finland incorporates sustainability into all school subjects; Germany focuses on vocational green skills and education in renewable energy; Japan fosters environmental ethics through community-based learning; and Costa Rica integrates biodiversity conservation into its national curriculum. These examples illustrate the significance of interdisciplinary and experiential learning.
Dr. Tripathy underscored that India’s extensive Indigenous Knowledge Systems provide sustainable practices in agriculture, water conservation, architecture, and biodiversity management. Traditional techniques such as rainwater harvesting, organic farming, and forest stewardship complement contemporary scientific methods and enhance self-sufficiency. Also emphasized on the works carried by AuroBharati, Sri Auerobindo Society for the promotion of IKS.
The primary challenges to environmental sustainability encompass climate change, resource depletion, urbanization, pollution, and insufficient integration into the curriculum. Nevertheless, there are opportunities in green technologies, digital education, youth engagement, and international cooperation.
He concluded by stating that India’s role on the global stage is becoming increasingly important through its leadership in the International Solar Alliance, climate diplomacy, and advocacy for sustainable lifestyles grounded in civilizational values. Through education-driven sustainability, India can make a significant contribution to global environmental resilience while promoting national self-reliance.
On this occasion, Professor D. Elango, FIE, Chairman of The Institution of Engineers (India), Dr. Velmurugan PS from CUTN, Dr. Santhosh Kumar, Dr. P. Selvaraju, Dr. C .Sairam Sundaram from SSUN, Professor Setumadhavan from CUTN, along with scholarly experts from diverse fields, exchanged perspectives on this important topic.
