HT Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, Nov 8: The two-day international conference on “Decoding Traditional Knowledge: A Multidisciplinary Approach” concluded on Friday at Bodoland University, Kokrajhar. Organised by the Department of Biotechnology in collaboration with the EMWSSA Project, NEC Shillong (MDoNER), the event drew over 800 participants, including researchers, traditional healers, progressive farmers and academicians from India and abroad.
The conference featured 61 research paper presentations, four parallel technical sessions and six keynote lectures delivered by experts from the USA, China, Bhutan and India. It provided a platform to explore the relevance of indigenous knowledge in modern science, sustainable development and community well-being.
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The inaugural session was attended by Rabiram Narzary, Executive Member (Education), BTC, as Chief Guest, along with Derhasat Basumatary, EM Health & Family Welfare, BTC and Prof Ganesh Chandra Wary, Vice-Chancellor of Kokrajhar University, as guests. Prof Babu Lal Ahuja, Vice-Chancellor of Bodoland University, presided over the session.
A special highlight was the felicitation of 30 traditional healers from across Assam, many of whom have served their communities with indigenous healing practices for over five decades. In addition, more than 60 progressive farmers and rural entrepreneurs shared field-level applications of traditional knowledge, emphasising its practical significance.
The valedictory session was addressed by Prof Jatin Sarmah, Rector of Bodoland University, Prof Khagen Basumatary of Govt. Ayurvedic College & Hospital, Guwahati and other senior academicians. Participants stressed the importance of preserving, documenting and integrating traditional knowledge systems into contemporary research frameworks to support sustainable livelihoods and enhance community welfare.
The conference received support from NTPC-Bongaigaon, IDBI Bank, EMWSSA Project – NEC Shillong and Bodoland University, highlighting collaborative efforts to promote traditional knowledge alongside modern scientific research.
