NATIONAL WORKSHOP on Integrating Indian Knowledge System in Researches in Social Sciences & Humanities

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NATIONAL WORKSHOP On
Integrating Indian Knowledge System in Researches in Social Sciences and Humanities
Date: 21 – 22 March 2025
Venue: ICSSR-NERC, NEHU complex, Shillong-22

Concept Note

Indian Knowledge System, thus, includes knowledge rooted in Indian/Bharatiya civilization which includes knowledge of Indian Languages, Arts and Culture, Astrology, Mathematics, Logic and Grammar, and so on. The approach of IKS is essentially multidisciplinary which aims to bring “Indian civilization among other classical civilizations and inter-civilizational exchanges” (UGC, Guidelines for Training/ Orientation of Faculty on IKS) to the forefront. The objective pertains to decolonising the Indian mind with its ““PanchPran” resolutions i.e. “Erase all traces of servitude” and “Be proud of India’s heritage and legacy” by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in his Independence Day speech” (UGC, Guidelines for Training/ Orientation of Faculty on IKS). National Education Policy 2020 is the key policy document which is emphasising upon building IKS in the education system of today following the visions of the hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modiji. The UGC Chairperson, in this regard points out that, there is a need for “seamless integration of Indian traditional knowledge with modern subjects,” “the need to make our youth aware of the vast repositories of ancient traditional knowledge in India and clearly map this knowledge with modern scientific advancements and technologies” (M. Jagadesh Kumar, “Foreword” Guidelines for Training/ Orientation of Faculty on IKS).

The Ministry of Education in its A Concept Note on Stimulating Indian Knowledge System, Arts and Culture released during SHIKSHAK PARV, 2021, dated 16th September 2021, defines IKS with reference to NEP 2020 as:

NEP Para 4.27: “Knowledge of India” will include knowledge from ancient India and modern India, and a clear sense of India’s future aspirations with regard to education, health, environment, etc. These elements will be incorporated in an accurate and scientific manner throughout the school curriculum wherever relevant; in particular, Indian Knowledge Systems, including tribal knowledge and indigenous and traditional ways of learning, will be covered and included in mathematics, astronomy, philosophy, yoga, architecture, medicine, agriculture, engineering, linguistics, literature, sports, games, as well as in governance, polity, conservation. Specific courses in tribal ethno-medicinal practices, forest management, traditional (organic) crop cultivation, natural farming, etc. will also be made available. (p.1)

This brings into the light what should form the subject of teaching-learning.

The Ministry of Education on its website on IKS presents the vision as:
To promote interdisciplinary research on all aspects of “Indian Knowledge Systems”, preserve and disseminate “Indian Knowledge Systems” for further research and social applications. (np, https://iksindia.org/vision.php).
IKS or Indian Knowledge System has been occupying a central position of attention in education as envisioned in the National Education Policy. Subsequently, there is a need to incorporate IKS in material design and teacher training so that NEP 2020 can result in a successful educational programme in its implementation. The Indian Knowledge System as envisioned in NEP 2020 is also an attempt to incorporate the learners’background, culture and heritage in pedagogy. This is a decolonial approach so that the learners can feel a sense of pride in their own heritage replacing the colonization of mind. This is also an attempt to eliminate the ‘alienation’ affect which is brought in by the colonial system of education.
However, researches in the area on IKS is extensively required for the successful implementation of the visions of NEP-2020. Therefore, orientating young researchers in the domain of IKS is an imperative now. Researchers from Northeast India can be the potential resource persons in future who would be able to integrate the local, traditional and folk knowledge system in the overflowing stream of IKS leading to make our glorious nation a viswaguru. The Course, thus, aims to offer insights into the following for researches in the field of Humanities and Social Sciences:
Understanding Indian Knowledge System

a. Historical Development of IKS
b. Major and Minor Trends in IKS
c. Indigenous and Folk Knowledge
d. Emerging Fields of Research in IKS
e. NEP 2020 and IKS
f. Present-day Higher Education and IKS

ONLINE Registration Click Here:

Last Date of filling up the form: 7 March 2025
Intimation of selection: 14 March 2025
Date of the Programme: 21 & 22 March 2025
*Participants will be shortlisted on the basis of scrutiny.

*Participants will be shortlisted on the basis of scrutiny
Registration is free. The participants are expected to attend all the sessions. They are expected to go through the relevant reading materials as/when given by the subject experts.
No TA/DA will be given to the participants.
Outstation participants can make arrangements for their accommodation.

Contacts for booking accommodation at
the ICSSR Guest House: 8575025137
the NEHU Guest House: 7627945371
the EFLU Guest House: 9615202571

Coordinator:
Dr. Arzuman Ara:
arzumanara@efluniversity.ac.in
Ph. 7085086371

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