Editorial

Abstract

Every time through our Journal we try to present a collection of research papers and studies that bring to light new ambit of interdisciplinary research. With a similar aim, another attempt has been made to bring you an assortment of some interesting works in this 8th volume of the Dev Sanskriti International Interdisciplinary Journal. This issue caters to a wide spectrum of interdisciplinary fields and topics ranging from environmental issues to theology, from economics to music, education and visions of saints like Swami Vivekananda and Pandit Sriram Sharma Acharya, to a description of river Gauja. All of these trying to integrating science and spirituality at their own level. For instance, drawing from the Vedas, Prof. Sharma and Mr. Sehgal throw a light on the efficient system of water management prevalent in the ancient Vedic period in order to remind and inspire the current generation of its importance, need, and ways of conservation. In a unique attempt, another interesting paper by Rai et al., further strengthens the belief about the universal presence of the symbol "Om" through evidence from morphological and microscopical studies of the Rudraksha beads. Economic development and growth is the main aim of every nation. In his stimulating paper, Awanish Kumar brings a fresh perspective on the subject matter by discussing the economic views of Swami Vivekananda, one ofthe most influential personalities of India and the modern world, with special emphasis on his vision about the methods of agriculture, village industries, adoption of science and technology, and material prosperity with spirituality, which seems to be very relevant even in the contemporary world. On a separate note, Ms. Charu Handa takes us on a melodious journey of Indian music highlighting and establishing its scientific significance as described in our ancient Vedic texts, with a pertinent reminder for its further development and advancement. India has been described as a virtuous nation since centuries and its foundation seemed to be in its education system based on the Vedas. In this context, Preeti Wadhwani attempts to reveal the relative importance of rational, emotional, and the spiritual dimensions of thinking with their relation to the different values in teachers. She also discusses the implications of such findings for India to reach its goal of'Samarth Bharat'. In another promising empirical study, K.R. Chakradhari and Dr. V.K. Singh have shown a positive impact of a yogic intervention on the emotional intelligence of blind students which extends a ray of faith for them. From our International comer this time, Anne Ness et al., from USA present a phenomenological study describing the perception of spirituality in Yoga in Minnesota, wherein they also share their concerns regarding the various barriers to teaching and learning of the traditional spirituality of Yoga, implying the need for more awareness regarding the benefits of the spiritual aspects of Yoga and its practice. In another reference to Swami Vivekananda, Prijma Jhare shares her vision on education system, defining its goal to be contribution towards the holistic development of students which could be achieved through spirituality based education. In a philosophical expedition aimed at human development, Rakesh Verma discusses the power of thoughts and the importance of thought revolution for social change through 'Satsankalp' or solemn pledges as proposed by a proficient visionary Pandit Sriram Sharma Acharya. In our guest article by Rita Araja, she beautifully illustrates the mystical nature, history, importance, and uniqueness of river Gauja with a hope that the sacredness of this river of Latvia would be known all over the globe. We would like to whole-heartedly congratulate and thank all the contributors and reviewers who made this issue of DSIIJ possible. We hope this issue will inspire and generate interest among researchers, educators, policy makers and professionals to understand the significance of indigenous knowledge in the present era. We would also like to thank all our readers and request them to send us their valuable feedback to make this journal a more effective vehicle of indigenous knowledge in the future.

Keywords

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