UditVani, Jamshedpur : The Centre for Indian Knowledge System at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Jamshedpur formally inaugurated the 15th National Symposium on Ancient Indian Science and Technology on Monday, setting the stage for a rich intellectual exchange on India’s timeless scientific legacy and its contemporary relevance.
The two-day symposium seeks to convene academicians, researchers, and students from across the country to deliberate on the revival, reinterpretation, and integration of traditional Indian knowledge systems with modern scientific and technological frameworks.
Held at the DJLHC (Room No. 212), the inaugural session commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and a rendition of Saraswati Vandana, followed by the felicitation of distinguished guests. Prof. Ram Vinay Sharma, Chairperson of the Centre for Indian Knowledge System and Deputy Director of NIT Jamshedpur, delivered the welcome address, underscoring the significance of indigenous knowledge in shaping future-ready research paradigms.
In his keynote remarks, Prof. Rakesh Sahgal of NIT Hamirpur, former Director of NIT Srinagar, emphasized the urgent need to embed Indian knowledge traditions within mainstream education and research ecosystems.
Prof. Debi Prasad Mishra, Founder President of Bharatiya Paramparik Gyan Vigyan Samaj (BPGVS), highlighted the scientific depth, sustainability, and enduring relevance of traditional Indian technologies.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Goutam Sutradhar, Director of NIT Jamshedpur, called for a renewed focus on revitalizing indigenous knowledge systems and aligning them with contemporary technological advancements to address pressing global challenges and foster sustainable development.
Dr. Om Prakash Pandey, in his address, eloquently articulated the intrinsic interconnection between Gyan (knowledge), Vigyan (science), and Pragyan (wisdom), advocating a holistic and culturally rooted approach to scientific inquiry.
The session also spotlighted key thematic areas of the symposium, including the eco-friendly and sustainable nature of ancient Indian technologies, their community-centric design, and their potential to offer viable solutions to present-day challenges.
Illustrative examples such as traditional irrigation systems, advancements in metallurgy, and sustainable agricultural practices underscored India’s rich technological heritage.
Over the course of two days, the symposium will feature a series of invited lectures spanning ethnobotany, traditional agriculture, artificial intelligence, and Indian knowledge systems.
The discussions will encompass diverse disciplines including engineering, architecture, Ayurveda, and astronomy.
The inaugural session concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. Jitendra Kumar, followed by a rendition of Vande Mataram. The proceedings were seamlessly anchored by Dr. Manish Kumar Jha.
