The Indian government has taken a groundbreaking step to bridge the gap between traditional and modern education with the launch of Setubandha Vidwan Yojana. This new fellowship scheme allows scholars from gurukuls to pursue research at premier institutions like IITs, even without formal degrees. Imagine a scholar of Sanskrit or Ayurveda contributing to cutting-edge research. That’s the vision behind this initiative.
So, what exactly is Setubandha Vidwan Yojana? Simply put, it’s a national-level fellowship designed to integrate traditional Indian knowledge systems into modern academia. Backed by the Ministry of Education and implemented by the IKS Division of Central Sanskrit University, it recognizes expertise gained through rigorous study in gurukuls. The scheme aims to make research more inclusive by valuing non-formal learning rooted in Shastras, Ayurveda, and classical arts.
Who can apply? Anyone with at least five years of study in a recognized gurukul and proven mastery in disciplines like Sanskrit, philosophy, mathematics, or classical arts. Age matters too—applicants must be under 32. No formal degree? No problem. Selection is based on deep expertise, divided into two categories: postgraduate level and PhD level, each with varying stipends and grants.
What’s in it for the scholars? Financial support is a big part of it. Category 1 (postgraduate level) scholars receive INR 40,000 per month plus an annual research grant of INR 1 lakh. Category 2 (PhD level) scholars get INR 65,000 monthly and INR 2 lakh yearly for research. This opens doors for gurukul scholars to work alongside top researchers in fields like astronomy, political theory, and more.
The Setubandha Vidwan Yojana isn’t just about money. It’s about recognition. For the first time, traditional scholars get a seat at the table in India’s advanced research ecosystem. This aligns perfectly with the National Education Policy 2020, which emphasizes blending India’s ancient knowledge with modern learning.
Why does this matter? Because it acknowledges that wisdom isn’t confined to classrooms or degree certificates. A gurukul scholar’s understanding of Ayurveda could lead to breakthroughs in modern medicine. A philosopher trained in Shastras might offer fresh perspectives in ethics or governance. The possibilities are endless.
The application process is straightforward, focusing on the applicant’s depth of knowledge rather than paperwork. It’s a bold move toward redefining what qualifies someone to contribute to academia. With Setubandha Vidwan Yojana, India is taking a step closer to a more inclusive and culturally rooted education system.