It’s a sunny afternoon, and four friends—Radhika, Avantika, Mohan, and Bhagyashri—are enjoying a relaxed day in a quiet corner of a park. Radhika and Avantika, both enthusiastic students of Sanskrit and Vedic literature, have been learning about the ancient Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) through the Vedas and Upanishads. Their friends, Mohan and Bhagyashri, know a bit about these topics but are curious to know more.
The Conversation Begins
Mohan: So, you two have been studying the Vedas and Upanishads? What’s that like? I mean, they’re so ancient! Do they really have anything to offer us now?
Radhika: Absolutely, Mohan! The Vedas and Upanishads offer timeless wisdom on life, the universe, and the mind. They've truly changed my perspective.
Bhagyashri: Changed how, Radhika? I’ve always thought of them as, you know, religious texts. Isn’t it just about rituals and hymns?
Avantika: That’s what a lot of people think, Bhagyashri, but the Vedas and Upanishads are much more than that! While the Vedas do contain hymns and rituals, they also cover concepts in science, philosophy, and even psychology. The Upanishads, especially, are deeply philosophical—they explore the nature of existence, the self, and the ultimate truth, or Brahman.
The Wisdom of the Vedas and Upanishads
Mohan: Wow, that sounds intense! So, you’re saying the Vedas aren’t just about chanting and ceremonies?
Radhika: Right! The Vedas are divided into different sections, each with its purpose. For example, the Rigveda contains hymns, but the Atharvaveda has insights on medicine and healing. They’re like encyclopedias of wisdom. And then, the Upanishads dive into deep questions about life: Who am I? What’s my purpose? How do I find peace? Questions we all have at some point, right?
Avantika: Yes, exactly! The Upanishads talk about the importance of self-awareness and control over desires and emotions. It’s a journey inward. One idea I love is from the Chandogya Upanishad—Tat Tvam Asi, or “You are That.” It teaches that there’s a divine essence within us, the same essence that pervades the universe.
Making It Relevant to Today’s Youth
Bhagyashri: That sounds beautiful, Avantika, but how do you apply it to daily life? I mean, I still have to handle assignments, social media, and so many distractions. How do the Vedas help with that?
Avantika: Good question! It’s true that we face new challenges today, but the Vedic teachings give us tools to handle them. For instance, there’s a concept in the Upanishads about the mind as a chariot. The charioteer, which is our intellect, must control the horses, which are our senses, to stay on the right path. This idea has helped me manage distractions and stay focused.
Radhika: Yes! Learning to control your mind and desires is so relevant. Another concept I love is from the Bhagavad Gita, which also carries Vedic teachings: Karma Yoga, or the path of selfless action. It means doing your best without getting obsessed with the results. It’s a great lesson for dealing with exam stress or even career goals.
Career and Professional Opportunities in Vedic Knowledge
Mohan: But that makes me wonder, what about career prospects? I mean, sure, the philosophy is interesting, but what if someone wanted to build a career around this knowledge?
Avantika: Funny you should ask, Mohan! With the new National Education Policy (NEP 2020), there’s a strong focus on incorporating Indian Knowledge Systems, or IKS, into mainstream education. This means the demand for Vedic and Sanskrit experts is actually set to grow in the coming years.
Bhagyashri: Really? That’s fascinating! So, what kind of careers are we talking about?
Avantika: Well, there are a lot of options! You could become a Vedic scholar or Vedic or Sanskrit faculty in schools and universities, especially since more institutions are introducing IKS into their curriculum. There’s a demand for translators and content creators who can bring these texts to a modern audience, making them more accessible.
Radhika: You can also work as a spiritual consultant or advisor. Many people are seeking spiritual guidance, and with Vedic knowledge, you could help them connect to ancient wisdom in a way that’s meaningful to them. And then, there’s research. Universities, both in India and internationally, are investing in studying Indian Knowledge Systems, so you could pursue a career as a researcher or author.
Avantika: And let’s not forget that businesses and wellness industries are increasingly looking to ancient wisdom. For example, Ayurvedic knowledge from the Atharvaveda is popular in holistic health, so with a foundation in Vedic literature, you could work in wellness or Ayurvedic consulting.
The Impact of Vedic Studies on Personal Growth
Bhagyashri: That’s incredible! I didn’t realize there were so many options. But apart from careers, how else has studying the Vedas and Upanishads changed you both personally?
Radhika: Oh, in so many ways! For one, I’m less reactive now. There’s a verse in the Isha Upanishad that says, “All this is enveloped by the Lord.” It reminds me to see divinity in everything. When I look at the world through this lens, I feel a deeper connection to others, to nature, and even to myself.
Avantika: Yes, and it also helps me stay centered. The Vedic teachings encourage mindfulness and balance. Rather than being swept up by every emotion, I’ve learned to observe them and respond thoughtfully. It has changed my relationships, too—I communicate better and am more patient.
Answering Common Misconceptions
Mohan: You both sound so grounded! But I have to ask—some people think studying Vedic literature is only for religious people. Is that true?
Avantika: Not at all, Mohan! The Vedas and Upanishads are spiritual, yes, but they’re also deeply philosophical and scientific. They were composed by sages who sought knowledge about the universe, consciousness, and human behaviour, not just religious rituals. Their teachings apply to anyone who’s curious about life and seeking personal growth.
Radhika: Exactly. You don’t have to follow a particular religion to benefit from them. The Vedas offer a universal wisdom that can help anyone, regardless of their beliefs. And for today’s generation, I think it’s especially relevant because it gives us tools to deal with stress, find inner peace, and build resilience.
Avantika on the New Education Policy and Future Demand
Bhagyashri: So, you mentioned the National Education Policy and IKS earlier, Avantika. Do you think this will lead to more people studying Vedic literature and Indian Knowledge Systems?
Avantika: Definitely! The NEP 2020 has a strong focus on bringing back our ancient knowledge systems into the mainstream. This means that schools and universities will gradually incorporate Vedic studies, Sanskrit, Ayurveda, and even subjects like Vedic mathematics and astronomy into their programs. As the demand grows, so will the need for qualified experts in these fields.
Radhika: And because there’s global interest in holistic health, mindfulness, and sustainable living—areas deeply rooted in Vedic teachings—India is uniquely positioned to share its ancient wisdom with the world. For those of us who study IKS, it’s a fantastic opportunity both for personal growth and for a meaningful career.
Wrapping Up: A New Perspective on Ancient Wisdom
Mohan: You’ve really given us a lot to think about! I used to think the Vedas and Upanishads were just for priests or scholars, but it sounds like they offer a lot more.
Bhagyashri: And knowing that there are actual career opportunities connected to this knowledge makes it even more appealing. I can see why people are interested in bringing this wisdom back into education.
Avantika: We’re glad you both see it that way. The Vedas and Upanishads aren’t just ancient texts—they’re guides to a balanced, purposeful, and joyful life. Whether you’re looking for personal growth or a unique career path, studying them opens up new ways of understanding the world.
Radhika: Exactly! And who knows? Maybe one day you’ll join us in this journey, too. After all, it’s never too early to seek knowledge that’s been passed down for thousands of years and can genuinely transform your life.
Mohan: Everything you both shared sounds amazing! But I forgot to ask—this kind of knowledge isn’t part of the conventional education system. So, where did you both learn all of this?
Avantika: Oh, good question, Mohan! We actually studied at the Bhishma School of Indian Knowledge System. Both Radhika and I did our Master’s in Vedas and Vedic Wisdom, which includes in-depth studies in Vedic literature. Bhishma School offers a range of courses, from introductory workshops to certificate courses, and even advanced programs like Diploma and Master’s degrees.
Radhika: And the best part? All the courses are online, so you can join from anywhere and study at your own pace. There’s no age limit, and you can easily fit the classes into your current education or work schedule.
Avantika: The faculty at Bhishma School is incredible—highly scholarly and experienced. I especially loved the sessions by Pranav Gokhale, Narendra Joshi Sir, Mrunalini Ma’am, and Veena Ma’am. They make complex topics easy to understand and show how these teachings are relevant to our lives today.
Closing Thoughts
As the friends share a thoughtful silence, the wisdom of the Vedas and Upanishads lingers in the air. In a world that’s increasingly disconnected, this ancient knowledge provides grounding, purpose, and clarity. The conversation serves as a gentle reminder that there’s immense value in looking back to move forward. For today’s youth, embracing Vedic knowledge is not just about understanding the past—it’s about creating a brighter, more balanced future.
यह वास्तव में बहुत अच्छा है अपनी धर्म संस्कृति के बारे में जानने को मिल रहा है भारतीयसस्कृति