IIT Dhanbad Hosts National Conference on Ancient Indian Science and Technology

IIT Dhanbad Hosts National Conference on Ancient Indian Texts and Science

A three-day national conference exploring the intersection of ancient Indian texts with modern science and technology commenced at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad. The event, which will run until February 27, 2026, has brought together scholars from various disciplines to foster an interdisciplinary dialogue between classical knowledge systems and contemporary scientific frameworks.

Organizers and Sponsors
The conference is jointly organized by the  Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems  and the  Department of Humanities and Social Sciences  at IIT (ISM). It is sponsored by the  Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR)  , which functions under the Ministry of Education, and the  Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)  .

Inaugural Address: From Gyan to Prodyogiki
Presiding over the inaugural session at the Golden Jubilee Lecture Theatre, Director  Sukumar Mishra  elaborated on the conceptual depth of Indian traditions. He explained the evolution from  gyan  (knowledge) to  vigyan  (analytical understanding) and finally to  prodyogiki  (applied science/technology). Mishra emphasized that science transforms into technology only when it yields tangible socio-economic outcomes, a principle deeply embedded in India's holistic intellectual heritage.

Keynote Lectures

• CD Sebastian  of IIT Bombay, the chief guest, delivered a lecture on “Sānkhya Thought and Modern Science,” drawing parallels between this classical school of philosophy and contemporary scientific models.

• Swami Kripamayanand Avadhut , the guest of honour, spoke on the complementary relationship between spirituality and science in Indian traditions.

Convenor  Gyan Prakash  noted that the platform aims to encourage collaboration between Sanskrit scholars, philosophers, and historians of science with experts from engineering and applied sciences.

Exam-Focused Points (Prelims & Mains)

• Location:  IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, Jharkhand.

• Event:  National Conference on “Ancient Indian Text, Science and Technology.”

• Duration:  February 25–27, 2026.

• Organizers:  Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems & Dept. of Humanities and Social Sciences (IIT Dhanbad).

• Sponsors:

  1. Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR)  – Under Ministry of Education.

  2. Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)  – Promotes research in India.

• Key Philosophy Discussed:   Sānkhya  (one of the six orthodox schools of Indian philosophy).

• Conceptual Framework:   Gyan  (Knowledge) →  Vigyan  (Science/Analysis) →  Prodyogiki  (Technology).