GUWAHATI: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati recently orchestrated the curtain raiser ceremony for the highly anticipated international conference on Unraveling Indian Knowledge Across Asia (UNIKAA 2024).
The ceremony, held on Saturday, witnessed the esteemed presence of Governor of Assam Gulab Chand Kataria as the chief guest, alongside a distinguished lineup of dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Kataria highlighted India’s historical legacy as the “Vishwa Guru” of knowledge and the imperative of reconnecting with ancient wisdom in navigating contemporary challenges.
He lauded initiatives such as the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 for their emphasis on integrating traditional knowledge systems into modern education paradigms.
Furthermore, Kataria underscored the potential of every individual and commended IIT Guwahati for its initiative in hosting an international conference dedicated to Indian Knowledge, which will see participation from delegates across Asia.
UNIKAA 2024, slated to happen from October 3 to 5, aims to connect ancient wisdom with modern practices.
Covering topics such as medicinal benefits of Ayurveda and preserving cultural heritage, the conference encourages innovation and discussions, celebrating India’s cultural richness.
Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, in his capacity as the Patron of UNIKAA 2024, elucidated the significance of Indian knowledge in positioning Bharat as a Vishwa Guru.
He stressed the pivotal role of institutions like IIT Guwahati in preserving and disseminating this invaluable heritage.
Echoing similar sentiments, Prof Uday S. Dixit, Head of the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems at IIT Guwahati and Chair of UNIKAA 2024, expressed enthusiasm for the forthcoming conference.
The curtain-raiser ceremony also featured informative lectures by distinguished speakers, including Dr Survokamal Dutta, Subhojyoti Ghosh, Dato’ Kumaran Santhivaloo, and Prof. Sachchidananda Mishra, who delved into diverse aspects of ancient Indian knowledge and its influence across Asia.
The event concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and anticipation for UNIKAA 2024, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in unravelling the depths of Indian knowledge across Asia.