ātmānveṣaṇa yātrā – An Evocative Theatrical Performance based on the upaniṣads
The Centre of Excellence for Indian Knowledge Systems (CoE-IKS), IIT Kharagpur, presented Ātmānveṣaṇa Yātrā – An Evocative Theatrical Performance Based on the Upaniṣads on 2 November 2025 at Netaji Auditorium, IIT Kharagpur. The programme featured 66 students enrolled in The Essence of the Upaniṣads during the Autumn 2025–2026 semester, representing various departments, schools, and centres of the institute.
Inspired by the Upaniṣads, the event adopted a performative approach to learning, translating philosophical dialogues and narratives into theatrical presentations. The performances explored themes including self-inquiry, the nature of the Self, the pursuit of knowledge, humility, truth, devotion, and the relationship between individual identity and ultimate reality. Stories and dialogues drawn from Indian philosophical traditions provided students with a creative medium to interpret and communicate complex ideas.
The programme also featured a Vedic invocation, flute rendition, inaugural addresses, invited faculty and student delegates, discussions on the relevance of the Upaniṣads in daily life, and the distribution of awards. It reflected the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by promoting holistic and multidisciplinary education through the integration of philosophy, performing arts, and experiential learning.
The initiative demonstrated how traditional Indian knowledge can be explored beyond textbooks and lecture halls, encouraging intellectual curiosity, ethical reflection, creativity, and the pursuit of self-knowledge.
Important details
Date: 2 November 2025
Venue: Netaji Auditorium, IIT Kharagpur
Organized by: Centre of Excellence for Indian Knowledge Systems, IIT Kharagpur
Academic course: The Essence of the Upaniṣads (Autumn 2025–2026)
Student participation: 66 students from various departments, schools, and centres of IIT Kharagpur
Key programme components: Vedic invocation, flute rendition, theatrical performances, inaugural addresses, invited faculty and student participation, discussions, and awards
Philosophical themes: Ātman, self-inquiry, knowledge, wisdom, truth, humility, devotion, and self-realization
Educational significance: An innovative Indian Knowledge Systems pedagogy integrating philosophy and performative arts, aligned with the holistic and multidisciplinary vision of NEP 2020.
ātmānveṣaṇa yātrā – An Evocative Theatrical Performance based on the upaniṣads