IIT ISM hosts national conference linking ancient texts with modern science

A three-day national conference on Ancient Indian Texts, Science and Technology commenced on Wednesday at the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad, bringing together scholars from across the country.

The conference is examining the relationship between India’s classical knowledge traditions and contemporary scientific thought.

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It is being organised jointly by the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems and the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, with support from the Indian Council of Philosophical Research and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation.

The organisers said the aim is to create structured academic dialogue between textual scholarship and modern science. The initiative reflects a wider trend of technical institutes engaging with civilisational knowledge systems.

In his presidential address, Director Prof Sukumar Mishra outlined a progression from Gyan to Vigyan and then to Praudyogiki. He said Indian knowledge traditions historically integrated philosophical reflection with scientific inquiry and practical application.

He added that such a holistic framework remains relevant to present-day discussions on innovation.

The inaugural lecture was delivered by Prof C D Sebastian of the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. He drew parallels between classical Sānkhya philosophy and modern scientific reasoning, referring to the Sānkhya Kārikā.

He examined how ancient inquiries into causation and reality may resonate with contemporary analytical frameworks, while placing such comparisons in an academic context.

Guest of Honour Swami Kripamayanand Avadhut spoke on the relationship between spirituality and science. He observed that Indian traditions have often viewed them as complementary rather than opposing domains.

Organisers said the conference also reflects Dhanbad’s evolving academic identity beyond its mining legacy.

Over the next two days, technical sessions will cover subjects including Buddhist medical practices, Indian cosmology, circular consumption models and the scientific foundations of classical texts.