vidya

Vidya is a Sanskrit noun meaning knowledge, learning, or science. It derives from the root vid- meaning “to know” and is used to refer to both general education and spiritual insight.

In Hindu philosophy and Indian thought, vidya is often contrasted with avidya, or ignorance. Some traditions distinguish para-vidya (transcendent or ultimate knowledge) from apara-vidya (empirical or worldly knowledge). In Advaita Vedanta and other schools, the pursuit of para-vidya is associated with spiritual liberation, while apara-vidya concerns worldly learning and practical skills.

Goddess Saraswati is commonly associated with vidya; she embodies knowledge, arts, and wisdom, and is honored by students and scholars seeking learning. The term vidya is also used as an epithet related to Saraswati and appears in the names of educational institutions, cultural organizations, and devotional contexts.

As a given name, Vidya is a common female name in India and among Indian diaspora communities. In literature, media, and daily usage, the term conveys connotations of learning, intelligence, and enlightenment, reflecting its broad cultural resonance in South Asia.