Dehradun, May 5
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday held a high-level meeting at the Secretariat to review plans for the comprehensive development and expansion of the Madan Mohan Malaviya Institute of Oriental Research at Rishikul, Haridwar. The meeting discussed in detail the vision to develop the institute as a global center for Indian knowledge traditions, ancient sciences, culture, and modern research. The Chief Minister said that Uttarakhand is not only the land of faith and spirituality but also of sages, wisdom, and scientific thought. Giving a new identity to this important institute at Rishikul, Haridwar is a priority of the state government.
The Chief Minister directed officials to begin work on the institute immediately and ensure its completion before the Kumbh Mela. The Tourism Department will act as the nodal department. He instructed Principal Secretary R.K. Sudhanshu to hold fortnightly meetings with departmental secretaries to monitor progress. Alongside development, special attention must be given to heritage preservation. Activities based on folk art from all districts of the state should also be included.
The Chief Minister instructed that the institute should develop modern systems of research and study in Vedic mathematics, sciences embedded in the Vedas, philosophy of the Upanishads, Indian logic, environmental science, and life values. He emphasized that India gave the world significant mathematical concepts such as zero, the decimal system, algebra, and trigonometry. The contributions of great scholars like Aryabhata, Brahmagupta, and Varahamihira should be integrated into research and education. The meeting also discussed establishing special study centers on astronomy, metallurgy, agricultural science, and environmental conservation. The Chief Minister noted that ancient India had advanced knowledge in metallurgy, water management, organic farming, and climate-based agriculture, which should be connected with modern research and passed on to the new generation.
Dhami further said that in today’s time, it is essential to bring the moral teachings, discipline, sense of duty, and human values described in the Vedas and Upanishads to society. The institute should become a center not only of education but also of values and nation-building. He directed that facilities such as a digital manuscript preservation center, modern library, research laboratories, seminar halls, and e-learning systems be established.
During the meeting, discussions were also held on promoting in-depth study of branches of Indian knowledge and developing the institute as a hub for tourism, Ayurveda, astrology, and yoga education. It was informed that traditions of knowledge, yoga, meditation, and Indian spirituality will be established at the institute as a global center. The academic section will include a Shruti Center for Vedas, Upanishads, and classical knowledge traditions; a Philosophy Center for deep exploration of Indian philosophy and consciousness; an Ayu Center for Ayurveda and holistic health sciences to promote balanced living; a Science Center for Indian knowledge systems and traditional sciences; and an Art Center for vibrant expression of Indian art, culture and aesthetic traditions.
