Ātmānveṣaṇa Yātrā at IIT Kharagpur – a unique theatrical presentation on self-discovery through the essence of the upaniṣads 02 November, 2025

At the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, on 2nd November 2025, Sunday, under the aegis of the Centre of Excellence – Indian Knowledge Systems (CoE-IKS), a grand and spiritual theatrical presentation titled Ātmanveṣaṇā Yātrā (Journey of Self-Discovery) was organized and held at the Netaji Auditorium, the event symbolized a remarkable confluence of Indian philosophy and modern engineering education.

This five-hour-long program (from 8:30 AM to 1:45 PM) was conceptualized and directed by Dr. Richa Chopra, Core Faculty and Instructor of the course The Essence of the upaniṣads. A total of 68 students from various departments—Marine Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace, Civil, and Agricultural & Food Engineering etc. were participated. These students vividly brought to life the profound teachings and messages of the Upaniṣads through drama, music, and expressive performance, which received resounding applause from the audience.

The program began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and chanting of Vedic Sanskrit mantras, which infused the entire atmosphere with spirituality. Subsequently, Swami Vidyapradanananda Ji Maharaj from Ramakrishna Math, Belur, delivered a benedictory address and, in the valedictory session, spoke inspiringly on The Relevance of the Upaniṣads in Contemporary Life.

On this occasion, IIT Kharagpur’s Director, Prof. Suman Chakraborty, Dean (Administration) Prof. K. L. Panigrahi, CoE-IKS Chairperson Prof. Arijit De, along with senior professors and representatives from various institutions, were present.

In his address, Prof. Suman Chakraborty said that Ātmanveṣaṇā Yātrā  was not merely a theatrical presentation but a living embodiment of the spirit of the National Education Policy (NEP 2020), which encourages multidimensional and holistic learning. He emphasized that IIT Kharagpur aims not only to produce technically competent engineers or scientists but to nurture well-rounded individuals enriched with ethics, sensitivity, and spirituality. True innovation, he said, arises when the rationality of modern science intertwines with the introspection of the upaniṣads.

Dean (Administration) Prof. K. L. Panigrahi commended the creativity and dedication of the students, remarking that the presentation was a fine reflection of their inner discipline, values, and aesthetic sensibility.

Delegates from more than ten institutions across India, including IIT Mandi, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, IIT Guwahati, NIT Jamshedpur, NIT Rourkela, and the Eklavya Model Residential School, Jhargram (under the Ramakrishna Mission), among others, also participated in the event.

At the conclusion of the program, Dr. Richa Chopra was extended heartfelt gratitude by the IIT community. Her unique initiative has opened a new chapter in reviving the vibrancy of Indian philosophical thought within the realm of technical education.