Echoes of Wisdom

Book Summary: Echoes of Wisdom – A Partnership for the Public Good Edited by Prof. Dr. Kiran Singh, Prof. (Dr.) Vandana Dwivedi, Prof. (Dr.) Mahendra Prakash, Echoes of Wisdom is a transdisciplinary anthology that repositions Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) not as archaic artifacts but as vital frameworks for contemporary development and the "public good." This collection bridges the gap between ancient philosophy and modern science, aligning with the holistic objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The scope of the text is vast, beginning with the cultural topography of Northeast India, where contributors document the role of women as custodians of indigenous heritage, from intricate weaving traditions to sustainable agricultural practices and traditional medicine. The volume then transitions into a rigorous scientific validation of India's sonic heritage. It explores the neuropsychological impact of Raga therapy, utilizing EEG data to demonstrate how classical music aids emotional regulation and mental health,. Further extending this scientific inquiry, the text presents ethnobotanical evidence linking sound vibrations to plant physiology, connecting ancient Vrikshayurveda with modern bioacoustics,.

Beyond the sciences, the anthology examines governance and statecraft. It analyzes Kautilya’s Arthashastra as a pioneering manual for "green policy," pollution control, and forest conservation,, while reinterpreting the Ramayana through the lens of strategic diplomacy and soft power,. The collection also investigates the sociopolitical evolution of music—from the Gharana system to the weaponization of sound in politics—and the influence of cinema on youth identity,,. This work serves as an essential resource for educators, policymakers, and general readers seeking to integrate traditional wisdom with modern innovation.