Leh, Sept 21: Emphasizing Ladakh’s emerging prominence as a centre for research in Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), Vice-Chancellor Prof. Saket Kushwaha addressed scholars and experts at the two-day Workshop-cum-Conference on “Research Frontiers and Opportunities in Indian Knowledge Systems (RFOIKS-2025)” held at the University of Ladakh from September 18 to 19.
The conference, sponsored by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation and the IKS Cell, AICTE, Ministry of Education, New Delhi, brought together researchers, students, and practitioners from across India.
The event began with a traditional felicitation led by Dr. Subrat Sharma, Dean of Academic Affairs, in the presence of eminent dignitaries including Dr. Om Prakash Chaurasia, Director of DRDO; Prof. Ganti Suryanarayanamurthy, National Coordinator, IKS Cell, AICTE; Dr. V. Ramanathan, Head of the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems at IIT (BHU), Varanasi; and Dr. Padma Gurmet, Director of the National Institute of Sowa Rigpa, along with research scholars and students from various institutions within and outside Ladakh.
Over the two days, the conference featured four technical sessions and parallel discussions. The first session explored the integration of Indian Knowledge Systems into modern education and research, highlighting multidisciplinary applications, comparisons between Ayurveda and modern medicine, and the scientific validation of ancient Indian chemistry.
The second session focused on medical heritage and Ayurveda, underlining Kashmir’s contributions, preservation of classical texts, regional medicinal flora, and Ayurveda’s preventive and eco-conscious approach to healthcare.
The third session addressed indigenous wisdom and sustainability, including the role of the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library in safeguarding traditional knowledge, innovative feeding systems for mountain animals, and Ladakh’s ecological practices to enhance climate resilience.
The fourth session highlighted water management and yogic sciences, covering the Churpon system of water distribution in Leh and the historical, philosophical, and contemporary significance of Yoga in promoting health and integrative medicine.
Parallel sessions provided a platform for researchers to present work on indigenous healing systems, sustainable agriculture, traditional architecture, cultural practices, and ecological knowledge, fostering meaningful exchanges between grassroots traditions and academic research.
The conference was organized in collaboration with the IKS Center of Excellence, IIT (BHU), Varanasi; the Defence Institute of High-Altitude Research, Leh; the National Institute of Sowa Rigpa, Leh; Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust, Leh; Mahabodhi International Meditation Center, Leh; and the Central Institute for Buddhist Studies, Leh.
During the valedictory session, Prof. Kushwaha underscored the relevance of Indian Knowledge Systems in the global scenario and reiterated Ladakh’s strategic importance as a hub for IKS studies. Esteemed speakers including Prof. Ganti Suryanarayanamurthy, Dr. V. Ramanathan, Prof. Rama Jayasundar of AIIMS, and Dr. Vishwanjanani J. Sattigeri of CSIR-TKDL also addressed the gathering.
The program celebrated the contributions of young researchers, with Dr. Basharat Ali, Saikrupa Adarthaya, and Faiza Batool awarded for oral presentations, while Zahra Batool, Ume Kulsum, and Zahida Banoo were recognized for poster presentations.
The conference concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Jigmat Dachen, Dean of Colleges, who expressed optimism about carrying forward the initiative with the second edition scheduled in 2026.
