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National Seminar on “Indian Knowledge System: Heritage, Innovation and the Future” (10^th March 2026)

Assam University, Silchar, hosted a one-day National Seminar on “Indian Knowledge System: Herit age, Innovation and the Future” on 10 March 2026. The seminar was organized by the Centre for Indian Knowledge System with reference to Northeast India Studies, Assam University. The event brought together academicians, practitioners, researchers, and students from different parts of the country to deliberate on the relevance, preservation, and contemporary application of India’s rich knowledge heritage. The seminar aimed to provide an academic platform to discuss the philosophical foundations, scientific contributions, and practical relevance of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) in addressing present-day challenges. Through scholarly discussions and presentations, participants explored how traditional knowledge can be integrated with modern innovations to contribute to sustainable development, community well-being, and intellectual advancement.

Prof. Gangabhushan M. Molankal, Director of the Centre for Indian Knowledge System, Assam University, delivered the welcome address, in which he provided an overview of the objectives and significance of the seminar. He highlighted the need to rediscover, document, and disseminate traditional knowledge systems embedded in Indian civilization and emphasized their potential role in guiding contemporary society toward sustainable and inclusive development. He also underscored the importance of promoting interdisciplinary research on Indian Knowledge Systems, particularly in the context of Northeast India, where indigenous traditions continue to play an important role in shaping local livelihoods and cultural practices.

The inaugural session of the seminar was presided over by Prof. Abdul Razak, Vice-Chancellor (In-Charge), Assam University. In his presidential address, he reflected on India’s profound heritage of knowledge and its historical contributions in diverse fields such as science, technology, mathematics, astronomy, astrology, medicine, philosophy, and governance. He emphasized that the intellectual legacy of ancient India continues to inspire modern scientific inquiry and innovation. He further stressed the need for universities to actively promote research and teaching on Indian Knowledge Systems in order to preserve and propagate this invaluable heritage for future generations.

The Chief Guest, Prof. Sukamal Deb, Professor, Assam Downtown University, Guwahati highlighted the contemporary relevance of Indian Knowledge Systems in addressing socio-economic challenges. He emphasized their potential in alleviating the conditions of the rural poor through skill development and livelihood promotion based on traditional knowledge and indigenous practices. He noted that traditional practices in agriculture, health care, and environmental management possess valuable insights that can complement modern development initiatives.

Among the distinguished speakers, Prof. B. K. Behera, Dean of the Jadunath Sarkar School of Social Sciences, spoke on the transformative role of knowledge in empowering marginalized and vulnerable sections of society. He emphasized that access to knowledge and education can serve as a powerful instrument of social empowerment, enabling communities to overcome structural inequalities and actively participate in development processes.

Prof. R. Balakrishnan, Dean of the Ashutosh Mukhopadhyay School of Education, highlighted India’s remarkable achievements in the fields of architecture, traditional engineering, and ancient construction techniques, particularly visible in the historic temples and monuments of southern India. He pointed out that these architectural marvels stand as enduring testimonies to the scientific and artistic excellence of Indian civilization. He stressed that recognizing and studying these achievements can provide valuable insights for addressing contemporary challenges in sustainable design and infrastructure development.

The seminar also featured addresses by several eminent academicians who joined the programme in online mode. Notable among them were Prof. B. T. Lawani, Former Director of Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune; Prof. D. P. Singh from Panjab University; and Prof. Ranjit Kumar Verma, Former Vice-Chancellor of Munger University, Bihar. In their addresses, they highlighted the significance of Indian Knowledge Systems in enriching higher education and emphasized the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge traditions into contemporary academic discourse and research.

The seminar witnessed enthusiastic participation from scholars and researchers representing more than twelve states across India, reflecting the growing national interest in the study and promotion of Indian Knowledge Systems. As the seminar was conducted in a blended mode, it enabled both offline and online participation, thereby facilitating wider academic engagement from institutions across the country.

To accommodate the large number of research presentations, the seminar featured six parallel technical sessions, where scholars presented papers on diverse themes related to Indian Knowledge Systems. The presentations covered areas such as traditional health practices, indigenous ecological knowledge, community-based livelihood systems, traditional architecture, education systems, and the role of indigenous
knowledge in sustainable development. These technical sessions provided a vibrant platform for academic exchange, critical discussions, and interdisciplinary dialogue among participants.

The speakers collectively emphasized that India’s knowledge heritage is not merely a matter of historical pride but a valuable intellectual resource that can contribute to solving contemporary societal challenges. They called for greater academic engagement, documentation, and integration of traditional knowledge systems into modern education, research, and policy frameworks. The programme concluded with the distribution of certificates to the participants and presenters, recognizing their valuable contributions to the seminar. Dr. Ajita Tiwari, Department of Agriculture and Technology gave vote of thanks. The event formally came to an end with the singing of the National Anthem, marking the successful culmination of the National

Seminar on “Indian Knowledge System: Heritage, Innovation and the Future.”

One-Day Orientation Programme on Manuscripts

Organised by the Department of Sanskrit and the Centre for Indian Knowledge System, Assam University, Silchar, on 11 March 2026

The Department of Sanskrit, Assam University, Silchar, in collaboration with the Centre for Indian Knowledge System (CIKS), Assam University, organised a One-Day Orientation Programme on Manuscripts on 11 March 2026. The programme was organised with the objective of creating awareness about the historical, cultural, philosophical, and intellectual significance of manuscripts as important repositories of India’s traditional knowledge and civilisational heritage. It sought to familiarise participants with the value of manuscripts in understanding India’s rich intellectual traditions and to encourage greater academic engagement with manuscript studies, preservation, documentation, and research.

Manuscripts constitute an invaluable part of India’s knowledge heritage, preserving centuries of intellectual contributions in diverse fields, including philosophy, literature, linguistics, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, agriculture, ecology, religion, and cultural practices. Written in different languages and scripts on materials such as palm leaves, birch bark, handmade paper, and other traditional media, these manuscripts provide insights into the evolution of knowledge systems and the social, cultural, and intellectual life of different communities. The orientation programme highlighted the importance of identifying, preserving, documenting, cataloguing, and interpreting these valuable resources so that their contents can be made accessible to researchers, students, and future generations.

The programme was graced by Prof. Abdul Rasak, Vice-Chancellor-in-Charge, Assam University, as the Chief Guest. The presence of Prof. Piyush Pandey, Director, Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC); Prof. Shanti Pokhrel, Head, Department of Sanskrit; Prof. Govind Sharma, Department of Sanskrit; and Prof. Gangabhushan M. Molankal, Director, Centre for Indian Knowledge System, Assam University, added academic significance to the occasion. Their participation reflected the University’s commitment to strengthening the study of India’s traditional knowledge heritage through institutional collaboration, academic dialogue, and interdisciplinary engagement.

The orientation emphasised that manuscript studies extend beyond the preservation of old texts; they also provide opportunities to recover, interpret, and critically examine the knowledge embedded in India’s intellectual traditions. Manuscripts can serve as important primary sources for understanding historical developments, regional knowledge practices, linguistic diversity, philosophical thought, and traditional approaches to human well-being and environmental sustainability. Their systematic study can contribute to contemporary research while ensuring that traditional knowledge is examined with appropriate historical context, scholarly rigour, and respect for its cultural origins.

The programme also drew attention to the need for strengthening institutional efforts towards manuscript conservation, digital documentation, and the development of accessible research resources. In the contemporary academic environment, the application of digital technologies and interdisciplinary methodologies offers considerable potential for protecting fragile manuscripts, facilitating scholarly interpretation, and making knowledge available to a wider academic and public audience. Such initiatives are particularly relevant for universities seeking to connect classical learning with contemporary research and educational practices.

The collaboration between the Department of Sanskrit and the Centre for Indian Knowledge System reflected the importance of bringing together expertise in classical languages, textual traditions, cultural history, and interdisciplinary research. While the Department of Sanskrit contributes to the scholarly study of classical texts and linguistic traditions, the Centre for Indian Knowledge System seeks to promote a broader understanding of India’s diverse knowledge traditions and their relevance to contemporary society. This collaborative approach can encourage students, research scholars, and faculty members to explore manuscripts as sources of knowledge, cultural continuity, and intellectual inquiry.

The programme was in keeping with the broader objectives of the Centre for Indian Knowledge System at Assam University to promote awareness, documentation, research, and dissemination of India’s traditional knowledge heritage, with due attention to the diverse intellectual and cultural traditions of the Northeast. By encouraging academic engagement with manuscripts, the initiative contributed to strengthening the University’s efforts to preserve and promote India’s knowledge traditions and create opportunities for further research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Overall, the One-Day Orientation Programme on Manuscripts marked an important academic initiative towards creating awareness of the significance of manuscript heritage and encouraging its systematic study and preservation. The programme reaffirmed the importance of universities as centres for safeguarding historical knowledge resources, fostering research, and transmitting cultural and intellectual heritage to future generations. The joint initiative of the Department of Sanskrit and the Centre for Indian Knowledge System demonstrated Assam University’s continuing commitment to promoting India’s rich knowledge traditions through academic engagement, institutional cooperation, and research-oriented activities.

Workshop on Youth Leadership and Mental Performance through Mahamrityunjya Vidya organised by Department of Sanskrit and Centre for Indian Knowledge System in association with Mentor Ocean on 3^rd July 2026

Assam University, Silchar, organised an interdisciplinary programme on Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), bringing together scholars, academicians, medical professionals and practitioners to explore the convergence of traditional Indian knowledge and contemporary scientific perspectives. As reported in the attached newspaper clipping, the programme was held on Tuesday at Assam University, Silchar, with a focus on youth leadership, mental health, human performance, emotional resilience and holistic well-being.

The programme sought to demonstrate the continuing relevance of India’s intellectual and cultural traditions in addressing contemporary challenges. By integrating the principles of Indian Knowledge Systems with modern scientific approaches, the initiative emphasised the importance of developing a balanced understanding of human well-being, leadership, emotional intelligence and personal development.

The programme was organised by the Department of Sanskrit and the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems (CIKS), Assam University, in association with Mentor Ocean, an initiative focused on leadership development, faculty mentorship, research scholars and professional development.

Objectives of the Programme

The principal objective of the programme was to explore how Indian Knowledge Systems can contribute to contemporary academic discourse and practical interventions in the fields of mental health, leadership and human development. The major objectives included:

1. To explore the convergence of Indian Knowledge Systems and contemporary scientific perspectives.
2. To promote awareness of traditional Indian approaches to mental health, emotional resilience and holistic

1. well-being. 
2. To encourage youth leadership and develop the leadership capacities of students and research scholars.
3. To examine the relevance of mindfulness, meditation and related practices in managing anxiety, emotional stress and academic pressures.
4. To promote interdisciplinary dialogue among Sanskrit scholars, contemporary researchers, medical professionals and leadership practitioners.
5. To encourage the integration of Indian Knowledge Systems into higher education, research and professional development.
6. To strengthen institutional collaboration and promote innovative academic initiatives that connect India’s traditional knowledge heritage with contemporary societal needs.

Organising Institutions and Collaborating Partners

The programme was jointly organised by the Department of Sanskrit and the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems (CIKS), Assam University, in association with Mentor Ocean.

The collaboration reflected the importance of interdisciplinary engagement in advancing Indian Knowledge Systems within the university system. The Department of Sanskrit contributed the academic foundation for engaging with India’s classical knowledge traditions, while CIKS provided an institutional platform for exploring their contemporary relevance across disciplines. The association with Mentor Ocean further facilitated engagement with leadership development, mentorship and applied approaches to personal and professional well-being. 

The initiative demonstrated how universities can create collaborative platforms that connect traditional knowledge, contemporary research and practical interventions for students and professionals.

Major Sessions and Key Discussions

Mastering Your Mind: Understanding Anxiety, Emotions and Mental Well-being in Student Life

One of the principal sessions was titled “Mastering Your Mind: Understanding Anxiety, Emotions and Mental Well-being in Student Life.” The session addressed the growing importance of mental health and emotional well-being among students, particularly in the context of academic pressures, uncertainty about the future, interpersonal relationships and the challenges of higher education. 

During the session, Dr. Ghosh emphasised the significance of emotional resilience and positive mental health among students. The discussion highlighted the need to develop greater awareness of emotional responses and to cultivate the ability to manage anxiety and stress constructively.

The session was particularly relevant to universities, where students and research scholars face multiple academic and personal demands. It underscored the importance of creating supportive educational environments that encourage emotional awareness, psychological resilience and balanced personal development. 

The discussion also highlighted the potential relevance of Indian Knowledge Systems in promoting self-awareness, mental discipline and a holistic understanding of human well-being, alongside contemporary scientific perspectives. 

The Power of Purpose: Building Inner Strength and Resilience for Life Challenges

Another important session was delivered by Dr. Ravi Kannan on “The Power of Purpose: Building Inner Strength and Resilience for Life Challenges.” The session focused on the importance of purpose-driven living, inner strength and resilience in responding to the challenges of personal and professional life. It emphasised that a clear sense of purpose can help individuals develop perseverance, maintain direction during difficult circumstances and respond constructively to adversity. The discussion also highlighted compassion as an important element of leadership. Effective leadership requires not only professional competence and decision-making abilities but also empathy, responsibility and sensitivity towards the needs of others. The session offered important insights for students, research scholars, teachers and aspiring leaders. It reinforced the relevance of value-based education and holistic personal development in preparing young people to navigate complex social and professional environments.

The Mahamrityunjaya Vidya Framework and Interdisciplinary Engagement 

According to the newspaper report, Dr. Neil M. Gautam, founder of Mentor Ocean and co-creator of the Mahamrityunjaya Vidya framework, was among the key contributors to the programme. The programme explored the integration of the Mahamrityunjaya Vidya framework with contemporary scientific perspectives. This approach was presented as an effort to examine traditional Indian knowledge in relation to current understandings of human performance, mental health, emotional well-being and leadership. The initiative sought to encourage dialogue between traditional knowledge traditions and modern scientific approaches rather than treating them as isolated domains of inquiry. Such interdisciplinary engagement can provide opportunities for further academic discussion, research and the development of educational interventions. Any future application of this framework in university teaching or student support would benefit from systematic research, appropriate evaluation methods and careful engagement with relevant scientific evidence.

Participation and Academic Engagement

The programme brought together dignitaries and professionals from different academic and professional backgrounds. The newspaper report mentions the participation of representatives associated with Indian Knowledge Systems, leadership development and medical services. Dr. Darshana Patoa, Medical Officer at Assam University, was also mentioned among the participants. The presence of medical professionals alongside academics and knowledge practitioners reflected the programme’s interdisciplinary orientation. The interaction among participants provided an opportunity to discuss mental health, leadership, emotional resilience and the practical relevance of traditional knowledge approaches within contemporary educational settings. Such initiatives are particularly valuable in higher education institutions because they encourage students and researchers to engage with questions that extend beyond conventional disciplinary boundaries.

Significance of the Programme for Indian Knowledge Systems

The programme represents an important effort to explore the contemporary relevance of Indian Knowledge Systems through interdisciplinary academic engagement. Its significance can be understood in the following areas.

Integration of Traditional and Contemporary Knowledge 

Indian Knowledge Systems encompass diverse philosophical, intellectual, cultural and practical traditions. Exploring their relationship with contemporary scientific perspectives can encourage new research questions and enrich academic discussions. The programme provided a platform for examining this relationship in the context of mental well-being, leadership and human development.

Mental Health and Holistic Well-being 

Mental health is an important concern in higher education. Academic pressure, career uncertainty and changing social circumstances can affect the emotional well-being of students and research scholars. The discussions on anxiety, emotional awareness and resilience highlighted the importance of addressing student well-being as an integral component of educational development. The programme also drew attention to the potential contribution of Indian knowledge traditions to discussions on self-awareness, inner discipline and holistic development, while recognising the importance of evidence-based approaches to mental health.

Youth Leadership and Value-based Development

The emphasis on purpose, inner strength, resilience and compassion has particular relevance for youth development. These qualities can support responsible decision-making, social engagement and constructive leadership. By connecting leadership discussions with Indian Knowledge Systems, the programme encouraged consideration of ethical values and personal responsibility alongside professional skills.

Promotion of Interdisciplinary Research

The programme brought together perspectives associated with Sanskrit, Indian Knowledge Systems, medical practice, leadership development and contemporary science. Such engagement can encourage collaborative research, interdisciplinary seminars, student projects and future academic programmes. It also provides opportunities to examine how traditional knowledge concepts can be studied, documented and evaluated using appropriate research methodologies.

Role of the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems, Assam University 

The programme highlights the role of the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems at Assam University as a platform for promoting the study, dissemination and contemporary application of India’s knowledge traditions. Through academic programmes, seminars, workshops and interdisciplinary collaborations, the Centre can facilitate dialogue between classical Indian thought and contemporary academic disciplines. The present initiative is consistent with this broader objective of bringing Indian Knowledge Systems into meaningful engagement with current educational and societal concerns. 

The programme also illustrates the potential for collaboration between the Centre and other academic departments, professional organisations and practitioners. Such partnerships can help develop new opportunities for teaching, research, documentation and community engagement.

Recommendations and Future Scope

Building on the discussions and themes reported in the newspaper, the following initiatives may be considered:

1. Academic seminars: Organise a series of interdisciplinary seminars on Indian Knowledge Systems, mental well-being, consciousness, leadership and human development.

2. Student development programmes: Develop workshops for students and research scholars on emotional resilience, stress management, self-awareness and responsible leadership, with appropriate professional support where needed.

3. Interdisciplinary research: Encourage collaborative research involving Sanskrit, social work, psychology, medical sciences, philosophy and other relevant disciplines.

4. Research documentation: Document the concepts and practices discussed during such programmes and examine their contemporary relevance through systematic scholarly inquiry.

5. Faculty development: Organise faculty development programmes on integrating Indian Knowledge Systems into teaching, research and student engagement.

6. Evaluation of interventions: Where specific well-being or leadership frameworks are introduced, assess their outcomes through appropriate research designs and evidence-based evaluation.

7. Institutional collaboration: Strengthen partnerships with other universities, research institutions and professional organisations to promote wider academic engagement with Indian Knowledge Systems.

8. Knowledge dissemination: Prepare reports, academic papers and educational resources documenting the programme’s discussions and key insights for students, teachers and researchers.

Conclusion

The Indian Knowledge Systems programme at Assam University, Silchar, was a significant interdisciplinary initiative focused on connecting India’s traditional knowledge heritage with contemporary concerns relating to mental health, emotional resilience, leadership and human performance.

Organised by the Department of Sanskrit and the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems, Assam University, in association with Mentor Ocean, the programme brought together perspectives from academic and professional domains. The sessions on understanding anxiety and mental well-being, and on purpose-driven living and resilience, highlighted the importance of holistic human development in higher
education. The reported engagement with the Mahamrityunjaya Vidya framework further illustrated the organisers’ interest in exploring the relationship between traditional Indian knowledge and contemporary scientific perspectives.

Overall, the programme provided an opportunity to strengthen interdisciplinary dialogue and consider the relevance of Indian Knowledge Systems in addressing contemporary educational and societal challenges. Its long-term significance will depend on sustained academic engagement, systematic research, careful
evaluation and the continued development of collaborative initiatives.

Through such efforts, Assam University can further strengthen its contribution to the study and dissemination of Indian Knowledge Systems and promote their meaningful engagement with contemporary education, research and human development.

National Workshop on Animation for Preserving Northeast India’s Folklore and Heritage during 28th Sept – 3rd Oct 2026

Assam University, Silchar, organised a five-day national workshop titled “From Heritage to Motion: Bringing the Crafts and Folklore of Northeast India to Life through Animation.” The workshop was jointly organised by the Department of Visual Arts and the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems (CIKS), Assam University, with financial support from the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR).

The workshop was inaugurated by the Vice-Chancellor of Assam University, Prof. Rajive Mohan Pant, at the Hurmat Ali Barlaskar Seminar Hall of the Department of Mass Communication. The inaugural programme was attended by Prof. Nirmal Kanti Roy, Dean of the School of Creative Arts and Communication Studies and Head of the Department of Visual Arts; Prof. M. Gangabhushan, Director, Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems; Prof. Piyush Pandey, Director of IQAC; and other university faculty members and invited experts. 

A total of 60 participants, including undergraduate and postgraduate students, PhD scholars and alumni from the Departments of Visual Arts, Mass Communication and Performing Arts, participated in the workshop. They were organised into 15 groups and guided by animation professionals and academicians in developing scripts based on folk narratives and culturally significant themes. Projects included the local tradition of Nauka Puja (boat worship) and narratives inspired by the historic Silchar Language Movement of 19 May 1961.

The workshop highlighted the potential of animation and digital storytelling as innovative tools for documenting, preserving and disseminating the folklore, traditional crafts and cultural heritage of Northeast India. It also provided participants with opportunities to develop creative skills and explore the use of modern digital technologies in cultural preservation. The initiative represents an important contribution by Assam University and its Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems towards safeguarding regional knowledge traditions and making them accessible to younger generations. It also demonstrated the scope for integrating traditional knowledge, creative arts and emerging technologies through interdisciplinary education and research. 

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