India has rich scientific and technological knowledge that dates back thousands of years. The ancient Indian knowledge systems (IKS) have significantly contributed to mathematics, astronomy, metallurgy, civil engineering, architecture, and medicine. However, these contributions are often overlooked in mainstream academia and engineering curricula, which predominantly rely on Western scientific paradigms. This conference aims to bridge this gap by integrating the IKS into contemporary engineering education, research, and practice.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes integrating Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) across educational levels, aiming to revitalize India’s ancient wisdom within modern academic and professional settings. By promoting the inclusion of IKS in STEM education, NEP 2020 encourages a deeper understanding of India’s scientific and cultural heritage and advocates for curricula that explore traditional sciences, mathematics, philosophy, and linguistics. Specifically, in engineering, NEP 2020 envisions a framework where students can draw on sustainable practices and innovative solutions inspired by IKS, bridging traditional knowledge with contemporary approaches to address global challenges. This holistic educational vision aims to cultivate well-rounded individuals grounded in India’s intellectual traditions while fostering interdisciplinary skills and cultural appreciation.
Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT), Nagpur, established in 1960 is one of the esteemed institutes among the thirty one National Institutes of Technology in India. It was named after Bharat Ratna Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya an eminent engineer, planner and statesman of the country. The Institute has highly qualified faculty in various departments. VNIT Offers B.Tech degrees in eight disciplines, a B.Arch and M. Tech degrees in twenty disciplines. The institute also offers master’s programmes in M.Sc (Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics with PhD) and Architecture. The institute has collaborated with various reputed research /academic organizations. The distance of campus from Nagpur Airport/Railway Station is approximately 6 kms.
Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) is hosting this conference to honour India’s engineering heritage and advance the integration of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) into contemporary engineering education and practice. Named after Sir M. Visvesvaraya, a pioneer of Indian engineering, VNIT recognizes the importance of drawing inspiration from India’s rich scientific and technological legacy to address today’s complex challenges. By convening scholars, engineers, historians, and students, this conference seeks to bridge ancient wisdom and modern technology, fostering sustainable and innovative engineering solutions that are culturally rooted and relevant in a globalized world. VNIT aims to position itself as a leader in promoting interdisciplinary education and research that aligns with India’s vision for a knowledge-driven, sustainable future.
Objectives :
The conference on “Indian Knowledge Systems With Engineering Perspectives” seeks to:
- Highlight India’s Engineering Heritage: Present the achievements of Indian knowledge systems in engineering, such as the construction of ancient temples, water management systems, metallurgy, and early scientific inventions.
- Promote Sustainability in Engineering: Study the sustainable and eco-friendly practices embedded in IKS, aiming to integrate these principles into contemporary engineering solutions for climate resilience and resource management.
- Bridge Traditional Knowledge with Modern Technology: Discuss ways traditional Indian engineering practices can complement and enhance modern technological advancements, fostering innovation through a fusion of ancient wisdom and contemporary science.
Aims of the Conference
- Reviving traditional tools and techniques through modern technology
- Case studies of successful integration of IKS in contemporary engineering projects
- Exploration of IKS-inspired innovations in engineering and sciences
Themes and Sub-Themes
The concept of Pancha Mahabhuta (five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and space) emphasizes the interconnectedness of natural elements. In engineering, it aligns with material sciences (earth and fire in metallurgy), hydrology (water in river management), mathematics and astronomy (space and patterns of the cosmos), and environmental sustainability, advocating balance and harmony with nature, directly contributing to SDGs like clean water, sustainable cities, and climate action.
पृथ्वी तत्त्वम्
धरणीं प्राप्य नाना धातुः अवर्धत| (वा.रा. 1.37.20)
Civil Engi., Architecture, Mining & Metallurgical Material Science
जल तत्त्वम्
प्राणा वै जगतानापो भूतानि भुवनानि च | (लिंगपुराण 134/9)
Hydrological and River Management, Environment & Sustainable Goals
तेज-तत्त्वम्
तेजो S सि तेजो मयि देहि | (यजुर्वेद अ.19 मं. 9)
Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
वायु तत्त्वम्
पृथ्वी संतरणात् सन्तु नः पुन्या पुन्येन वातः|
Chemical Engineering, Chemistry
आकाश तत्त्वम्
आकाशस्तु ततो व्यापी सर्वेषां सर्वगः स्थितः | ( शिवपुराण – उमासंहिता अध्याय 26)
Computer Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, VLSI
Expected Outcomes :
This conference, the first of its kind, will amalgamate various engineering disciplines to revisit ancient wisdom and knowledge so that the road map for the future technological trajectory of Bharat can be further augmented based on the ancient engineering disciplines.
The proceedings and research papers will create empirical documents in Pure Sciences, Engineering, and Technology. Thus providing a manual for India’s engineering and architecture students.
Target Audience :
Faculty members from Engineering disciplines and Allied Sciences.
Important Dates:
Last Date for Extended Abstract Submission : 25th Jan, 2025
Intimation of Extended Abstract Acceptance: 30th Jan, 2025
Important Notes :
Extended Abstract Should be Submitted in the below format.
Paper Format : Please click here for Abstract Template
Abstract should be sent to the following mail id:
iks@vnit.ac.in in the form of .doc or .docx file.
Prizes will be awarded for Oral and Poster Presentation based on merits. Certification of Participation will be provided.
Registration QR Code :
Registration Link : https://forms.gle/A5aiop5VTASFoXZg8
Last Date for Registration: 10th February 2025
Payment Procedure :
- On the homepage, look for options like ‘Online Payment
- Alternatively, you can go to the ‘https://pay.vnit.ac.in/
home to find fee-related links. - Select payment category, CONFERENCE/SEMINAR/WORKSHOP,
- Name of Event : Indian Knowledge System with Engineering Perspective
- Fee Details:
- For Academicians : Rs. 2000/- (Inclusive GST)
- For Scholar and Students: Rs. 750/- (Inclusive GST)
To be updated soon…
Dr. Vijaykumar R P : +91- 9970335592
Dr. Atul Wankhade : +91- 9423402441
E-Mail us : iks@vnit.ac.in