Although Indian religious texts are rooted in Science, we still seek validation from the West, said Bibek Debroy, Chairman, PM's Economic Advisory Council, in conversation with author and journalist, Gautam Chikermane, while speaking on the topic 'Scriptural Knowledge in a High-tech World'. He added, "We often use Western notions and terms and that is also true of words like spirituality and religion. Religion etymologically carries with it a connotation of rules, dogma and ism. I prefer the word Dharma which is much more significant. Similarly, Adhyathmik for spirituality," said Bibek at the 10th edition of ThinkEdu Conclave, organised by The New Indian Express on March 9.

He further added that rituals are tools and should not be mistaken as means. The extent to which rituals are important depends on what kind of an individual you are. Many even dispensed rituals. "For example, if somebody fasts on a Tuesday, there is nothing specifically sacrosanct about it. The ritual is only to remind them that one should be restrained in their diet and not do anything excessively," said Bibek.

When asked when it becomes a spiritual domain, he replied that everybody has different levels of elevation in internal awakening. Each one has to find their own self.

ThinkEdu 2022 is the grand tenth edition of what has consistently been India's biggest education conclave for a decade now. March 8 and 9 will see some stalwarts of India's academic, economic and political ecosystems bring ideas, ideologies and reflections on the past, present and future of India's education system. The sessions will be viewed by a live audience, in addition to the 2,750 registered users on the conclave's digital space. Over the last nine years, the conclave has seen some true stalwart thinkers such as former presidents Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and Dr Pranab Mukherjee, MPs Jairam Ramesh, Smriti Irani, former CM of Jammu and Kashmir Farooq Abdullah, NITI Aayog's CEO Amitabh Kant and spiritual guide Sadhguru.