Daijiworld Media Network - Varanasi

Varanasi, Nov 3: The Adani Group has committed more than $10 million to the Bharat Knowledge Graph initiative aimed at making India's civilisational knowledge more accessible globally and promoting interdisciplinary research, Priti Adani, chairperson of the Adani Foundation, announced on Monday.

Addressing the inaugural session of the three-day World Symposium on Ancient Wisdom for Modern Challenges in Varanasi, she said the initiative would go beyond digitising ancient texts and scriptures, seeking to connect India's traditional knowledge systems with contemporary fields such as education, healthcare, sustainability, governance and human development.

Emphasising the continuing relevance of India's civilisational heritage, Adani said ancient traditions should not remain confined to history but should serve as meaningful guides for addressing present-day challenges and shaping the future.

"Across the world, we see different philosophies, traditions, and systems of thought. At a time of uncertainty and confusion, these traditions can offer responsibility, clarity, and purpose," she said.

Citing yoga as an example of India's traditional knowledge gaining worldwide recognition, she said ancient Indian practices offered valuable lessons in maintaining a balance between the mind and body.

She also highlighted the potential of traditional knowledge systems in addressing contemporary challenges such as climate resilience, food security, healthcare, education and community welfare.

According to her, the true value of ancient wisdom lies not simply in its historical significance but in its relevance and practical application in modern society.

Highlighting the importance of inclusive development, Adani said the success of social institutions should be measured by the difference they make in people's lives. A hospital's real value, she said, lies in its ability to serve those most in need, while a school's success should be reflected in its ability to help a first-generation learner transform the future of an entire family.

"For us, service means more than giving from a distance. Seva means listening, staying connected, and empowering people with dignity," she said.

She further disclosed that the Adani Group had pledged more than $6 million towards community development in India when she and her husband began their journey as a family.

Pointing to continuing challenges such as poverty, gaps in literacy and inadequate access to basic services, she said the group remained committed to supporting India's development through large-scale infrastructure initiatives and social impact programmes.

She expressed confidence in India's ambition to become a developed nation by 2047, adding that sustainable and inclusive growth would require collective efforts from businesses, institutions and communities.

Speaking about the country's energy transition, Adani highlighted the group's renewable energy development at Khavda in Gujarat, where it has established what she described as the world's largest renewable energy park.

She said the project reflected the importance of expanding clean energy generation while ensuring that sustainability remained central to economic development.

"Sustainability cannot simply remain a chapter in an annual report. It must become a way of thinking, building, and serving," she said.

Calling for a combination of traditional knowledge, modern technology and compassionate action, she said India's development journey should focus not only on economic progress but also on creating an inclusive, sustainable and humane society.

Thanking the organisers for hosting the international symposium in Varanasi, Adani described the sacred city of Kashi as an important centre of India's spiritual, intellectual and cultural heritage.

She said Varanasi continued to inspire humanity to reflect on some of its oldest questions, while remaining relevant to contemporary discussions about the future.

At the heart of the city's spiritual identity is Kashi Vishwanath, whose enduring spiritual significance has drawn saints, seekers and spiritual leaders from across the country and beyond for centuries.