Priti Adani calls for applying ancient wisdom to modern challenges
The Adani Foundation chairperson spoke at a symposium in Varanasi about using civilisational knowledge to address contemporary issues.
Adani Foundation Chairperson Dr Priti Adani said on Monday that ancient wisdom must engage with present-day problems to help improve lives. Speaking at the inaugural session of The World Symposium on "Ancient Wisdom for Modern Challenges" in Varanasi, she called for civilisational knowledge to be preserved to address inequality, conflict and suffering, according to ANI.
Dr Adani stated that ancient wisdom becomes valuable when its relevance to contemporary problems is discovered. She referenced the teachings of Aristotle, Lord Buddha and Confucius, connecting these traditions to India’s Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, or the concept that the world is one family.
The chairperson also highlighted the Bharat Knowledge Graph, which is supported by a USD10 million commitment from the Adani Group. The initiative makes India’s civilisational knowledge accessible for interdisciplinary research and supports 14 doctoral scholars.
Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs, President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, addressed the shifting balance of global economic power. He noted that India’s share of global output is projected to reach 13.1 per cent by 2050 and 15.1 per cent by 2100.
Sachs described the Adani Group as a major driver of progress in India regarding infrastructure expansion and economic growth. He also noted that businesses carrying a family name have an obligation to consider their social contributions.
Ministry of Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal said artificial intelligence could help decipher ancient scriptures to make civilisational knowledge more accessible to future generations.