Ep. 309 How History shapes what we learn | Vinay Lal on Indian Education

SummaryVeteran filmmaker Arunaraje discusses learning as a lifelong journey where everyone is both student and teacher. She emphasizes staying open to new perspectives, the power of unlearning rigid beliefs, and cinema's educational impact. Key insights include the importance of questioning everything, distinguishing between knowledge and wisdom, filmmaker responsibility in shaping society, and the need for film appreciation in schools to enrich young minds. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thegyaanproject.com

In this eye-opening conversation, Vivek Kant shares insights from his interdisciplinary journey spanning electrical engineering, cognitive science, and human-centered design. He explores the critical intersection of humans and technology in complex systems, emphasizing the need for designers who can balance technical requirements with human capabilities. Perfect for young Indian designers seeking to expand beyond conventional design thinking, this episode offers practical wisdom on applying human-centered approaches to sectors like defense, government services, and infrastructure where thoughtful design can prevent accidents and improve lives.People MentionedRichard Buchanan - Design theorist who developed the concept of "orders of design"James Riesel (James Reason) - Psychologist who developed the "Swiss cheese model" of accident causationChristian von Ehrenfeld (Christian von Ehrenfels) - Austrian philosopher who conceptualized Gestalt qualitiesRam Mykala - Heads the musculoskeletal disorders lab at the National Safety Council in the USReference Links for Further ReadingConfederation of Indian Industry (CII) National Design Innovation Committee - Hosts Vivek's policy report on human-centered design in Indian defenseHuman Systems Integration in Defense - Concept of integrating human factors into defense systemsSwiss Cheese Model - Accident causation model referenced in the discussionHuman Factors and Ergonomics - Professional field discussed as essential for complex systemsCognitive Systems Engineering - Discipline that focuses on human cognition in complex work environmentsOrders of Design - Richard Buchanan's concept mentioned in the conversationDesign for Defense - Resources related to design in defense sectorGestalt Principles - Philosophy discussed regarding how humans perceive whole patternsJoin the new journeyYouTube Channel – Join 4K+ subscribers. 🎥TGP SamaChar – A newsletter with 4 curated finds across episodes.Instagram – Stay updated with episode updates and moreLinkedIn Page - A new dedicated page for TGPWhatsApp Channel – One-way episode updates for now. With your support, it could soon become a vibrant community.Recommend a guest - Have someone in mind who would be a great fit for The Gyaan Project? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thegyaanproject.com

In this episode, historian Vinay Lal challenges our conventional ideas of learning—moving beyond schooling, exams, and rote memorization. He explores how history, politics, memory, and media shape what we learn and why. If you're a student, parent, educator, or simply someone questioning the purpose of education today, this conversation offers a refreshing and thought-provoking lens on how to truly learn, unlearn, and grow. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thegyaanproject.com

In this episode, philosopher Sundar Sarukkai explores what it truly means to learn—beyond exams, skills, and academic performance. We discuss curiosity, ego, indigenous knowledge, and why education often misses the point. A must-listen for students, parents, teachers, and anyone rethinking the purpose of learning in today’s world. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thegyaanproject.com

In this special Hindi episode of The Gyaan Project, we spend some time with Jeevaram Suthar, a master carpenter who has worked with some of India’s most renowned architects like Bijoy Jain.This is not just about tools and timber—it's about tradition, livelihood, learning, and the dignity of hands-on work.We discuss:* How one becomes a carpenter in India* What a typical day looks like in this trade* The financial realities of the profession* Career growth and recognition in traditional craftsmanshipJeevaram ji belongs to the Suthar community and brings over three decades of experience, wisdom, and humble pride in his work.🎙 This episode is a bit of an experiment — shot in Hindi, aiming to bring stories from the grassroots. Let me know how it lands with you.🛠️ If this story moved you, do share it with someone who might appreciate the beauty of honest craftsmanship. And hit reply—we'd love to hear your thoughts.Watch the video version of this episode on YouTubeJoin the new journey* YouTube Channel – Join 4K+ subscribers. 🎥* TGP SamaChar – A newsletter with 4 curated finds across episodes.* Instagram – Stay updated with episode updates and more* LinkedIn Page - A new dedicated page for TGP* WhatsApp Channel – One-way episode updates for now. With your support, it could soon become a vibrant community.* Recommend a guest - Have someone in mind who would be a great fit for The Gyaan Project?If you like the episode, please share it in your network. Thanks! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thegyaanproject.com

SummaryWhat does it really mean to learn in today’s world of reels, AI, and short attention spans? In today’s episode of “The Gyaan Project”, I’m joined by Prof. Dilip Menon. A global historian, Mellon Chair of Indian Studies at the University of Witwatersrand, and a Science Breakthrough winner—who’s spent years exploring how knowledge travels across time, oceans, and cultures. If you're a student, parent, or just curious about why our education feels broken, this episode will shift how you think about learning itself.Key Insights:Teacher-Student Dynamics: Menon invites us to invert the traditional hierarchical relationship between teachers and students, suggesting "a teacher paradoxically is willing to learn."Language & Colonial Legacy: How our ability to theorize in our native languages has been impacted by colonial histories, and why this matters for knowledge creation.Beyond Employability: Why our education systems remain trapped in industrial-era thinking while the world has moved far beyond those needs.Digital Learning: The transformative potential of digital media as active learning tools rather than passive consumption channels.Interdisciplinary Approach: The artificial divide between arts and sciences, and how meaningful education requires breaking down these barriers.Knowledge Creation: Envisioning a future where students actively generate knowledge rather than merely consuming information.Practical Advice: Strategies for focused learning in a distracted age, including deliberate disconnection from constant digital engagement.Prof. Menon's vision for education in 2047 centers on creativity, experimentation, and engagement with AI as partners in knowledge creation rather than threats to human learning.For all details: https://www.thegyaanproject.com/p/ep-306-learning-in-the-amrit-kaal This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thegyaanproject.com

What goes into making a book cover design? The secrets of book publishing include what goes into making a book, the future of physical books in the digital world, and a few tips if you wish to get into editorial design or publication.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thegyaanproject.com

This episode is for Interior Designers, Architects, and allied work streams. We’ll try and understand Design trends or innovations in the furniture landscape, how Hettich incorporates eco-friendly practices and materials, and of course, how do they support designers in implementing their visions within the systems framework.Andre Eckholt joins us on Audiogyan. He is the managing director of a German lifestyle brand, Hettich. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thegyaanproject.com

IntroductionWelcome to a new series, “Footprints of History”. The Drawing Board, with whom I am partnering for the 3rd consecutive year, brings this series to you. The Drawing Board is an international architecture competition based in India where students can test their understanding and skills in shaping how communities live and thrive while preserving local heritage. TDB has been actively running an Architecture competition for undergraduate students since 2016. It is conceptualised by Mindspace Architects and Rohan Builders. This year, which is the 9th edition of the competition, the design brief revolves around redesigning the Pathu Thoon Lane in Madurai (Tamil Nadu, India) also known as "10 Pillar Street”. This site is somewhere between the Meenakshi Temple and Thirumalai Nayakar Place. The design challenge is to restore and integrate the lane's cultural heritage, emphasizing these 10 pillars. The submission deadline is 16th September 2024. More details in the show notes and thedrawingboard.inLudwig Mies, the German-American architect, once said "Architecture is the will of an epoch translated into space.” And this quote aptly describes our today’s guest. Hans Brouwer. Hans, originally from Hong Kong, is a distinguished architect with a global footprint. He studied architecture in Switzerland and the University of Southern California, where he graduated top of his class. Hans spent his early career with Sir Norman Foster, contributing to landmark projects like the Century Tower in Tokyo and Commerzbank Headquarters in Frankfurt. In 1995, he founded HB Design, later relocating to Singapore, and expanded to regional offices in Phuket and Bangkok. An award-winning architect, Hans also teaches at the National University of Singapore and frequently speaks at industry events.QuestionsWhat do you see when you see the 10 Pillar Street - as an architect and as a tourist or history lover? Which aspects stand out for you?You have a strong emphasis on “the process”. You say this process is truly creative because the end is not known at the beginning. Can you unpack this for us?At HB Design, you emphasize the importance of context and site in shaping architectural outcomes. How do you balance the need for innovation with the preservation of cultural heritage in a project?You deeply engage with clients in the design process, how would you involve a community or stakeholders in a project like the restoration of Madurai’s Pathu Thoon Lane?Assuming Designers or specialists are generally aware of the pros and cons of various solutions and living on tradeoffs. Given the expertise, what amount of community involvement is apt - because, if we go and ask people, they will want faster horses while the solution could be inventing a car.I am very curious to know about BIM - What is building information modeling? How does it help in the process and over all practice at HB Design?With BIM being such an integral part of HB Design’s process, how do you see technology aiding in the preservation and restoration of culturally significant sites?You are working in South east Asia where we are seeing a lot of innovation with great emphasis on green infrastructure. What are a few trends in the technology and architecture industry which can be applied to this complex network of communities and historical 10 pillars?In the future world if AI, which faculty should young architects need to build to accept or reject AI proposals assuming they have the analog context of climate change and other challenges? Especially with AI, machines can simulate and build imaginary landscapes and more…Reference linkshttps://www.hbdesign.biz/https://zakworldoffacades.com/speaker/hans-brouwer/https://www.linkedin.com/in/hans-brouwer-70b6b0a7/?originalSubdomain=sghttps://www.designandarchitecture.com/article/hans-brouwer.htmlhttps://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/architect/hb-design/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srX9bcl10MI This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thegyaanproject.com

IntroductionWelcome to a new series, “Footprints of History”. This series is brought to you by, The Drawing Board, with whom I am partnering for the 3rd consecutive year. The Drawing Board is an international architecture competition based in India where students can test their understanding and skills in shaping how communities live and thrive while preserving local heritage. TDB has been actively running an Architecture competition for undergraduate students since 2016. It is conceptualised by Mindspace Architects and Rohan Builders. This year, the 9th edition of the competition, the design brief revolves around redesigning the Pathu Thoon Lane in Madurai (Tamil Nadu, India) also known as "10 Pillar Street”. This site is somewhere between the Meenakshi Temple and Thirumalai Nayakar Place. The design challenge is to restore and integrate the lane's cultural heritage, emphasizing these 10 pillars. The submission deadline is 16th September 2024. Today’s episode is called, “Pillars of Past and Present”. I am pleased to have Architect Uday Andhare with us on Audiogyan. Uday has been a design principal at Indigo Architects since 1998. He holds a degree from CEPT University and the University of New Mexico. Uday advocates for technically appropriate and ecologically sensitive architecture, blending traditional wisdom with modern design. Uday teaches at CEPT University while leading his firm in Ahmedabad. He has drawn diverse experiences during his internships with B.V Doshi and while working in the USA.QuestionsWhat do you see when you see these 10 pillars on Pathu Thoon Lane? Which aspects stand out for you from an Intent, Material, and Context point of view?The Getty Podcast - B.V. Doshi said, “Is Architecture defined by theory or it’s a convention, or it is something which is rooted in the place?” What are the potentialities of such a project? Do you consider it be a restoration project or conservation or anything else?You have consciously chosen friendlier materials in your projects at Indigo. If one has to restore or build things around the pillars, would you build with new materials and new technology or continue with existing materials or the same fabric?What are the few anchor points of traditional Indian architecture that still hold relevance today? (More meta)Likewise, what are the few enduring aspects of Indian architecture that can inform students in this project?Your Philosophy is “search for contemporary rootedness in this ever-changing environment”. How do you spot it? What are the key parameters on which this search happens?For you, every new project feels like your first. How can any practicing architect or any creative individual maintain this fresh perspective, this outlook/worldview?Which faculty would young architects need to build for the future digital world? Especially with AI, machines can simulate and build imaginary landscapes and more… What will make architects accept or reject AI proposals assuming they have the analog context of climate change and other challenges?Reference readinghttps://indigo-architects.com/https://www.instagram.com/indigoarchitects/https://www.instagram.com/udayandhare/https://www.instagram.com/rohanbuilders/https://www.instagram.com/mindspacearchitects/https://www.instagram.com/thedrawingboard.in/https://thedrawingboard.in/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFIgtET-7ZIzMxVo0EeOdO3NaG-g0V2vehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/uday-andhare-0b34406/?originalSubdomain=inhttps://theloftforum.org/people/uday-andhare/https://x.com/indigoarch_amd?lang=enhttps://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/know-your-architects/a1534-indigo-architects-15-iconic-projects/https://thinkmatter.in/2017/02/27/indigo-architects-mausami-and-uday-andhare/https://www.archdaily.com/author/uday-mausami-andharehttps://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1264525753603165https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RT1jqsobX8ohttps://audiogyan.com/https://blogs.getty.edu/iris/audio-b-v-doshi-modern-architecture-in-india-part-2/  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thegyaanproject.com