In this insightful TEDx talk, Pawan Kumar, IAS officer and Director at the Ministry of Rural Development, takes us on a journey back in time to discover the wisdom of ancient civilizations. Through captivating stories of the Indus Valley's water conservation, the Iron Pillar of Delhi's rust-free design, and mythological lessons from the Mahabharata and Ramayana, he reveals how our ancestors mastered sustainable living, problem-solving, and technological advancements long before modern science. He explains how ancient Indian knowledge in architecture, medicine, and governance can inspire innovative solutions to today's challenges.The talk, titled "Past Forward: Unlocking Ancient Secrets," emphasizes the importance of learning from history to build a better future. Pawan Kumar challenges us to reconnect with this forgotten wisdom, proving that the solutions to modern problems may already exist in the echoes of our past. His message is clear: sometimes, the key to moving forward is hidden in the wisdom of the past. Pawan Kumar of Raghunathpur village, Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, achieved an All India Rank of 239 in the UPSC Civil Services Exam. His parents, who belonged to an economically backward family, were laborers under the MNREGA scheme. He could do well in his studies despite the economic difficulties, studying at Navodaya Vidyalaya and eventually completing his studies from Allahabad University. With hard work and self-preparation, he cracked UPSC on his third attempt. Pawan attributes all his success to the unstinting support from his family. His rise from poverty to IAS officer status is an exemplar of doggedness and hard work. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx