National Conference at IIT Dhanbad Explores Ancient Indian Texts and Modern Science
A significant three-day national conference titled “Ancient Indian Text, Science and Technology” officially commenced on Wednesday at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) in Dhanbad. This landmark event has successfully gathered a diverse array of scholars and academics from various regions across the country, all united in their mission to meticulously examine and discuss the profound connections between India’s rich classical knowledge traditions and the principles of contemporary scientific thought.
Organizational Framework and Sponsorship
Providing detailed insights into the conference's structure, Rajni Singh, the Dean of Corporate Communications at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, confirmed that the event is being generously sponsored by two prominent national bodies: the Indian Council of Philosophical Research and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation. Furthermore, the conference is being jointly organized by the institute’s own Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems and its Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. Singh elaborated that the primary objective of this gathering is to establish a robust national platform that fosters meaningful dialogue and collaboration between scholars specializing in ancient Indian knowledge systems and experts from modern scientific disciplines.
The inaugural session was formally held at the institute’s Golden Jubilee Lecture Theatre, setting a scholarly tone for the days ahead.
Vision and Interdisciplinary Perspectives
In his welcoming address to the assembled participants, Gyan Prakash, who serves as the Head of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences and the conference convenor, articulated the core vision of the event. He emphasized that the conference actively seeks to revisit and reinterpret ancient Indian texts through fresh, interdisciplinary perspectives, with a particular focus on the domains of science and technology. This approach aims to uncover new insights and applications relevant to today’s world.
Presiding over the inaugural session, Director Sukumar Mishra of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad delivered a compelling address that highlighted the immense conceptual richness embedded within Indian knowledge traditions. He provided a detailed explanation of the traditional progression from gyan (fundamental knowledge) to vigyan (analytical and scientific understanding) and ultimately to prodyogiki (applied science and technology). Mishra noted that when scientific inquiry yields tangible socio-economic outcomes and practical applications, it naturally evolves into prodyogiki. He strongly emphasized that ancient Indian traditions were remarkably holistic, seamlessly integrating philosophy, rigorous scientific reasoning, and practical application into a unified framework.
Keynote Lectures and Philosophical Parallels
The conference featured distinguished keynote speakers who enriched the discourse. Chief guest CD Sebastian, a renowned scholar from IIT Bombay, delivered an insightful lecture on the topic “Sānkhya Thought and Modern Science.” In his presentation, he skillfully drew compelling parallels between the classical Sānkhya philosophy—one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy—and various modern scientific models, demonstrating the timeless relevance of these ancient ideas.
Additionally, guest of honour Swami Kripamayanand Avadhut addressed the audience, speaking eloquently on the complementary and synergistic relationship between spirituality and science as understood within Indian traditions. His talk underscored how these two domains have historically coexisted and enriched one another.
Conference Schedule and Cultural Integration
The national conference is scheduled to continue its proceedings until February 27, featuring a series of parallel academic sessions where scholars will present research papers and engage in in-depth discussions. The event will also include a dedicated cultural programme, reflecting the institute’s commitment to integrating cultural expression with academic pursuit, thereby offering a comprehensive and enriching experience for all attendees.
