National Workshop on Indian Knowledge Systems Held in Chennai

Chennai: The CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), in collaboration with Dwarka Doss Goverdhan Doss Vaishnav College (DDGD Vaishnav College), successfully organized a one-day National Workshop on ‘Capacity Building in Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS): Documentation, Validation, and Communication’. Held at DDGD Vaishnav College, Chennai, the event was part of CSIR-NIScPR’s national initiative SVASTIK (Scientifically Validated Societal Traditional Knowledge), aimed at promoting the scientific validation and dissemination of Indian traditional knowledge.

The workshop brought together faculty members, teachers, scientists, and science communicators, providing insights into documenting, validating, and communicating India’s rich traditional knowledge. The inaugural session featured Padma Shri Prof. M. D. Srinivas, Chairman, Centre for Policy Research, Chennai, as the chief guest, along with Dr. K. Vijayalakshmi, Research Director, Centre for Indian Knowledge System, and Dr. S. Santhosh Baboo, Principal, DDGD Vaishnav College.

In her welcome address, Dr. Uthra Dorairajan, Associate Professor at DDGD Vaishnav College, emphasized the need to integrate Indian traditional knowledge with modern scientific advancements. Dr. Santhosh Baboo, the principal of the host institution, highlighted the college’s ongoing efforts in promoting Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) in education.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. M. D. Srinivas, a renowned expert in theoretical physics, discussed India’s intellectual heritage and its relevance in modern scientific advancements. He stressed the importance of bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary science through collaborative research and innovation.

The technical session, chaired by Prof. M. S. Sriram, President of Prof. K. V. Sarma Research Foundation, featured engaging discussions by experts. Dr. K. Vijayalakshmi spoke on indigenous agricultural practices, highlighting the conservation of traditional rice landraces for sustainable development. Dr. V. Aarthi, Research Officer (Siddha) at the Central Council for Research in Siddha, provided insights into the Siddha system of medicine and its potential integration with modern healthcare practices. Dr. Charu Lata, Principal Scientist and Coordinator of SVASTIK at CSIR-NIScPR, elaborated on the challenges and strategies involved in disseminating Indian Knowledge Systems to a broader audience.

The workshop also included an interactive hands-on training session on IKS communication, led by Dr. Paramananda Barman, Senior Scientist at CSIR-NIScPR, New Delhi. Participants were introduced to science communication tools, learning how to create infographics and short videos for effective outreach.

The event concluded with a feedback session, where participants shared their learning experiences and reflections. A special exhibition of SVASTIK stories and publications was set up, offering deeper insights into India’s scientific and cultural heritage.