A Six-Day Basic Training Programme on Integration of Indian Knowledge System (IKS) into Curriculum was successfully organized from 23rd February to 28th February 2026 under the auspices of the Indian Knowledge Systems Division, Ministry of Education, Government of India, and supported by the University Grants Commission – IKS Bureau, New Delhi.
The programme was conducted with the objective of equipping faculty members and research scholars with conceptual clarity, pedagogical approaches, and practical strategies for effectively integrating Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) into teaching, curriculum development, and research practices in higher education institutions.
The inaugural programme was graced by Prof. D. R. L. Nonglait, Director, College Development Council, North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, as the Chief Guest. In his inaugural address, Prof. Nonglait reflected on stories from ancient literature across India and highlighted the richness of the Khasi traditional knowledge system. He emphasized that preserving indigenous knowledge is vital for sustaining community identity, cultural heritage, and traditional practices.
The six-day programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty members and research scholars from affiliated colleges of NEHU, MLCU, William Carey University, USTM, and NEHU. While the target audience was 75 faculty members and 25 research scholars, a total of 103 participants registered for the programme. Out of these, 94 participants successfully completed the training, comprising 58 faculty members and 36 research scholars.
The proceedings of the programme were closely monitored by Prof. V. S. V. Bhaskar Reddy, Department of Shiksha Shastra, Central Sanskrit University, Puri Campus, who served as the official Observer deputed by the UGC–IKS Bureau, New Delhi.
The programme featured 15 distinguished resource persons and experts from various academic institutions and organisations who delivered lectures and interactive sessions on multiple themes related to Indian Knowledge Systems. The speakers included:
Experts from the UGC–IKS Bureau and IKS Division included:
Local experts who enriched the sessions included:
The programme covered a wide spectrum of themes within Indian Knowledge Systems, including philosophy, pedagogy, research methodology, agriculture, Ayurveda, water management, economics, yoga, botany, chemistry, mathematics, astronomy, architecture, metallurgy, traditional crafts, ancient board games, and their global relevance. The sessions also emphasized the alignment of IKS with the National Education Policy 2020, highlighting the importance of integrating Bharatiya Gyan Parampara into modern education systems.
During the programme, resource persons presented various perspectives on IKS. Dr. Satabdi Banerjee introduced the elements and holistic worldview of Indian Knowledge Systems, emphasizing the interconnectedness of Drishti (vision), Parampara (tradition), and Laukika Prayojana (application). Dr. Saurabh Pran Sharma discussed IKS course development and Tantrayukti, focusing on narrative pedagogy and the 32 classical Tantrayuktis as methodological tools for structuring knowledge.
Dr. Rajkumar Bijen Singh highlighted India’s mathematical heritage, including the contributions of Aryabhata and Bhaskara, the concept of zero, algebra, astronomy, and traditional numeration systems. He also presented a case study on temple architecture, portraying temples as symbolic cosmic structures reflecting harmony, ecological balance, and advanced engineering principles.
Dr. Manjit Kumar Mazumdar conducted sessions on chemistry in ancient India and historical advancements in metallurgy, discussing ancient metallurgical innovations such as Wootz steel, rust-resistant iron technology, and traditional alloy-making techniques. Dr. Dhrubajyoti Malakar presented sessions on real-world applications of IKS and course development, where participants actively designed interdisciplinary courses incorporating IKS concepts.
Dr. Debashree Kakati delivered lectures on Ayurveda and traditional medical systems, emphasizing their holistic and preventive healthcare approach. She also explored ancient botanical knowledge and the philosophical concepts of Prak???ti and Puru???a, highlighting the scientific foundations of traditional plant classification and medicinal applications.
Participants actively engaged in lectures, discussions, group activities, and course-design exercises. As part of the programme requirements, they also completed an assessment examination and submitted feedback forms, which were mandatory for obtaining the course completion certificate. Additionally, participants shared video feedback from the programme’s selfie point, which was periodically circulated in the official WhatsApp group and forwarded to the UGC–IKS Bureau.
The programme successfully culminated on 28th February 2026 with a Valedictory Ceremony. The Chief Guest for the valedictory session was Prof. Sumarbin Umdor, Pro-Vice Chancellor, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong. In his address, Prof. Umdor appreciated the efforts of the Director and the MMTTC team for successfully organizing the six-day programme and emphasized the importance of conducting such initiatives in the larger interest of the academic community.
The programme concluded on a positive note, reaffirming the commitment to integrate Indian Knowledge Systems into higher education curricula and encouraging faculty members and scholars to incorporate indigenous knowledge traditions into teaching, research, and academic discourse.
2026, North-Eastern Hill University
Designed & developed at Bioinformatics Centre, NEHU
