Bhartiya Shiksha Board Takes a Historic Step Towards a New Era of Education
In what is being described as a major step toward educational transformation in India, Bhartiya Shiksha Board has accelerated its nationwide expansion efforts while preparing to introduce one of its most ambitious educational initiatives yet — Self Defence Science textbooks for school children.
During a detailed meeting held at the office of Bhartiya Shiksha Board, extensive discussions were conducted regarding the nationwide expansion of the Board, the successes achieved in its promotion, and the challenges lying ahead in expanding alternative educational models across India.
The meeting also witnessed detailed deliberations with Wing Commander (Retd.) Dr. Pushkal Vijay Dwivedi, Director General of Bhartiya Shiksha Anusandhan Parishad (BSAP), regarding the future roadmap of the newly introduced subject “Self Defence Science” (Aatm Raksha Vigyan), which is increasingly being viewed as an attempt to integrate life skills, resilience, security awareness and character-building into mainstream education.
According to those associated with the initiative, the Self Defence Science textbooks from Classes 1 to 12 have been written under the leadership of Wing Commander (Retd.) Dr. Pushkal Vijay Dwivedi and are expected to be made available by Bhartiya Shiksha Board in the near future.
The initiative is being launched under the blessings of Yog Rishi Swami Ramdev and under the guidance of Board Chairman Dr. N. P. Singh (retd IAS), who have been supporting the broader expansion of Bharatiya educational models.
More Than a Subject — A Nation Building Initiative
Supporters of the initiative describe Self Defence Science not merely as another academic subject but as a nation-building movement designed to create physically, mentally, emotionally and socially stronger citizens.
Educational experts associated with the program believe that modern schooling increasingly requires subjects that go beyond traditional examination-oriented learning and focus on practical life skills, emotional resilience and crisis management.
The curriculum is expected to focus on multiple dimensions of student development, including:
* Physical preparedness and personal safety
* Mental resilience and psychological strength
* Cyber security awareness
* Disaster management and emergency response
* Emotional intelligence and stress management
* Social responsibility and leadership development
* Life skills and decision-making abilities
Advocates of the subject argue that such training can help children become better equipped to deal with modern challenges including rising stress levels, anxiety, cyber threats, bullying, social isolation and various psychological pressures increasingly affecting younger generations.
“Self Defence Science is not merely education — it is the art of living,” said individuals associated with the initiative.
Reviving the Tradition of “Shastra and Shaastra”
One of the central themes repeatedly emphasized during discussions was the revival of India’s traditional philosophy of balancing “Shastra” (knowledge systems) and “Shastra” (preparedness and protection).
The proposed curriculum attempts to combine intellectual growth with practical capability, aiming to create individuals who are not only academically capable but also psychologically strong, socially responsible and physically confident.
Supporters say the long-term objective is not simply to create doctors, engineers, officers or entrepreneurs, but to create individuals capable of facing challenges across all domains of life.
According to those involved in curriculum development, the subject seeks to create what they describe as “warriors in every field” — individuals who possess discipline, resilience, patriotism and social responsibility irrespective of their chosen profession.
Role of Bhartiya Shiksha Anusandhan Parishad (BSAP)
Bhartiya Shiksha Anusandhan Parishad (BSAP), also referred to by some as the Indian Council for Education and Research, is a semi government organisation and has been working in the field of educational research and curriculum-related initiatives.
This semi government organization has collaborated with Bhartiya Shiksha Board in various educational initiatives aimed at supporting expansion and curriculum development.
BSAP is currently headed by Wing Commander (Retd.) Dr. Pushkal Vijay Dwivedi as its Director General.
BSAP has been working toward educational reforms, curriculum enhancement, school improvement initiatives and broader research-driven approaches toward education.
Who is Wing Commander (Retd.) Dr. Pushkal Vijay Dwivedi?
Wing Commander (Retd.) Dr. Pushkal Vijay Dwivedi is an Indian Air Force veteran who has increasingly gained attention in recent years for his work in defence education, strategic thought and educational reform initiatives. His Doctoral work on Quantum Weapons has gained worldwide appreciation.
Educationists describe him as the principal architect behind the concept of Self Defence Science and mention his role in promoting the subject across educational institutions. He is the present Director General of BSAP and is associate with efforts aimed at introducing structured self-defence education within school systems.
Supporters and associated organizations often refer to him as the “Father of Self Defence Science” due to this subject being a result of his more than two decade research and his pivitol role in conceptualizing and promoting the subject nationally.
As India continues debating the future of education in the twenty-first century, the introduction of Self Defence Science may represent one of the most unconventional educational experiments currently underway.
Self defence science has been lauded by Defence Minister Sri Rajnath Singh and other top level politicians. As per plan the subjcet should eventually included in mainstream schooling . Supporters of Indiginisation of school education believe that a new chapter in Indian education has already begun.
