International Conference on Indian Knowledge Systems: Issues, Strategies and a Way Forward

Over the years, a large number of researchers and well-wishers of the Indian knowledge systems (IKS) have been making sincere efforts in promoting it; also pondering over the issues of what next and how to enhance its contributions and to broad base it. Equally concerned about enabling our youth to adopt and rejuvenate Indian knowledge systems. To move further we need: a) to identify key issues, that we need to be worried about; b) deliberate on the possible strategies to enhance IKS contributions for the present and future world; c) design options to move forward.

Hence, we (Chanakya University, Art of Living, Central Sanskrit University, and IKS division of the Government of India) are organizing an international conference on “Indian Knowledge Systems: Issues, Strategies and A way Forward”. The conference mission is to facilitate productive debate to identify key issues, to workout strategies, to suggest possible options and action projects for future.

• Sustainable Development Goals & IKS:
  The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) as declared by UNDP needs to be focused. How IKS areas are aligned with each of these goals needs deeper analysis. It is essential to converge with both traditional and modern scholars working on SDG goals. This theme
  would provide an opportunity for the modern scholars to benefit from a focused revelation of indigenous knowledge/practices across India.
• Human lifestyle, holistic health & IKS:

  Key sources for IKS would be Atharva Veda, Gandharva Veda, Ayurveda, Siddha, Kreeda, Yoga, Spiritual practices, Dharma Shastra and others. These should be aligned with modern medicine, pharma industry, health and wellness industries. Also need to converge with state
  and central government departments (like, health, family welfare, social welfare and others) and leading NGOs and private organizations.

• Action Research, development projects & IKS:

  Across the globe, several organizations have been working relentlessly in promoting Indian knowledge systems. Surely, there are more to be done and scale up the best practices. Good number of case studies and comparative analytical studies/papers will be discussed
  here. Based on discussions on the above (a) and (b) themes, and on this theme, all the networking and research organizations may design a road map and milestones for course of action. It should also focus on identifying areas for empirical research and specific case
  studies for better understanding of IKS.

• Modern education system & IKS:

  The National Education Policy 2020 has emphasized the need for IKS orientation in education. Thus, the papers may explore the philosophy, principles and practices that gave the world, glorious learning centers. The research may contribute in the realm of content integration both generic and course specific, teacher attributes, pedagogical methods, evaluation systems, social impact and education as a means of national reconstruction.

• Governance and development mechanisms & IKS:

  Based on ancient wisdom, we need to learn improved methods of capacity building at all
  levels and governance mechanisms for the betterment of our society. What lessons we may
  learn from the Indian knowledge systems and how they may apply to development process
  in today’s world is critical to understand. Better methods for stakeholders’ participation,
  convergence of developmental schemes at all levels, integrated approach for a holistic
  development should be some of the key focus areas.

• Technology & IKS: 
  

  Research is the pursuit of truth and linked to the problem-solving orientation of science and
  technology. Knowledge in Indian Heritage across domains are evidence of the consistent
  efforts at insightful and imaginative innovation by a lineage of illustrious scholars. This theme
  focuses on understanding of India’s contribution in the field of Metallurgy, Astronomy, Earth
  sciences, Textiles, Food, Agriculture, Health sciences, Architecture and others. The interdisciplinary approach and the transdisciplinary methodology offers insight into the rich
  tradition of knowledge. The demands of modernity compel us to review, record and reestablish these traditions for adoption and integration into modern realms of learning. From
  conceptualization, empirical validation, application and review for enrichment, the legacy of
  Indian heritage offers invaluable lessons in enriching the modern teaching and learning process across all levels of science, technology and education.

• Poster presentation:
  

  A visual representation of concepts and research findings related to the themes of conference or IKS in general, in the form of posters will be presented by the students and young researchers.

  Themes– The themes are same as that of research papers.

  Objectives of the IKS poster presentation:

  • To exhibit and show case research on IKS
  • To encourage, recognize and reward young scholars’ achievements and aspirations
  • To facilitate collaboration between intra and inter disciplinary domains related to IKS

• Chanakya University, Bengaluru. (www.chanakyauniversity.in).
• Art of Living, Bengaluru. (www.artofliving.org).
• Central Sanskrit University, Delhi.(www.sanskrit.nic.in).
• IKS division of Government of India, Delhi. (www.iksindia.org).

• The author/s are requested to read relevant books/papers on IKS, before submitting the abstract.
• The paper should be based on critical analysis of IKS and its relevance for current times. Each paper should clearly focus on historical, functional, and futuristic perspectives.
• Research paper size: around 8,000 words.
• Maximum number of papers to be accepted 30 (including all themes).
• Step-1: The author/s should submit an abstract of 500 words, indicating paper title, authors details, critical issues focused, key findings based on their analysis and strategic recommendations for the future. Also list out references. This will go for double-blind review process.
• Step-2. Authors of the selected abstracts will be invited to submit extended abstract of 1500 words. Based on double-blind review, the shortlisted authors will be invited to submit full manuscript.
• Step-3. The full manuscript will undergo double-blind review process and plagiarism check.
• Step-4. The organizers will send all these papers for copy editing.
• Step-5. These papers will be presented by the authors during the conference, which will be discussed by a set of expert discussants. Then the authors will be requested to refine based on the suggestions received in the conference and submit the revised version.
• Thus, accepted final version of the papers will be paid an honorarium of Rs.25,000 per paper.
• The organizers will bring out a book from a leading international publisher and also provide open access, as per the global standards

• Abstract – 500 words submission. 5th April 2022.
• Abstract – 1500 words submission. 25th May, 2022.
• Submission of full paper- 8,000 words. 25th September, 2022.
• Review process completion. 25th November, 2022.
• Revised paper submission. 15th Jan, 2023.
• Copy editing completion. 25th Feb, 2023.
• Submitting book proposal to Publisher. March 2023.
• Presentation of final papers in the conference, March ,2023.
• Revised papers submission, May, 2023.
• Final manuscript submission to publisher, June 2023.

• The presenters are requested to read relevant books/papers on IKS, before submitting the abstract.
• The topics of the poster should be based on critical analysis of IKS and its relevance for current times. The abstract should clearly focus on historical, functional, and futuristic perspectives.
• Maximum number of posters to be presented 50 (including all themes).
• Step-1: The author/s should submit an abstract of 250 words, indicating paper title, Authors details, critical issues focused, key findings based on their analysis and strategic recommendations for the future
• Step-2. Authors of the selected 50 abstracts will be invited to submit an extended abstract of 4500 words.
• Step-3: Authors will be requested to send the soft copy of the posters.
• Step-4 Authors will be allowed to present posters at the conference.
• Step-5. The three best posters will be paid award prize money of Rs.25,000, 15,000 and 10,000 for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place respectively

• Abstract – 250 words submission. 25th April 2022.
• Abstract – 4500 words submission. 25th June 2022.
• Submission of full poster soft copy. 25th September 2022.

• A high-quality book from an international publisher.
• A few research papers to be published globally.
• All publications will have digital open access.
• Identify locations and topics for: i) action research, ii) Specific locations for action-based development of IKS; iii) focused case studies.