S. Vishnu Sharma
IIT Guwahati conducted three day international conference UNIKAA 2024 that brought together experts to explore the connections between ancient Indian wisdom and modern challenges.
UNIKAA 2024 stood for ‘Unraveling Indian Knowledge Across Asia (UNIKAA) 2024’ and it covered ancient Indian Knowledge Systems, spanning Ayurveda, Medicine, Heritage Preservation, Gita Philosophy, Art, Culture, Management, Archaeology, Science and Technology, Mathematics, Astronomy, and Yoga.
Inauguration
The inauguration ceremony was graced by the Governor of Assam Lakshman Prasad Acharya, as the chief guest.
The distinguished guests included Phurpa Tshering, Vice Consul of the Royal Bhutanese Consulate General in Guwahati and Prof. Brahma Deo from IIT Bhubaneswar.
The event opened with speeches from Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati, Prof. Uday Shanker Dixit, Chair of the conference.
Prof. Lalit M. Pandey, Organizing Secretary, who outlined the conference’s vision and its focus on the significance of local languages and interconnected knowledge systems, say sources from IIT Guwahati.
Prof Dixit welcomed the gathering and Prof Pandey spoke about the vision of the conference. There is more to it than meets the eye as far as UNIKAA 2024 is concerned.
Director of IIT Guwahati
Prof. Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati highlighted the interconnectedness of the Indian knowledge system and the importance of local languages.
Significance
Prof. Deo, emphasized the significance of ancient Indian knowledge, especially in fields like metallurgy, and its relevance today.
Phurpa Tshering praised India’s contributions to global knowledge, noting the importance of traditions like yoga, Ayurveda, and astronomy. He also highlighted the deep spiritual connection between Bhutan and India, remarking that for every Bhutanese, visiting Bodh Gaya is a cherished pilgrimage.
Knowledge Systems
Representing the Ambassador of Indonesia, Dr. Aldrin Herwany, Education and Cultural Attaché, shared insights into the shared knowledge systems of Asia, say sources from IIT Guwahati.
Integration
Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya emphasized the need to integrate India’s ancient knowledge systems with modern science and technology, particularly as India and Asia move toward a new era of development.
He praised IIT Guwahati as a hub of research and innovation and commended the conference for fostering collaboration between scholars from diverse fields.
The Governor underscored the global influence of texts such as the Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, and Mahabharata, emphasizing their timeless teachings on morality, duty, and truth.
Quoting the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (“The World is One Family”) often emphasized by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, he referenced India’s adherence to the peaceful principles of Buddhism over paths of conflict.
He further spoke about environmental conservation and character building, quoting, “निर्माणोम् के पावन युग में हम चरित्र निर्माण न भूलेम्! स्वार्थ साधना की अमाधि में वसुधा का कल्याण न भूलेम्!!” His remarks highlighted the importance of bridging ancient wisdom with modern science for societal progress.
Presentations
The conference featured over 130 oral presentations and 30 invited lectures, with participants from countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the USA, say sources from IIT Guwahati.
The sessions covered diverse themes, from Ayurveda and yoga to mathematics, astronomy, and artificial intelligence, say sources from IIT Guwahati.
Discussions focused on how modern technology can help preserve and explore ancient knowledge systems, say sources from IIT Guwahati.
Interdisciplinary
The interdisciplinary nature of the conference was evident, particularly in discussions on how modern technology, such as data science and artificial intelligence, can be used to preserve and explore ancient knowledge.
Sessions also delved into the philosophical traditions of ancient scriptures like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, emphasizing their continued relevance today, say sources from IIT Guwahati.
Panel discussion
A panel discussion on “The Importance of Indian Knowledge Systems in the Contemporary World” was one of the conference’s key highlights, fostering in-depth discussions and potential future collaborations.
Valedictory
The valedictory session featured the Hon’ble Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly, Shri Biswajit Daimary, as the chief guest.
Prof. Sukumar Mishra, Director of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Prof. Varadraj Bapat from IIT Bombay were guests of honor, say sources from IIT Guwahati.
Importance
Prof. Mishra highlighted the importance of ideas in driving innovation, inspired by ancient teachings.
Prof. Bapat stressed the primacy of knowledge acquisition over language and shared insights on India’s historical contributions to the global economy, say sources from IIT Guwahati.
Conclusion
In his concluding remarks, Shri Daimary welcomed delegates to Assam and urged them to explore the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
He emphasized that education should instill cultural values and ethics alongside academic achievements.
He also encouraged the organization of more such conferences in the northeastern states to celebrate India’s rich cultural diversity and promote the vision of Akhanda Bharat.
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