CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), in collaboration with Dwarka Doss Goverdhan Doss Vaishnav College, successfully organized a one-day National Workshop on ‘Capacity Building in Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS): Documentation, Validation, and Communication’ at DDGD Vaishnav College, Chennai as a part of the CSIR-NIScPR’s national initiative SVASTIK (Scientifically Validated Societal Traditional Knowledge) to communicate scientifically validated Indian traditional knowledge to the society. The workshop aimed to give an insight to the participants including faculty members, teachers, scientists, and science communicators, on various aspects of IKS and its documentation, validation, and dissemination.

The workshop was inaugurated by Padma Shri Prof M D Srinivas, Chairman, Centre for Policy Research, Chennai and Chief Guest of the session, Dr K Vijayalakshmi, Research Director, Centre for Indian Knowledge System, Dr. S. Santhosh Baboo, Principal of DDGD Vaishnav College, and the Coordinators from CSIR-NIScPR and DDGD Vaishnav College.

Dr. Uthra Dorairajan, Associate Professor, DDGD Vaishnav College, Chennai welcomed the speakers and participants andemphasised on the integration of Indian traditional knowledge with modern science. Dr. S. Santhosh Baboo, Principal of DDGD Vaishnav College, highlighted the various initiatives of the college's to promote IKS and its importance in education.

Padma Shri Prof M D Srinivas, a renowned expert in theoretical physics delivered the keynote address. Hehighlighted India's rich intellectual traditions, the relevance of IKS in modern science, andemphasised on collaborative efforts and initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between ancient knowledge and present-day advancements.

First technical session on India’s Science & Technology Heritage chaired by Prof M S Sriram, President, Prof K V Sarma Research Foundation, Chennai featuredplenary talks by Dr K Vijayalakshmi, Research Director, Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems, Chennai and Dr V Aarthi, Research officer (Siddha), Central Council for Research in Siddha, Chennai, and Dr Charu Lata, Principal Scientist and Coordinator SVASTIK, CSIR-NIScPR, New Delhi. Dr K Vijayalakshmi emphasised about the indigenous knowledge in agriculture for sustainable development. She mentioned about various traditional rice landraces and the need to conserve them. Dr V Aarthi delivered an engaging talk on the Traditional Siddha Medicine. She highlighted various aspects of the Siddha system of medicine and ways to integrate this traditional medicine system with modern sciences. Dr Charu Lata gave insights on the ongoing activities of the national initiative SVASTIK. She talked about the process, challenges and way forward in the area of disseminating IKS to the masses. The second session on Hands-on Training on IKS Communication was led by Dr Paramananda Barman, Senior Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR, New Delhi and Team SVASTIK, who provided interactive learning experiences on effective science communication strategies. They introduced attendees to various science communication tools and the ways to use them for designing infographics and short videos. The workshop concluded with a feedback session from the participants where many of them shared their learning experiences from the workshop. An exhibition of SVASTIK stories and publications was also put up by the team for the participants and dignitaries attending the workshop.

Dr Uthra Dorairajan expressed gratitude to all participants and emphasized the significance of such initiatives in preserving and promoting India's rich scientific heritage.

 

***

NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2108280) Visitor Counter : 1558