Day 1 – Panel Discussion

Topic: “Tatva-Samīksha: Exploring Core Principles of IKS across various disciplines"

Objectives of the Discussion:

• Examine the philosophical essence (tatva) of Indian Knowledge Systems and their holistic worldview.
• Explore how IKS principles manifest across disciplines such as philosophy, science, medicine, agriculture, and arts.
• Highlight the integrative and community-centric approach of IKS in contrast to modern compartmentalized disciplines.
• Discuss the contemporary relevance of IKS in addressing global challenges like sustainability, ethics, and social harmony.
• Reflect on the dialogical traditions (samvāda) and knowledge transmission practices that sustained IKS across centuries.
• Most significantly, this session will critically engage with the fundamental question: Can Indian Knowledge Systems be understood through one coherent set of principles, or do they represent a plurality of diverse traditions that resist singular definition?

The session seeks to explore this inquiry and arrive at nuanced perspectives on what exactly constitutes IKS.

Day 2 – Workshop

Topic: “Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and Indian Knowledge Systems: Preservation, Protection, and Promotion”

Objectives of Workshop:

• Understand the need for safeguarding IKS against bio-piracy, misappropriation, and misuse.
• Discuss legal frameworks such as TKDL, GI tags, patents, and international conventions relevant to IKS protection.
• Explore strategies for documentation, digitization, and preservation of traditional knowledge while retaining its living context.
• Highlight models of community-based rights and ethical frameworks in managing IKS.
• Identify ways to promote IKS globally through innovation, entrepreneurship, and responsible research.

Theme 1: Ecology, Agriculture, and Sustainable Economies
पर्यावरण-कृषि-सतत-आर्थिकसमन्वयः

• Traditional ecological wisdom and climate resilience.
• Indigenous agriculture, biodiversity, and food security.
• Water, forest, and commons management in IKS.
• Rural livelihoods, crafts, and self-reliant communities.
• Resource use and sustainability in economic thought.

Theme 2: Governance, Law, and Social Harmony
शासनम्, धर्मः, च सामाजिक–संहार्म्यम्

• Statecraft in Arthashastra, Mahabharata, and Buddhist/Jaina traditions.
• Dharma, ethics, and leadership for inclusive societies.
• Community-based governance and participatory models.
• IKS insights for pluralism, justice, and conflict resolution.

Theme 3: Education, Pedagogy, and Knowledge Transmission
विद्याप्रवर्तनम्, अध्यापनकौशलम्, च ज्ञानसंप्रेषणम्

• Gurukula models and transformative pedagogy for the modern era.
• NEP 2020 and opportunities for integrating IKS in higher education.
• Oral traditions, manuscripts, and digital preservation.
• Performing arts, aesthetics, and storytelling as pedagogical tools.

Theme 4: Health, Wellness, and Holistic Living
स्वास्थ्यं, पोषणम्, च समग्रजीवनम्

• Ayurveda, Yoga, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa: integrative health systems.
• Indigenous psychology and mental well-being.
• Preventive health: diet, lifestyle, and local traditions.
• Cross-convergence of traditional health with modern medicine.

Theme 5: Philosophy, Ethics, and Aesthetics
दर्शनम्, धर्मः, च सौन्दर्यशास्त्रम्

• Epistemology, Nyāya, and logic in Indian traditions.
• Aesthetics (Rasa theory) and creativity in cultural life.
• Peacebuilding and reconciliation: Buddhist, Jaina, Gandhian approaches.
• Ethical responses to environment, science, and technology.

Theme 6: IKS, Innovation, and Global Pathways
भारतीयज्ञानपरम्परा, नवोन्मेषः, च वैश्विकमार्गाः

• Innovation rooted in tradition: agriculture, crafts, and community enterprises.
• Indian contributions to mathematics, astronomy, metallurgy, and medicine.
• Comparative discourses: IKS in dialogue with Greek, Chinese, Islamic, and African traditions.
• Diaspora and IKS: global transmission, adaptation, and challenges.
• IKS, technology, and AI: lessons from tradition for the digital age.