IIT Guwahati Hosts Hon’ble Governor of Assam Shri Gulab Chand Kataria Ji for UNIKAA 2024 Curtain Raiser Event

IIT Guwahati Hosts Hon’ble Governor of Assam Shri Gulab Chand Kataria Ji for UNIKAA 2024 Curtain Raiser Event

The International Conference on Unraveling Indian Knowledge Across Asia (UNIKAA 2024), aims to celebrate Ancient Indian Knowledge Systems, spanning Ayurveda, Medicine, Heritage Preservation, Gita Philosophy, Art, Management, Archaeology, and Yoga

GUWAHATI, 7^th April 2024: Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati organized the Curtain Raiser Ceremony for the International Conference on Unraveling Indian Knowledge Across Asia (UNIKAA 2024) on 6^th April 2024. Hon’ble Governor of Assam, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria Ji, graced the event with his esteemed presence as the chief guest. Other dignitaries included, Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director of IIT Guwahati, Shri Diganta Biswa Sarma as the guest of honour, Dr. Suvrokamal Dutta as the advisor of the conference, Prof. Uday S. Dixit, Head of Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems, IIT Guwahati, and Prof. Lalit M. Pandey as the Organizing Secretary of UNIKAA 2024.

Speaking during the event Hon’ble Chief Guest, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, said, “India has been Vishwa Guru on the basis of knowledge. Indian Knowledge is for entire humanity. Indian scientists like Kanad and Bhaskaracharya have unveiled many secrets of nature much before Western scientists. We have given number system to entire world. Bodhayan has already discovered what is known as Pythagoras theorem.   We can attain our lost heritage by hard work and sincerity. The new education policy, NEP 2020, also focuses on connecting with the ancient knowledge to address the current challenges for making a brighter future. God has given 24 hours to everyone without any discrimination. For excelling in life, one must utilize these 24 hours effectively.”

Hon’ble Governor of Assam further emphasized that, “Every individual has a great potential and talent that must be discovered. It is great initiative by IIT Guwahati to hold an international conference on Indian Knowledge, in which there will be delegates from other Asian countries as well.”

Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director of IIT Guwahati, and the Patron of UNIKAA 2024, illuminated the significance of the Indian Knowledge System in positioning Bharat as a Vishwa Guru. He emphasized the pivotal role institutions like IIT Guwahati can play in this endeavour. Additionally, he underscored the importance of Bhartiya Gyan Parampara in fostering character development and mental well-being.

Prof. Uday S. Dixit, Head of the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems at IIT Guwahati, and Chair of UNIKAA 2024, expressed, “The Center for Indian Knowledge Systems at IIT Guwahati is actively engaged in various facets of Indian Knowledge. We are organizing a grand conference, UNIKAA, in October 2024. India has been a Vishwa Guru for ages, and our traditional practices hold profound ancient wisdom that paves the path for prosperity in modern times. The purpose of the curtain-raiser ceremony is to brainstorm and plan successfully for the grand Conference scheduled from 3rd to 5th October 2024, seeking guidance from the esteemed gathering.”

Prof. Lalit M. Pandey. Organizing Secretary of UNIKAA 2024 highlighted the topics of the conference and emphasized the significance of this conference.

Prof. Poundarik from IIT Ropar and Joint Organizing Secretary of UNIKAA 2024, concluded the ceremony with the vote of thanks.

Organised by IIT Guwahati’s Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems, the curtain raiser ceremony featured insightful lectures by prominent national and international speakers who explored various dimensions of ancient Indian knowledge, fostering diverse perspectives and enriching discussions. Notable presentations included:

·         Dr. Survokamal Dutta, Foreign Policy and Economic Political Expert, who discussed "Ancient Bharatiya Knowledge and Its Influence over Asia."

·         Mr. Subhojyoti Ghosh from BBC World Service, London, who examined "The Influence of Ancient Indian Knowledge and Wisdom on Britain's Educational System."

·         Mr. Dato' Kumaran Santhivaloo from Netaji Welfare Foundation, Malaysia, who shed light on "Unraveling Indian Knowledge Embedded in the Historical and Cultural Heritage of South East Asia."

·         Prof. Sachchidananda Mishra from the Indian Council of Philosophical Research, New Delhi, who explored "The Nature and Scope of Indian Knowledge Systems."

UNIKAA 2024, scheduled to be held from 3^rd to 5^th October 2024, aims to explore the dissemination of Indian Knowledge, encompassing holistic health, cultural heritage, and spiritual narratives. Through discussions on archaeology, yoga, and literature, the conference aims to bridge ancient wisdom with modern practices, fostering innovation and dialogue. Being organised in collaboration with IIT Ropar and MDS IndoCan, Canada, it will celebrate the enduring legacy of Indian Knowledge, uniting diverse cultures and generations to pursue enlightenment and cultural preservation.

The key themes of the conference will include:

·         Uncovering Medicinal and Ayurvedic significance

·         Tracking down Mathematics and Astronomy

·         Harnessing the tourism potential of sites associated with the Ramayana and Mahabharata

·         Discovering archaeological evidence from the ancient era

·         Practicing Yoga and its influence on the intellectual and cultural landscape

·         Exploring diverse business opportunities and commercialization

·         Imbibing different aspects and philosophy of Gita

·         Ethics and sociological studies about Ramayana and Mahabharata

·         Reflection of Literature, Art, and Management skills

·         Cultural resonance and heritage preservation

·         Contemporary adaptations of philosophical traditions from the epic ancient scriptures

The event concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement for the upcoming conference, highlighting the importance of fostering dialogue and collaboration in unravelling the depths of Indian knowledge across Asia.