Scholars Engage in In-Depth Academic Deliberations on ‘Contemporary Global Scenario and Indian Knowledge System’
Ghatsila, Jharkhand: Sona Devi University, Ghatsila, successfully organized a two-day National Seminar on the theme “Contemporary Global Scenario and Indian Knowledge System: An Analytical Discourse.” The primary objective of the seminar was to deliberate on the relevance of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) in the contemporary global scenario, India’s rich intellectual and cultural heritage, and its role in modern education, science, research, and society.
The programme was organized at the Swami Vivekananda Auditorium of the University. The inaugural session was conducted by Ms. Kumari Nikita, Assistant Professor, Department of Sanskrit. The programme commenced with the chanting of Vedic mantras by Dr. Sangeeta Chowdhury, Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Music. This was followed by a welcome address and felicitation of the guests by Mrs. Archana Singh, Assistant Registrar.
The inaugural session was graced by the presence of the University’s Chancellor, Mr. Prabhakar Singh; Vice-Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Braj Mohan Pat Pingua; Registrar and Dean of the Faculty of Science, Dr. Nit Nayana; Director of the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Jamshedpur, Prof. (Dr.) Gautam Sutradhar; and the Hon’ble MLA of Jamshedpur West and Chairman of the Committee on Delegated Legislation of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly, Mr. Saryu Roy, along with other distinguished guests from academic and administrative fields.
Call to Promote Research, Innovation and Indian Knowledge Traditions
Formally inaugurating the seminar, Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Braj Mohan Pat Pingua emphasized the need to promote Indian knowledge traditions in the face of contemporary global challenges such as climate change, technological advancement, and innovation. He encouraged research scholars to undertake original and innovative research, stating that today’s research would lay the foundation for an innovative India. He also motivated scholars to bring their ideas before society through academic writing and research.
Presenting a report on the University’s academic and institutional activities, Registrar Dr. Nit Nayana stated that the University provides a meaningful platform for teachers, research scholars, and students to exchange ideas and perspectives. She highlighted the University’s academic environment, activities undertaken by various departments, and initiatives in emerging academic fields, including Artificial Intelligence (AI). She further informed the gathering that collaborations with various academic institutions and organizations through Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are creating new opportunities for students. These initiatives are expected to contribute to skill development, a brighter future for students, and the vision of building a developed and prosperous India.
Dr. Sujit Kumar, Head of the Department of Sanskrit, delivered the introductory address, highlighting the academic significance of the seminar’s theme. He emphasized the various dimensions of the Indian Knowledge System and the importance of studying its relevance in the present era.
Indian Knowledge Traditions as the Foundation of Modern Science and Management
During the inaugural session, Dr. Monika Uppal, Principal of DBMS College of Education, stated that Indian knowledge traditions have influenced various fields, including science, management, leadership, and global thought. She emphasized that the knowledge contained in the Vedas and ancient Indian scriptures should be studied in conjunction with modern scientific perspectives. She particularly highlighted the management and leadership principles of Kautilya and the teachings of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, explaining how traditional knowledge can offer solutions to contemporary challenges. She also stressed the need for analytical studies of contemporary global issues and encouraged further research in this direction.
Prof. (Dr.) Gautam Sutradhar, Director of NIT Jamshedpur, highlighted the relationship between the Indian Knowledge System and modern science and technology. He encouraged research scholars to pursue research and innovation in areas such as robotics, emerging technologies, greenhouse technology, and other scientific disciplines by exploring their connections with Indian knowledge traditions. He observed that the Indian Knowledge System contains numerous elements of scientific and technological significance that require systematic academic and research-based exploration. Referring to Vedic chanting, astronomy, traditional concepts related to the Sun and Moon, and various aspects of ancient Indian technological knowledge, he emphasized the importance of examining these subjects in contemporary scientific contexts.
Integrating the Indian Knowledge System into Education Is an Important Initiative: Chancellor
Addressing the gathering, University Chancellor Mr. Prabhakar Singh shared his views on the historical significance of the Indian Knowledge System and its growing relevance in the present academic landscape. He stated that India has been a land of rich traditions in knowledge, science, and culture since ancient times. Referring to the impact of colonial rule on Indian civilization, culture, and traditional education systems, he emphasized the need to bring Indian knowledge traditions back to the centre of academic discourse.
He welcomed the initiative to incorporate the Indian Knowledge System into universities and higher education institutions and expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Prime Minister in this direction. He expressed confidence that the Indian Knowledge System would play a significant role in realizing the vision of a developed India by the centenary of independence. He also highlighted the commitment to the development and prosperity of Jharkhand. Through his poetic reflections, he conveyed messages of social awareness, creativity, and freedom of thought.
Solutions to Life’s and the World’s Challenges Lie in Indian Knowledge Traditions
Dr. Ragini Bhushan, former Head of the Department of Sanskrit, Kolhan University, highlighted the deep connection between Indian knowledge traditions and contemporary challenges. Referring to the vast knowledge contained in the Vedas and Upanishads, she observed that an in-depth study of ancient Indian scriptures can provide society with fresh perspectives on several important issues.
The Hon’ble MLA of Jamshedpur West and Chairman of the Committee on Delegated Legislation of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly, Mr. Saryu Roy, delivered an elaborate address explaining the distinction between synthesis and analysis in understanding the Indian Knowledge System. He stated that a comprehensive understanding of Indian knowledge traditions requires an in-depth study of their fundamental ideas, philosophy, and broader contexts. He shared his perspectives on the Indian philosophical concept of 84 lakh life forms, the philosophy of Adi Shankaracharya, the concept of zero, and the interrelationship between Indian and global knowledge traditions.
Referring to Swami Vivekananda and episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, he discussed the philosophy of life, energy, technological knowledge, and ethical values embedded in Indian scriptures. He emphasized that traditional knowledge should be preserved while being utilized to address contemporary challenges. He also reflected on the changing relationship between knowledge and the marketplace, stating that the purpose of knowledge should not be limited to commercial gains but should contribute to social welfare and the development of human values. He concluded his address with references to Tulsidas and India’s rich literary and spiritual traditions.
A New Dimension to Research and Academic Dialogue
During the seminar, all the speakers shared their perspectives on the richness of Indian knowledge traditions, their relevance in addressing contemporary global challenges, and the importance of studying India’s intellectual heritage in higher education. The speakers emphasized that integrating ancient Indian knowledge with modern science, technology, research, and innovation could open up new possibilities.
The national seminar provided teachers, research scholars, and students with an opportunity to exchange ideas on diverse subjects related to knowledge, culture, education, science, and global transformation. It also served as an important initiative towards strengthening academic dialogue between the Indian Knowledge System and contemporary global thought.
At the conclusion of the programme, Dr. Kanchan Sinha, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, delivered the vote of thanks. The inaugural session concluded with the National Song and National Anthem. A group photograph featuring the dignitaries, organizers, and participants was also taken at the end of the programme.
The two-day National Seminar organized by Sona Devi University was a significant initiative towards highlighting the contemporary relevance of the Indian Knowledge System, encouraging research and innovation, and providing a broader academic platform for the study and promotion of India’s rich knowledge traditions in higher education.
