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Other literature type . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Other literature type . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Other literature type . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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Dron-Acharya: Reimagining the Guru-Shishya Tradition in a Virtual Era

Authors: Chirayu Tongra, Ruchi Gaur;

Dron-Acharya: Reimagining the Guru-Shishya Tradition in a Virtual Era

Abstract

In an era of digital acceleration and increasing disconnection from traditional spiritual practices, there is a growing demand for culturally rooted and accessible spiritual guidance. This research introduces Dron-Acharya—a virtual darshan and consultation platform that reimagines the Indian guru-shishya tradition for a tech-savvy, global audience. Unlike mainstream mindfulness apps like Calm or Headspace, Dron-Acharya emphasizes personalized, Vedic-based spiritual experiences. The study aims to design a platform that combines ancient spiritual wisdom with modern usability, addressing key user needs such as authenticity, personalization, intuitive design, and access to knowledgeable gurus. Using a mixed-method approach—surveys, interviews, competitor analysis, and persona development—the project identifies target users including urban professionals, Gen Z seekers, Indian diaspora, and elderly individuals seeking digital alternatives to physical ashrams. The persona of Mayank Sharma, a 35-year-old professional, informed the design process, which followed the Double Diamond framework (Discover, Define, Develop, Deliver). Core features include AI-powered consultations, virtual blessings, interactive guru profiles, and a culturally immersive interface. Usability testing guided refinements such as multilingual support and audio-based navigation to ensure greater inclusivity. While outcomes suggest strong potential for digital platforms to enrich spiritual engagement, this research primarily explores how tradition and technology can meaningfully intersect. This study will benefit designers, spiritual organizations, and digital product developers by offering a framework to create authentic, accessible spiritual tech—serving users seeking depth, connection, and continuity in their spiritual journeys.

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
Green