Pursue research connecting Indian traditional knowledge with new scientific paradigms: HPU VC

Mahavir Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), today encouraged students and scholars of the university to pursue research that connected India’s traditional intellectual heritage with new scientific paradigms. He addressed them during a one-day symposium organised by the Ramanujan Centre for Indian Mathematics and Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) in collaboration with the Department of Mathematics and Statistics on the theme “Understanding IKS: Bridging Traditional Indian Wisdom with Modern Scientific Interventions”.

The Vice-Chancellor, while addressing the symposium virtually, assured the participants of the full support of the university for similar academic activities in future as well. The event was supported under the PM USHA–MERU initiative.

The convener of the symposium and Director of the Centre, Joginder Singh Dhiman, welcomed the gathering and highlighted the significance of integrating traditional Indian knowledge with contemporary scientific approaches. He emphasised the role of the IKS framework in enriching modern education, research and multidisciplinary learning.

Padam Shree Abhiraj Rajender Mishra was the keynote speaker at the event. He highlighted how India could reclaim its position as Vishwa Guru by strengthening and promoting Indian Knowledge Systems, emphasising their global relevance and transformative potential.

Also, resource person Gopal Sharma spoke on the core values of the Indian Knowledge Systems and highlighted their importance in building character and fostering social harmony. OP Sharma highlighted the rich mathematical knowledge documented in ancient manuscripts and discussed its significance in the Indian knowledge tradition. Swami Akshay Chaitanya spoke about Charvaka Darshan, explaining its philosophical foundations and its place within the broader spectrum of the Indian thought.

Gyan Sagar Negi and Prof Jyoti Prakash spoke on spirituality and its relevance in personal growth and its integral place within the Indian Knowledge System. Anurita Saxena talked about Himachali culture, cuisine and traditions. Arpita and Bishamber talked about holistic wellness.

The symposium enhanced the understanding of the participants about the Indian Knowledge Systems and fostered a meaningful dialogue linking traditional wisdom with modern scientific perspectives. It also encouraged future collaborative research and academic initiatives in the field of Indian Knowledge Systems.