THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Dhanbad, February 25: The National Conference on Ancient Indian Texts, Science and Technology began on Wednesday at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad with a formal inaugural ceremony at the Golden Jubilee Lecture Theatre.
The three-day conference, running from 25–27 February, is sponsored by ICPR and ANRF and jointly organised by the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems and the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad. The event brings together scholars, researchers and academicians from across India to examine the relevance of ancient Indian knowledge systems in contemporary scientific and technological discourse.
Focus on Gyan, Vigyan and Praudyogiki
The inaugural session opened with the traditional lighting of the lamp. Prof. Gyan Prakash, Head of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences and Convenor of the conference, welcomed the distinguished guests and participants, highlighting the importance of revisiting India’s classical knowledge traditions in today’s academic and research landscape.
Presiding over the session, Prof. Sukumar Mishra, Director of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, underlined the enduring relevance of ancient Indian texts. He elaborated on key conceptual distinctions — explaining that Gyan signifies knowledge, Vigyan refers to analytical understanding, and Prodyogiki denotes applied science. When scientific knowledge generates tangible economic and societal outcomes, he noted, it evolves into Praudyogiki. He emphasised that Indian knowledge systems historically integrated philosophy, science and application within a holistic framework.
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Keynote Links Sānkhya Philosophy with Modern Science
The Chief Guest, Prof. C. D. Sebastian of IIT Bombay, delivered a keynote lecture titled “Sānkhya Thought and Modern Science: Convergence in the Ancient Indian Text Sānkhya Kārikā.” He drew parallels between classical Sānkhya philosophy and modern scientific inquiry, illustrating how ancient metaphysical insights resonate with contemporary scientific frameworks.
Guest of Honour Swami Kripamayanand Avadhut spoke on the intrinsic relationship between spirituality, religion and science, emphasising that ancient Indian traditions viewed scientific pursuit as harmoniously connected with ethical and spiritual wisdom.
The inaugural ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Sruti Kanungo, Co-Convenor of the conference, followed by a group photograph of dignitaries and participants.
Interdisciplinary Technical Sessions Underway
Post-inaugural sessions featured discussions on Buddhist medical practices, Indian philosophical traditions, cosmology, circular consumption and the scientific foundations of classical texts, reflecting the interdisciplinary character of the conference.
The event will continue over the next two days with keynote lectures, thematic sessions, panel discussions and a cultural programme.
Dean (Corporate Communications) Rajni Singh stated that the conference reflects IIT (ISM) Dhanbad’s commitment to fostering dialogue between ancient Indian texts and modern scientific thought, while promoting interdisciplinary research rooted in India’s intellectual heritage.