"One who does not learn from history is doomed to repeat it”
India’s tryst with knowledge did not begin with modern laboratories ,it was born in the fires of ancient inquiry, in ashrams, gurukuls, and universities like Nalanda. Humans have categorized life on the basis of technology power, new inventions and discoveries but as far as my perception is concerned every period for humans is modern ,like the Indus valley was an urban center. The history of human beings is appreciated only when humans have struggled in the past and are struggling. And even from hunting gathering to permanent settlement struggling for stomach the ethics, morals manners and discipline emerged parallel and thus within learning of livelihood to learning of ethics start transmitting. And transmitting of culture, duties, morals, action or anything started the Indian knowledge system. The knowledge was initially transmitted orally and slowly through writings. So to get it a structure formally where particularly knowledge was being spread in Ancient India from shruti literature to smriti literature and then in writing form what cannot goes unnoticed is
Nalanda, The World’s First Residential University
Established in the 5th century CE in Bihar, by Gupta dynasty ruler Kumargupta I And later on patronised by Puyushbu this and palas Nalanda University was not just a Buddhist monastery but an international hub of learning. Hosting over 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers from countries like Tibet, China, Korea, and Indonesia, it taught logic, astronomy, mathematics, medicine, and more.
Scholars like Aryabhata studied the heavens here. He calculated (pi) with astonishing precision, proposed that Earth rotates on its axis, and laid foundations for trigonometry , a millennium before Europe rediscovered A Tapestry of Disciplines Sushruta, in his Sushruta Samhita, detailed surgical procedures, including cataract and plastic surgery, especially rhinoplasty. Charaka gave India one of the first comprehensive systems of medicine. The concept of zero, decimal system, and algebra flourished under thinkers like Brahmagupta. In metallurgy, the Iron Pillar of Delhi still resists rust after 1600 years, a metallurgical marvel.
These weren’t isolated flashes of genius. They were part of a civilizational ethos that valued inquiry, harmony between science and spirituality, and preservation of knowledge.
Who else is not aware with the imperialism
Colonial rule dimmed the legacy of the golden ages of India. British historians often dismissed Indian science and considered Indians inferior , mystical and primitive. Yet, hidden manuscripts and ignored traditions held treasures the West later borrowed or revived
It was during India’s freedom struggle that intellectuals like Prafulla Chandra Ray, Meghnad Saha, and C.V. Raman reignited the scientific torch, blending traditional wisdom with modern method.
On the other hand NASA, established in 1958, has been at the vanguard of space exploration and scientific research, obsessed by a passion for discovery and a desire to expand human understanding. With multiple landmarks, including the Apollo moon landings, the Space Shuttle program, and the International Space Station, NASA has shoved the boundaries of space travel and scientific knowledge. The agency's objectives embrace space exploration, scientific research, and technological advancements, all aimed at better understanding the universe and improving life on Earth. In many ways, NASA's avocation of knowledge and innovation echoes the legacy of Nalanda University, renowned for its panoramic approach to education and interdisciplinary studies. Like NASA, Nalanda University attracted scholars from across Asia, fostering a tradition of global collaboration and intellectual exchange. Both NASA and Nalanda University have driven human progress, inspiring future generations to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). By embracing the spirit of wonderment and innovation that defined Nalanda University, NASA continues to explore the unknown, from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of the cosmos. The agency's work on the Artemis program, aimed at returning humans to the Moon, and its ongoing research on Mars, exemplify its commitment to advancing human knowledge and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. As NASA looks to the future, its legacy will undoubtedly be shaped by the same values of curiosity, innovation, and collaboration that defined Nalanda University's contributions to human knowledge and progress. With its sights set on future missions to Mars and beyond, NASA will continue to inspire and drive human achievement, building on the foundation laid by pioneers in the field of space exploration. By exploring the universe and pushing the boundaries of human understanding, NASA will remain a leader in the pursuit of knowledge and innovation, much like Nalanda University was in its time. The connection between NASA's endeavors and Nalanda University's legacy serves as a testament to the power of human curiosity and the importance of pursuing knowledge and understanding.
Moreover the transition from Nalanda University to NASA exemplifies the enduring significance of ethics in pursuit of knowledge. At Nalanda, scholars adhered to a code of intellectual integrity and compassion, reflecting the Buddhist principles of non-violence and respect for wisdom. This ethical framework fostered an environment of critical inquiry and rigorous debate, where the pursuit of knowledge was tempered by a deep sense of responsibility and moral awareness.
Similarly, NASA,upholds a stringent code of ethics that governs its endeavors in space exploration. By prioritizing scientific integrity, transparency, and accountability, NASA ensures that its groundbreaking research and innovations are conducted with utmost responsibility and respect for the global community. The agency's commitment to ethics is reflected in its painstaking approach to decision-making, where the potential consequences of its actions are carefully weighed and considered.
In both Nalanda University and NASA, ethics serve as a guiding force, edifying the path to knowledge and discovery. By embracing ethical principles, these institutions demonstrate their dedication to harnessing the power of knowledge for the greater good, while minimizing harm and promoting a culture of trust, credibility, and responsible innovation.
Reconnecting with this heritage is not about pride alone , it is about reclaiming confidence. In a world where India is rising, knowing that we were once trailblazers of thought reminds us that scientific temper is not new to us, it is in our DNA in our blood.

Email:---------------muskanshafimalik@gmail.com