25/08/2026
Yesterday was a particularly satisfying experience.
I had the opportunity to introduce Integral Humanism to nearly 1,000 young students of Punjab Engineering College as part of their Orientation Programme.
This was not intended to be a conventional lecture on philosophy. Idea was to approach Integral Humanism through questions that are central to the generation entering college today — AI, technology, ambition, happiness, sustainability and the kind of future we want to build.
Our young people don't need to be given answers alone. They need to be encouraged to ask the right questions.
We began with AI — and asked a simple question:
If machines become more intelligent than us, what is it that will still make us human?
From there, the conversation moved to ambition, happiness, technology, society, nature and ultimately to the idea of the integral human being.
As India moves rapidly towards becoming a technological and economic powerhouse, the challenge before us is not only how much we can achieve, but what kind of society and human beings that achievement creates.
Taking our civilisational thought to young India, in a language and context that resonates with them, is both a responsibility and an opportunity.
The future of India must be technologically advanced — but deeply rooted in its civilisational wisdom.
That is the conversation I hope we can continue.
My heartfelt thanks to Prof Rajesh Bhatia, Prof Puneet, Prof Jyoti Kedia, Prof M P Garg and the young student coordinator Mihika.