Indian Knowledge System Cell,

Post Graduate Department of English,

And

Post Graduate Department of Economics,

SRI GURU TEG BAHADUR KHALSA COLLEGE,

SRI ANANDPUR SAHIB-140118,

PUNJAB, INDIA

organizes

Two-days International Conference

On

Indian Knowledge System: Perspectives and Imperatives

(6-7 August, 2026)

Sponsored by

Indian Council of Social Science Research, Ministry of Education,

New Delhi, India

CONCEPT NOTE

The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) embodies one of the world’s oldest and most comprehensive intellectual traditions, integrating knowledge across disciplines such as science, medicine, arts, philosophy, ethics, and governance. Its holistic approach continues to offer insights into contemporary challenges, from sustainability and pedagogy to cultural identity and innovation.

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 underscores the importance of embedding IKS into higher education, calling for systematic research, documentation, and curricular innovation. In response, this conference on “Indian Knowledge System: Perspectives and Imperatives” is being organized to:

• Examine the historical contributions and global significance of IKS.
• Explore its contemporary relevance in education, governance, ethics, and sustainability.
• Identify practical frameworks for integrating IKS into teaching, research, and policy.

By convening scholars, educators, and practitioners from diverse disciplines, the conference aims to foster dialogue, build collaborative networks, and generate actionable recommendations for reviving and mainstreaming IKS in academic and institutional contexts.

Sub-Themes

The conference will be structured around the following thematic areas:

• Pedagogy and the Indian Knowledge System (IKS)
• Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and Western cosmopolitanism
• Macaulay’s legacy and cultural subjugation in India
• Indian education in relation to IKS
• Abrahamic traditions and their dialogue with IKS
• Western secularism and IKS
• Secularist academia, Enlightenment thought, and IKS
• Rashtra and the nation-state
• Europe and India: Dialectical encounters
• Christian/Islamic theology and Indian dharma
• Self/Other in the context of IKS
• Western knowledge traditions and India
• Swaraj and decoloniality
• Intellectual contributions of Gandhi, Tagore, Savarkar, Aurobindo, and Vivekananda
• Cultural decolonisation through IKS
• Comparative epics: Mahabharata/Ramayana and Iliad/Odyssey
• Western theatre and Indian Nāṭya paramparā
• The Bhagavad Gita and the ethics of duty
• Swarat and Anyarat
• Monotheism and polytheism: Comparative perspectives
• Dharma and religion: Rooted dialectics
• NEP 2020 and IKS
• Indian schools of philosophy (Darśanas) and epistemology (Pramāṇas)
• Contemporary relevance of Darśanas and Pramāṇas
• Governance, ethics, and law in IKS
• Arthashastra, Dharmashastra, and traditions of governance
• English Studies curriculum and IKS
• Academic politics in India and IKS
• IKS and Artificial Intelligence
• Religion, secularism, Enlightenment thought, and Indian philosophy
• Agricultural practices in IKS
• Art and aesthetics in IKS
• Ancient Indian sciences: Mathematics, astronomy, and cosmology
• Language and linguistics: Sanskrit and classical Indian languages
• Literary texts and critical appreciation in Indian classrooms
• Environment and ecological wisdom in IKS

Purpose and Outcomes

The conference is designed to:

• Provide a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue on IKS.
• Encourage research collaborations and documentation of manuscript traditions.
• Develop curricular frameworks for higher education.
• Generate policy recommendations for integrating IKS into national and global academic discourse.

Submission Guidelines:

Abstract length: 200 words. Keywords: 6 words.

Full paper length: 3000-6000 words.

Font style & size: Times New Roman, 12 pt. Line Spacing: 1.5.

Citation Style: MLA 9th Edition. File Type: .doc.

Registration Fee:

Presentation: 1000/-

Research Scholar/Student: 500/-

Participation Only: 200/-

(Online mode and registration fee exemption for International participants/presenters.)

Accommodation will be provided to selected out of state/country participants subject to the availability of funds.                                            

Key attractions:

Book releases

Poetry Recitations Session

Registration Details:

mail: englishsgtb2023@gmail.com

Submit your abstract via email by 3 May, 2026.

For communication: Dr. Gurpreet Kaur +919876665765