Integration of ancient Indian knowledge with contemporary science will prove wonder in answering modern problems: Assam Guv

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 3, 2024

Assam 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 and make the ancient knowledge system more compatible to find answers of the modern day world.

Inaugurating an international conference ‘Unraveling Indian Knowledge across Asia’ on the theme towards a developed Asia and a developed India, at IIT Guwahati on Friday, Acharya  said that by connecting ancient Indian knowledge like yoga and ayurveda with modern science, attainment of improved and holistic physical and mental health becomes possible. The Governor said that the younger generation should be encouraged to study and practise ayurveda and other ancient Indian healing systems for a holistic treatment of diseases.

Stating that the Indian Knowledge System is not just a source of national pride, but a universal heritage, the Governor said that the Upanishads, Buddhist philosophy, and the school of logic known as Nyaya all have contributed to the global philosophical discourse. He said that ayurveda offers a holistic approach to health in the stress-laden modern times. The surgical methods of Sushruta, described in the 6th century BCE, were so advanced that they were considered precursors to many modern surgical techniques, the Governor added.

Acharya moreover said that the ancient Indians had left no stream of human consciousness unexplored – right from delving into religion and philosophy to cracking the medicinal secrets of food, the Indian knowledge system enriched the world with its efficacy. He also said that developed over thousands of years ago, 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 even today.

The Governor also reiterated that the declaration of June 21 as the International Day of Yoga by the UN has brought yoga on the street as people across the globe have learned how to make the practice of yoga a part of their daily routine.

Acharya thanked IIT Guwahati for hosting the international conference, which according to him would help to take Indian knowledge to a greater height and share it with other Asian countries to draw 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 an unprecedented fillip, the Governor said that the scientific discussions in the conference would definitely help in redefining the ancient knowledge in a modern context and use it for the benefit of society.

Director IIT-Guwahati Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Prof. Brahma Dev from IIT- Bhubaneshwar along with a host of other dignitaries were present in the programme.