Centuries old traditional knowledge that has been documented in many Indian ancient manuscripts or as oral transmission is still unexplored and unused, but this knowledge holds importance in various fields of science and technology. Recognizing the need of traditional knowledge and to facilitate its dissemination to masses, CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), has launched the national initiative SVASTIK (Scientifically Validated Societal Traditional Knowledge) upon the call of Hon’ble PM of India Shri Narendra Modi in August 2021, which aims to disseminate India’s scientifically validated traditional knowledge to the society. Under the SVASTIK initiative, an international conference on Communication and Dissemination of Traditional Knowledge (CDTK) is being organized biannually.
The second international conference on Communication and Dissemination of Traditional Knowledge (CDTK-2024) was jointly organized by CSIR-NIScPR and Gurugram University during November 13-14, 2024 at Gurugram University, Gurugram, Haryana. Through this event SVASTIK envisaged bringing together international experts and researchers working in various S&T areas of traditional knowledge including agriculture, architecture, ecology & environment, education, food, health sciences, mathematics, metallurgy and other related domains.
CDTK-2024 registered presence of renowned experts from various domains of science who will discuss about traditional knowledge systems and their potential applications in modern contexts. The inaugural session of the conference was graced by Prof K K Aggarwal, President, South Asian University, New Delhi; Dr Shekhar C Mande, Distinguished Professor, Pune University, Former Director General CSIR and Secretary, DSIR & National President, Vijanana Bharati; Prof Dinesh Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Gurugram University; and Prof Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-NIScPR.
Some renowned experts and keynote speakers who addressed the two days event include Dr A Raghu, Dy DGHS (Ayush) MoHFW; Dr Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General CCRAS; Dr N Zaheer Ahmed, Director General CCRUM; Dr N J Muthukumar, Director General CCRS; Dr Sunil S Ramteke, DDG, CCRH; Dr Kashinath Samagandi, Director, MDNIY; Dr Padma Gurmet, Director, NISR; Dr Arvind C Ranade, Director, NIF (DST); Dr Virendra M Tiwari, Director, CSIR-NEIST; Dr Sudesh Yadav, Director, CSIR-IHBT; Dr Sharad Jain, Former Director, National Institute of Hydrology; Prof Chandrabhash Narayana, Director, RCGB, Thiruvananthapuram; Dr Wend Wendland, Director, TK Division, WIPO, Geneva who attended the event online and many more.
The two day event was spread into 8 themes which discussed past, present and future aspects of traditional knowledge of various fields that can benefit humankind. The thematic areas were Agriculture and Food (Krishi evam Bhojan); Architecture (Vastukala); Chemistry and Metallurgy (Rasayan Vigyan evam Dhatukarm); Communication and Dissemination (Sanchar Evam Prasar); Education and Philosophy (Siksha evam Darshan); Health Sciences and Medicinal Chemistry (Swasthya Vigyan evam Ausadhi Rasayan Vigyan); Mathematics and Astronomy (Ganit Evam Khagol Vigyan), and Water, Ecology & Environment (Jal, Paristhitiki Evam Paryavaran).
The conference’s first day featured diverse sessions, including discussions on integrating traditional pedagogies into modern education, ethics in traditional knowledge research, and the science behind traditional agriculture and cuisine. Additional sessions explored sustainable traditional architecture, integrating ancient sciences into modern disciplines, and effective communication of traditional knowledge through the “Paramparik Gyan Sanchar: SVASTIK workshop.
Following a successful inaugural day at CDTK 2024, the second day featured remaining compelling sessions that delve deep into the realms of traditional knowledge research and communication. The Arogya Vidya session was chaired Prof. Bhushan Patwardhan, National Research Professor-AYUSH, SBPPU, Pune, who urged healthcare professionals to prioritize patient welfare above personal egos and adopt the best practices for humanity’s benefit. Dr. Rabinarayan Acharya DG, CCRAS, New Delhi, stressed the need for an inclusive, evidence-based healthcare framework. He discussed integrating AYUSH systems and cross-referrals in tertiary healthcare. Dr. N. Zaheer Ahmed, DG, CCRUM, New Delhi, highlighted the importance of research in drug quality and traditional remedies.
Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-NIScPR opened the valedictory session by warmly welcoming everyone and expressing gratitude for their contribution to the success of the event. She extended a special welcome to the chief guest, Padma Bhushan Prof Anil P. Joshi, HESCO, Dehradun, who graciously attended at short notice.
Prof. Dinesh Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Gurugram University offered his congratulations to the entire team for their collective efforts in making the conference a success. He highlighted the urgency of sustainability, expressing concern that material possessions cannot shield us from environmental degradation unless we commit to sustainable practices.
