IIT Guwahati Hosts UNIKAA 2024: A Three-Day Conference on Indian Knowledge Across Asia

IIT Guwahati concluded the three-day international conference which gathered experts to explore the links between ancient Indian wisdom and modern challenges. Check details here

IIT Guwahati Hosts UNIKAA 2024

The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati wrapped up the three-day international conference "Unraveling Indian Knowledge Across Asia (UNIKAA) 2024." This event brought together experts from various countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the USA, to explore the intersections between ancient Indian wisdom and contemporary challenges.

The conference featured over 130 oral presentations and 30 invited lectures, addressing a wide range of themes such as Ayurveda, yoga, mathematics, astronomy, and artificial intelligence. Discussions centred on how modern technology can be leveraged to preserve and explore these ancient knowledge systems.

The inauguration ceremony featured Assam's Governor, Lakshman Prasad Acharya, as the chief guest, alongside notable attendees such as Phurpa Tshering, Vice Consul of the Royal Bhutanese Consulate General in Guwahati, and Prof. Brahma Deo from IIT Bhubaneswar. They highlighted the conference's vision and emphasized the importance of local languages and interconnected knowledge systems.

Guest of honour Prof. Deo highlighted the importance of ancient Indian knowledge, particularly in metallurgy, and its contemporary relevance. Shri Phurpa Tshering praised India's contributions to global knowledge, emphasizing the significance of traditions such as yoga, Ayurveda, and astronomy. He also noted the deep spiritual bond between Bhutan and India, stating that visiting Bodh Gaya is a cherished pilgrimage for every Bhutanese.

A key highlight of the conference was the panel discussion on "The Importance of Indian Knowledge Systems in the Contemporary World," which sparked in-depth discussions and potential avenues for future collaborations. The valedictory session featured the Hon'ble Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly, Shri Biswajit Daimary, as the chief guest, alongside guests of honour Prof. Sukumar Mishra, Director of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, and Prof. Varadraj Bapat from IIT Bombay.

In his concluding remarks, Daimary welcomed delegates to Assam and urged them to explore the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage. He emphasized that education should instill cultural values and ethics alongside academic achievements. He also encouraged the organization of more such conferences in the northeastern states to celebrate India's rich cultural diversity and promote the vision of Akhanda Bharat.

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