The Multidisciplinary Research Centre (MDRC), Nagaland University, organized a One-Day National Conference on “Revitalizing Indian Knowledge System in 21st Century” on September 25 at the I Ihoshe Kinimi Hall, Nagaland University, Headquarters Lumami. The conference brought together university administrators, faculty members, researchers, scholars, students, invited speakers, and distinguished guests to deliberate upon the relevance, preservation, documentation, and revitalization of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) in the contemporary context.
The conference was structured into an Inaugural Session, Technical Sessions, Poster Presentation and Evaluation, and valedictory session. The inaugural session was chaired by Dr Thejano Ngullie. The programme commenced with welcome address by Prof Ambrish Singh, Convenor and Coordinator, MDRC.
Dr Alka Nanda Amethia, Organizing Secretary delivered an introductory presentation on the Indian Knowledge System and provided the thematic context for the conference.
In his address, Chief Patron Prof Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor, Nagaland University, emphasized the need to connect traditional knowledge with the modern knowledge system and reflected on the impact of colonial education and the importance of the pedagogical traditions of ancient India. He stressed experiential and learner-centred education and referred to traditional water-harvesting practices in Nagaland as examples of indigenous knowledge that can provide valuable lessons for sustainable development.
Chief Guest, Prof Uday Shanker Dixit, HAG, Head, Indian Knowledge System, IIT Guwahati and former Officiating Director, CIT Kokrajhar, emphasized the importance of multidisciplinary education under NEP 2020. He highlighted the need for students to acquire knowledge and skills across disciplines and drew attention to the continued relevance of India’s traditional knowledge in contemporary education and research.
Registrar, Dr Abemo, also addressed the gathering and emphasized the growing significance of multidisciplinary education for the future generation. A highlight of the inaugural session was the release of the Conference Abstract Book. A total of 72 abstracts were received from different departments of Nagaland University, representing UG, PG, and Ph.D. scholars.
The inaugural programme also included a group dance by MDRC students, a Swachhata Pledge led by Dr Likhase Sangtam. The session concluded with the Vote of Thanks.
Technical Session–I was chaired by Prof Indira Devi, Senior Professor, Department of Chemistry, with Prof Ranjit Kumar, Head, Department of Zoology, as Co-Chair. Prof Indira appreciated the efforts of the MDRC Coordinator and faculty members in developing the Centre and introduced the keynote speaker.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof Uday Shanker Dixit on “Relevance of Indian Knowledge Systems in Modern Age.” He discussed the importance of India’s traditional knowledge and its potential contribution to contemporary challenges.
Particular attention was given to the knowledge contained in ancient Indian texts, including the Vedas and Puranas, and their relevance to modern science, technology, education, and research.
Technical Session–II was chaired by Prof Joginder Singh Panwar, Head, Department of Botany and Director, IQAC, while Prof Ashutosh Tripathi, Department of Environmental Science and Nodal Officer, SWAYAM, served as Co-Chair.
The session featured presentations by Prof Upasana Bora Sinha, Prof T Zarenthung Ezung, Prof Somenath Bhattacharjee, Dr Kuldeep Singh Panwar, and Dr Deepak Kumar Bhaskar, representing disciplines including Chemistry, Economics, Anthropology, Law, and Political Science. The presentations examined IKS from diverse perspectives, including colonial education and the revitalization of indigenous knowledge through NEP 2020, the relationship between indigenous knowledge and economy, culture, food, medicine, ecology and preservation, Indian legal jurisprudence based on concepts of dharma, duties and justice, and the global relevance of ancient Indian wisdom.
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The Poster Presentation provided an important platform for UG, PG, and PhD students to present their research and interact with faculty members and other participants. The posters were evaluated by a distinguished jury comprising faculty members and invited experts from different departments of the University. The evaluation focused on the quality and academic presentation of the research work. First, Second, and Third prizes were awarded in the UG, PG, and Ph.D. categories.
The valedictory session was chaired by Dr Priyanka Sarkar. Welcome Address was delivered by Prof. Ambrish Singh. Rajesh Kumar (IFS), Divisional Forest Officer, Mokokchung, spoke on the importance of acquiring, preserving, and sharing knowledge appropriately. He reflected on traditional knowledge practices and referred to examples from Indian philosophical and literary traditions.
Gurpreet Kaur (IPS), Assistant Commandant, Mokokchung, emphasized the importance of proper examination, documentation, and validation of knowledge through research methodology. She referred to the Rigvedic idea of receiving knowledge from different directions and highlighted the role of disciplined thinking and action in nation-building.
A special poem presentation by Dr Ashutosh Tripathi added a creative dimension to the session.
Chief Guest, Ajit Kumar Verma (IAS), Deputy Commissioner, Mokokchung, delivered the concluding address. He emphasized the importance of preserving knowledge embedded in India’s cultural traditions, texts, philosophies, and historical practices. He highlighted the need for systematic documentation and revival of IKS and referred to concepts such as the six Indian philosophical systems and the four Purusharthas—Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. A group song by MDRC students and a cultural performance by the Nagaland University Students’ Union (NUSU) showcased student participation and the cultural heritage of Nagaland.
Certificates and prize money were distributed to UG, PG, and PhD student participants in recognition of their research presentations and participation.
