Samskruti Foundation: Reviving India’s Cultural Consciousness Through Policy, Youth, and Public Engagement

Bridging Culture and Policy at IIT Bombay

The National Confluence on Culture and Public Policy, held at IIT Bombay on June 6 and 7, 2025, marked a historic step in integrating India’s civilizational ethos with modern governance. Organized by Samskruti Foundation in collaboration with the Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management and the Gujarat Institute of Research and Development, the confluence explored the theme “Towards a Civilisational Policy Framework: Reimagining Indian Governance through Cultural and Technological Lenses.”

Scholars, policymakers, and academicians came together to deliberate on how ancient Indian wisdom could shape sustainable, inclusive, and ethical policy frameworks. Discussions ranged from deriving governance lessons from the Ramayana and Arthashastra to addressing globalization, technology, and youth policy through a cultural lens. The event underscored the growing need for evidence-based, culturally rooted policymaking that balances tradition and innovation.

Viveka-Subhashitam 2025: Wisdom for Modern Times

At the heart of Samskruti Foundation’s youth engagement lies Viveka-Subhashitam, an annual event celebrating the birthdays of Swami Vivekananda and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The 2025 edition, held at Ramakrishna Math, Hyderabad, brought together over 600 students from ten colleges. The program featured spiritual reflections, motivational speeches, and cultural performances, fostering a spirit of patriotism, self-awareness, and service.

Distinguished guests such as Major General Gopinath Ji and Swami Bodhamayananda Ji inspired the youth with their words on service, discipline, and nation-building. The event concluded with a traditional lunch that served as a platform for interaction and collaboration between students and dignitaries.

Cultural Leadership Centres: Inspiring Youth Across India

The Cultural Leadership Centres (CLCs) form the backbone of Samskruti Foundation’s mission. With partnerships in over 50 higher education institutions across India, these centres empower students to lead cultural initiatives rooted in Indian ethos. Each CLC organizes regular activities such as Vivek Band, Yoga for Youth, Rakhi for Soldiers, Samskruti Samvad, National Science Day, and Tejaswini.

The Foundation envisions establishing 500 CLCs nationwide, connecting youth from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and building a culture-based leadership model aligned with NEP 2020.

Programs That Shape Character and Community

Vivek Band

An annual campaign inspired by Swami Vivekananda’s motto “Be Good, Do Good,” this movement encourages students to engage in selfless service, environmental awareness, and cultural activities. The 2024 theme “Suposhit Jeevan” emphasized holistic well-being and healthy living.

Rakhi for Soldiers

A deeply emotional initiative, Rakhi for Soldiers connects students with India’s armed forces. From Hyderabad to Tripura, thousands of Rakhis and heartfelt messages were sent to soldiers serving at forward bases, creating bonds of gratitude and patriotism. The initiative has reached 40 military units and over 2,000 soldiers since 2019.

Yoga for Youth

On every International Yoga Day, workshops across colleges teach the principles of balance, resilience, and self-discipline. With sessions such as Yoga for Self-Esteem and Yoga for Career Development, the Foundation introduces youth to yoga as a way of life and leadership.

Samskruti Samvad

An intellectual dialogue platform, Samskruti Samvad encourages debate on themes like “Ancient Education vs Modern Education,” “Role of Women in Preserving Bharatiya Culture,” and “Impact of Western Culture on Indian Values.” Over 1,000 students participated in Samvad sessions in 2023, engaging with distinguished scholars and thought leaders.

Tejaswini

Aimed at empowering women through India’s cultural lens, Tejaswini celebrates women’s achievements and fosters leadership grounded in ethics and empathy. From essay competitions on Rani Lakshmibai to debates on women-led development, it continues to inspire future changemakers.

National Science Day

By blending scientific inquiry with cultural consciousness, this program exposes students to research institutions and public sector units. The 2023 theme, “Integrated Approach in Science and Technology for a Sustainable Future,” encouraged over 700 students to link innovation with national development.

Suposhan

This initiative, in partnership with MIDHANI, promotes nutrition awareness and community health through student-driven campaigns. It reinforces the message that personal well-being and societal development go hand in hand.