India’s contribution to world wisdom.      

When the legendary physicist and mathematician Schrödinger was researching on Quantum Particles – he was seemingly flummoxed by a bizarre phenomenon. These particles did not exist as we imagine them to be – but exist everywhere and nowhere at once. It is only the act of measurement by which they can be said to exist at a particular place. He then turned to the ancient scriptures of India. Our ancient sage perhaps contemplated what Quantum physics discovered – Reality exists only through perception. Only when we measure (perceive) a particle does it exist. Such has been the strength of our ancient philosophical systems.
India has throughout the ages and to the present day contributed immensely in all fields of human endeavor and wisdom – from politics to philosophy, society and religion to scientific thought. This essay seeks to explore India’s various contributions spanning across the millennia and down to the present day.
AN ANCIENT CIVILIZATION
Our ancient philosophers and systems of philosophy were the most advanced of their times. Our treatises on ethics, morals, and philosophy formed the basis of civilization albeit through the greats.
A real breakthrough in philosophical thought came with the Upanishads dealing with complex subjects like soul, ethics, meaning of life etc.
So relevant are its doctrines that they can be applied even today. Our ancient religions of Buddhism and Jainism profoundly impacted contemporary thinking – in all spheres from politics, society, economy and religion. Its philosophy of ‘Anck advada’ or many perspectives today finds echo in post-modernism.
A real innovational landmark came through in Kautilya’s ‘Arthashastra’. This treatise influenced contemporary wisdom on the relations between rulers and ruled. Much before Locke and Hobbes social contract – our ancient wisdom postulated the fundamental truth – The governance system should work for the good of the governed.
The existence of multiple sects and religions – their intermingling and royal patronage to all taught the world the importance and utility of tolerance and mutual respect.
Our innovations in Democracy in the form of ganas, sanghas and sasha or samitis much before the great Republics had valuable lessons for the world to learn.
Our wisdom wasn’t only confined to the theoretical sphere – the innovations in all fields of science helped the world grow by leaps and bounds. Albert Einstein then remarked “No material progress would have seen possible without the Indians, who gave us the concept of maths – the foundation of all modern discoveries”.
Brahmagupta wrote about the concept of zero – today seeming mundane. But even today describing the concept is hard if tried by an average person. Our ancient astronomers like Aryabhatta turned conventional wisdom on its head by demonstrating that the Earth revolves around the sun – much before Galileo and other western astronomers.
The ancient systems of medicine like Ayurveda and Yoga are practiced even today despite growth of modern medicine. This is because our philosophers & medical experts know that health is holistic in nature. In this way our main contribution towards conventional wisdom on healthcare.
WISDOM THROUGH THE AGES
Even our medieval period saw our society contribute much to the world. Our most important teaching for the world was the lesson of religious tolerance and spirit of brotherhood and comity. The flourishing traditions of Bhakti and sufi movement in the Indian sub-continent are testament to the fact.
While there were instances of religious persecution there were an exception – and mainly linked to secular and political motives.
The great kings like Akbar, Krishna Deva Raya, Sher Shah Suri Built powerful and prosperous bring dorms. Their innovations in statecraft- influenced monarchs for years to come – even the British essentially reforming their revenue system. Akbar’s policy of ‘suh – i – kul’ or religious peace offer much to learn.
Even our great achievements in art & cultural sphere influenced architects & builder all over the world. Movements like the Taj Mahal today stand as a marker of our exemplary success.
ANCIENT WISDOM IN CONTEMPORARY TIMES
Today we continue to vindicate our ancient wisdom by applying it in practice today and serving as an inspiration to the world.
We applied our ancient wisdom of peaceful coexistence in the form of non-aligned movement in field of International relations. India demonstrated how idealism can be applied in a practical manner while preserving national interest.
Politically, India more than any other nation has demonstrated how Democracy can work under all circumstances – what we require is a will and commitment to such principles.
The traditional notion of democracy being only for developed countries have been banished as a myth by India – it is now a shining example for all other aspiring democracies
The world also has much to learn from our plural and diverse society. India today has over 2,000 languages, at least 8 major & many minor religions, thousands of tribes. The amount of diversity is unrivaled by any country on Earth- yet Despite this staggering diversity, India as a society has existed peacefully and successfully. A mantra of ‘unity in diversity’ has much to teach the world on finding commonalities.
The way we have handled our Religious differences can be emulated by culture world over. Thus France which is today facing a situation of heightened religious tensions can learn from the ‘Indian Brand of secularism’.
Socially – India stands committed to social and economic justice. Our protective discrimination policies can serve as a source of wisdom world over. The ‘Black lives matter’ movement can perhaps be dealt with by providing reservations in police forces.
Culturally – our commitment to Non-violence has been an integral part of it. from the deep imprint of Buddhism & Jainism to the present day teachings of Mahatma Gandhi have left a deep imprint on our psyche. The world community has often been inspired by our non-violent struggle for freedom – inspiring Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela Caney on their struggle against injustice.
Even our economic wisdom of saving and planning ahead helped India tide over the 2008 economic crisis. Today India serves as a shining example of economic growth for the world.
However, despite India contributing a lot – India also has a lot to learn and has indeed learnt from the world. This has always been our greatest strength – learning from all diverse traditions and thoughts from all around the world. Thus the free flow of ideas between our glorious nation & the world must continue as it always did.
From Ancient to modern times India has assimilated new cultures in turn forming a new unique culture – whose main source of strength stems from its diversity. This diversity has been a source of wisdom for the entire world. Today with increasing protectionism and xenophobia around the world – this is the best lesson that India can offer the world. Even the ancients recognized this when they said ‘Vasudev Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family).
India recognizes its ancient legacy and modern responsibility and will continue to serve humanity as one.