Dhanbad: A three-day national conference on “Ancient Indian Text, Science and Technology” commenced on Wednesday at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, bringing together scholars from across the country to examine connections between India’s classical knowledge traditions and contemporary scientific thought.Rajni Singh, dean (corporate communications), said the conference is sponsored by the Indian Council of Philosophical Research and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, and is jointly organised by the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems and the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences of the institute. She said that the event aims to create a national platform for dialogue between scholars of ancient Indian knowledge systems and experts from modern scientific disciplines. The inaugural session was held at the Golden Jubilee Lecture Theatre on campus.Welcoming the participants, Gyan Prakash, head of the department and convenor, said the conference seeks to revisit ancient Indian texts through interdisciplinary perspectives, particularly science and technology.Presiding over the session, director Sukumar Mishra highlighted the conceptual richness of Indian knowledge traditions. He explained the progression from gyan (knowledge) to vigyan (analytical understanding) and prodyogiki (applied science), noting that when science produces tangible socio-economic outcomes, it evolves into prodyogiki. He emphasised that ancient Indian traditions integrated philosophy, scientific reasoning and practical application in a holistic framework.Chief guest CD Sebastian of IIT Bombay delivered a lecture on “Sānkhya Thought and Modern Science,” drawing parallels between classical Sānkhya philosophy and modern scientific models. Guest of honour Swami Kripamayanand Avadhut spoke on the complementary relationship between spirituality and science in Indian traditions.The conference will continue till February 27 with parallel sessions and a cultural programme.
