HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Oct 3: Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya said that for India to contribute to a developed Asia, the ancient knowledge of the country should be integrated with modern science to make the ancient knowledge system more compatible in finding solutions to modern-day challenges while inaugurating an international conference — ‘Unraveling Indian Knowledge across Asia’ on the theme ‘Towards a Developed Asia and a Developed India’ at IIT Guwahati on Thursday.
Acharya stated that by connecting ancient Indian knowledge, such as yoga and ayurveda, with modern science, it becomes possible to attain improved and holistic physical and mental health. The Governor added that the younger generation should be encouraged to study and practice ayurveda and other ancient Indian healing systems for holistic treatment of diseases.
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Stating that the Indian Knowledge System is not just a source of national pride but a universal heritage, the Governor mentioned that the Upanishads, Buddhist philosophy, and the school of logic known as Nyaya have all contributed to global philosophical discourse. He also noted that ayurveda offers a holistic approach to health in today’s stress-laden times. The surgical methods of Sushruta, described in the 6th century BCE, were so advanced that they are considered precursors to many modern surgical techniques, the Governor added.
Acharya further stated that ancient Indians left no stream of human consciousness unexplored – from delving into religion and philosophy to uncovering the medicinal secrets of food, the Indian knowledge system has enriched the world with its efficacy. He also noted that, developed over thousands of years, the Indian Knowledge System encompasses a wide array of disciplines – from mathematics and astronomy to medicine, philosophy, and linguistics. This system is not just a relic of the past but a living entity that continues to influence the modern world today.
The Governor also reiterated that the declaration of June 21 as International Yoga Day by the UN has brought yoga into the mainstream, with people across the globe incorporating it into their daily routines. Governor Acharya thanked IIT Guwahati for hosting the international conference, which, according to him, would help elevate Indian knowledge to greater heights and share it with other Asian countries to draw up an action plan for a prosperous and developed future.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a ‘Developed India’, where education, research, and innovation have received unprecedented support, the Governor said that the scientific discussions at the conference would undoubtedly help redefine ancient knowledge in a modern context and use it for the benefit of society.
Director of IIT-Guwahati, Prof Devendra Jalihal, Prof Brahma Dev from IIT-Bhubaneshwar, and a host of other dignitaries were present at the program.
