The University School of Liberal Arts at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) organised a two-day national conference on May 14 and 15 on the theme ‘Indian Knowledge Systems: Continuities, Ruptures and Synthesis‘. 

Queeny Pradhan, in-charge of the University School of Liberal Arts, said the conference aimed to bring together scholars, researchers and students from diverse disciplinary backgrounds to engage in critical conversations on the evolving field of Indian Knowledge Systems. 

The conference witnessed the participation of several distinguished scholars and eminent public intellectuals. 

The inaugural session featured noted public intellectual Sachchidanand Joshi, member secretary of Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts. Dr. Joshi underlined the ubiquity of art and emphasised the need to uncover knowledge systems embedded in the rhythms of everyday life. 

Renowned science historian Deepak Kumar delivered the keynote address and highlighted the importance of respecting all forms of indigenous knowledge. The annual newsletter of the University School of Liberal Arts, ‘Navkriti’, was also released on the occasion. 

The inaugural session was followed by a special address and technical sessions chaired by political scientist Madhulika Banerjee and sociologist Vivek Kumar. 

The second day of the conference witnessed rigorous discussions across a diverse range of presentations. Savita Singh from Indira Gandhi National Open University shared detailed feedback with the presenters. 

The round-table discussion featuring Dev Nath Pathak, Manindra Nath Thakur and Vivek Sachdeva was a major attraction for attendees. The session was moderated by N. Raghuram of the University School of Biotechnology, GGSIPU. 

The valedictory address was delivered by Ananya Vajpayee of the Centre for the study of Developing Societies.  

More than 30 scholars and researchers from across India presented papers during the technical sessions over the two days, covering a wide range of themes and sub-themes related to Indian Knowledge Systems.