Padma Shri Dr. Kiran Seth’s Inspiring Visit to JUIT: Blend of Culture and Mindfulness
3 min read
Jaypee University of Information Technology (JUIT), Solan, hosted Padma Shri Dr. Kiran Seth, the founder of Spic Macay, on September 1, 2024. The session, organized by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rajendra Kumar Sharma, focused on the importance of Indian classical music, dance, and yoga in enhancing mental focus, reducing stress, and preserving cultural heritage. Dr. Seth also emphasized the relevance of traditional learning methods and contemporary skills like big data and machine learning. The event left a lasting impact on students and faculty, reinforcing the value of cultural awareness and mindfulness in today’s world.
The session began with an introduction to Dr Seth’s profound contributions to Indian culture and education through Spic Macay, an organization dedicated to promoting Indian classical music, dance, and culture among the youth. Dr Seth’s humble demeanour and passion for his work immediately captivated the audience.
Dr Kiran Seth began his lecture with an engaging question to the youth: “What does Indian history mean to you?” This thought-provoking question set the tone for the rest of his lecture, as he aimed to deepen the audience’s understanding of Indian culture and its relevance in the modern world. One of the central themes of Dr. Seth’s lecture was the importance of Indian music in daily life. He emphasized that Indian classical music is not just a form of entertainment but a vital part of our heritage that has the power to enhance mental focus, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. He spoke about the significance of learning and preserving this art form, which is deeply intertwined with India’s rich cultural history.
One of the most impactful segments of the session was Dr Seth’s practical demonstration of yoga. He not only guided us through basic yoga postures but also explained their significance in our daily lives. Through simple yet effective exercises, he highlighted how yoga can correct our posture, alleviate stress, and bring about a sense of calm and balance. Dr Seth emphasised the importance of being relaxed to enhance focus and productivity in our work.
Further enriching the session, Dr Seth showcased various Indian classical dance forms through videos. He discussed how these art forms are not only a reflection of our rich cultural heritage but also serve as a medium for personal growth and expression. The audience was particularly inspired by his explanation of why Spic Macay’s mission to preserve and promote traditional Indian culture is vital in today’s fast-paced world.
In addition to discussing Indian music, Dr Seth also encouraged the youth to familiarize themselves with contemporary skills, particularly in the fields of big data and machine learning. He highlighted the importance of these skills in the rapidly evolving technological landscape and advised students to equip themselves with knowledge in these areas to remain competitive in their future careers. This will students to learn about the functioning of the mind.
Dr Seth also touched upon the traditional Gurukul system of learning, where the primary focus was on developing concentration and discipline among students. He emphasized that, in today’s fast-paced world, maintaining concentration is more challenging yet more important than ever. He introduced the audience to the concepts of Raag Bhairav and specific breathing techniques, which he suggested could help improve concentration and mental clarity. Dr. Seth also touched upon the traditional Gurukul system of learning, where the primary focus was on developing concentration and discipline among students. He emphasized that, in today’s fast-paced world, maintaining concentration is more challenging yet more important than ever.
