A three-day National Conference on Ancient Indian Text, Science and Technology began at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad on Tuesday, bringing together scholars from across the country to explore linkages between India’s classical knowledge traditions and contemporary scientific thought.
Prof Rajni Singh, Dean Corporate Communications, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, informed that the conference is being held from February 25–27, 2026, with sponsorship from ICPR and ANRF. She stated that the event is jointly organised by the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems and the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad. She added that the conference aims to foster meaningful academic dialogue between scholars of ancient Indian knowledge systems and contemporary science and technology.
The inaugural session commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp. Delivering the welcome address, Prof Gyan Prakash, Head of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences and Convenor of the conference, welcomed distinguished guests, scholars, and participants from across the country. He emphasised the need to revisit ancient Indian texts through interdisciplinary perspectives.
The session was presided over by Prof Sukumar Mishra, Director, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad. In his presidential address, Prof Mishra highlighted the conceptual richness of ancient Indian knowledge traditions. He elaborated on the progression from Gyan (knowledge) to Vigyan (analytical understanding of knowledge) and Prodyogiki (applied science), explaining that when Vigyan leads to tangible socio-economic benefits, it evolves into Praudyogiki. He underscored that Indian knowledge systems historically integrated philosophy, scientific inquiry, and practical application within a holistic framework.
Chief Guest Prof C D Sebastian of IIT Bombay delivered an address on “Sankhya Thought and Modern Science: Convergence in the Ancient Indian Text Sankhya Karika.” He drew insightful parallels between classical Sankhya philosophy and modern scientific thought, demonstrating the continued relevance of ancient metaphysical inquiries in contemporary scientific discourse.
Guest of Honour Swami Kripamayanand Avadhut spoke on the interrelationship between spirituality, religion, and science, observing that Indian traditions view scientific exploration and spiritual wisdom as complementary dimensions of human understanding.
The inaugural ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Prof Sruti Kanungo, Co-Convenor of the conference, followed by a group photograph of dignitaries and participants.
Prof Rajni Singh further informed that the post-inaugural technical sessions featured keynote lectures and scholarly deliberations on themes such as Buddhist medical practices, Indian philosophical traditions, cosmology, circular consumption, and the scientific foundations of classical texts.
The conference will continue over the next two days with keynote lectures, thematic sessions, and a cultural programme.