CSIR-NIScPR Workshop Empowers Teachers to Promote Indian Knowledge Systems

In his address, Prof. Rajbir Singh, Vice-Chancellor of MDU, praised the collaborative initiative for empowering teachers as “true disseminators of wisdom.”

The CSIR–National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR), under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), organised a National Capacity Building Workshop for Teachers on “Communication and Dissemination of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS)” on 16 October 2025 at Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak. The event was held as part of the national initiative SVASTIK (Scientifically Validated Societal Traditional Knowledge), in collaboration with the Indian National Young Academy of Science (INYAS) through its flagship programme RuSETUp (Rural Science Education Training Utility Programme), and MDU.

The workshop aimed to equip educators with tools and strategies to effectively communicate India’s vast traditional knowledge to modern audiences using scientific validation and contemporary outreach methods. More than 100 participants from 75 educational institutions across India attended, reflecting growing national interest in integrating IKS into mainstream education and research.

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Bridging Tradition and Science

The inaugural session began with a warm welcome by Dr. Surender Yadav from MDU, followed by Dr. Geetha Vani Rayasam, Director, CSIR-NIScPR, who joined virtually. In her remarks, Dr. Rayasam highlighted the vision behind SVASTIK — a national effort to authenticate and disseminate traditional practices with scientific backing.

She commended the collaboration between CSIR-NIScPR, INYAS, and MDU, calling it “a vital step in taking Indian Knowledge Systems beyond academic boundaries to teachers, who are the first communicators of culture and science in society.”

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Keynote Address by the “Mountain Man of India”

The highlight of the event was an inspiring keynote address by Padma Bhushan Dr. Anil P. Joshi, founder of the Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organization (HESCO), Dehradun. Known as the “Mountain Man of India”, Dr. Joshi emphasised the interdependence of economy, ecology, and environment and described how traditional Indian knowledge has long been rooted in sustainability and self-reliance.

“Indian knowledge systems represent a way of living in harmony with nature,” Dr. Joshi said. “Teachers play a pivotal role in reviving and contextualising these systems for modern science education. Our future depends on blending ancient wisdom with scientific understanding.”

He urged educators to promote environmental stewardship, local innovation, and community-based learning inspired by India’s indigenous traditions.

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Teachers as Catalysts for Knowledge Dissemination

In his address, Prof. Rajbir Singh, Vice-Chancellor of MDU, praised the collaborative initiative for empowering teachers as “true disseminators of wisdom.” He stressed that the success of Indian Knowledge Systems depends on teachers’ ability to communicate them effectively to the next generation. “The classroom is the cradle of cultural preservation and scientific transformation,” he said.

The session concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Charu Lata, Coordinator of SVASTIK, who expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, organisers, and participants. She reiterated the collective goal of transforming teachers into ambassadors of India’s scientific heritage through evidence-based communication.

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Exploring India’s Science and Technology Heritage

The first technical session, titled “India’s Science & Technology Heritage: From Protection to Perpetuation”, delved into the roots and relevance of India’s scientific traditions.

Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, eminent organic chemist, Outstanding Scientist (CSIR), and former Director of CSIR-NIScPR, highlighted how ancient India integrated natural, social, and spiritual sciences into a holistic framework of discovery. She warned that misinformation often distorts traditional knowledge in the digital age, calling for scientific validation, clear communication, and inclusion in curricula.

She cited successful initiatives such as the SVASTIK project, the Ministry of AYUSH’s documentation programmes, and AICTE’s IKS divisions, which collectively contribute to preserving and promoting indigenous wisdom under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

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Traditional Knowledge in Modern Contexts

The workshop featured several expert lectures aimed at bridging traditional knowledge with contemporary science education:

• Dr. Ashwani Tiwari, Associate Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), spoke on traditional rainwater harvesting systems and their modern applications in addressing water scarcity. He encouraged teachers to include such systems in environmental science curricula to foster community-led conservation.

• Dr. Charu Lata, Principal Scientist at CSIR-NIScPR, presented on India’s traditional food wisdom, explaining the SVASTIK methodology — from identifying and validating traditional practices to sharing them through digital and social media platforms. She invited participants to act as “Brand Ambassadors of SVASTIK”, collecting regional examples of indigenous knowledge for wider dissemination.

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Hands-On Communication Training

The second session of the workshop provided practical training on science communication techniques. Led by Dr. Paramananda Barman, Senior Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR, and the SVASTIK Team, participants learned how to translate traditional knowledge into engaging communication materials such as infographics, podcasts, short videos, and popular science articles.

The interactive session allowed teachers to design their own posters and multimedia content, giving them hands-on experience in transforming research and traditional practices into educational tools accessible to wider audiences.

The session also featured Dr. Raj Mukhopadhyay from ICAR–Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal, who presented a talk on indigenous soil management practices. He discussed how traditional farming techniques enhance soil fertility, microbial activity, and nutrient recycling—offering sustainable alternatives to chemical-intensive agriculture.

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Fostering Dialogue and Future Collaboration

The workshop concluded with a feedback and interaction session, during which participants shared their experiences and expressed enthusiasm for integrating IKS into teaching and research. Many educators pledged to establish regional science clubs and community outreach programmes focused on traditional knowledge documentation and dissemination.

In her closing remarks, Dr. Sandhiya Lakshmanan, Senior Scientist at CSIR-NIScPR, thanked the participants and reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to building a national network of educators who champion the fusion of scientific inquiry and cultural wisdom.

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Advancing the Vision of SVASTIK

The SVASTIK initiative seeks to validate traditional practices—ranging from food, agriculture, and health to architecture and environment—through scientific research and communicate them through accessible channels. This aligns with India’s vision of reviving indigenous knowledge systems and integrating them into the modern knowledge economy under the “Viksit Bharat @2047” roadmap.

The success of the Rohtak workshop reaffirms that teachers are not only transmitters of knowledge but also torchbearers of India’s intellectual heritage, ensuring that the wisdom of the past continues to inform the innovations of the future.