IKS Conference Bridges Tradition and Innovation in Mumbai

Mumbai: In a compelling demonstration of how ancient wisdom can address contemporary challenges, the 11th International Conference on Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) successfully concluded at Chandrabhan Sharma College (Autonomous), Powai. Held on 14 March 2026, the event transformed into a vibrant platform for meaningful dialogue between tradition and modernity under the theme “IKS: Bridging Tradition, Innovation and Sustainability”.

Organised in collaboration with the University of Mumbai and The ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education, and sponsored by ICSSR – Western Regional Centre, the multidisciplinary conference drew scholars, researchers, academicians, and students from India and abroad. The gathering highlighted the enduring global relevance of Indian Knowledge Systems and their potential to guide sustainable development in today’s rapidly changing world.

In her welcome address, In-Charge Principal Dr. Vaishali Rajput underscored that Indian traditions continue to serve as a timeless reservoir of wisdom. She stressed that these insights remain highly relevant for navigating the complexities of modern life.

Chief Guest Dr. Rajan Velukar, Vice Chancellor of ATLAS SkillTech University, emphasised the importance of equipping the younger generation with both contemporary skills and the profound knowledge rooted in Ayurveda, Yoga, and Vedic traditions. He called for a balanced approach that integrates modern education with India’s rich heritage.

The conference featured insightful technical sessions on sustainability, innovation, and cultural preservation. Distinguished speakers, including Prof. Dr. Varadaraj Bapat from IIT Bombay, delved into the scientific and practical applications of Indian Knowledge Systems. International speaker Alok Gupta provided a global perspective, illustrating how Indian philosophical traditions are increasingly influencing practices and thought processes worldwide.

The overwhelming academic response was evident in the submission of 104 research papers, of which 85 were selected after a rigorous peer-review process. These presentations reflected deep engagement with heritage-based research and its role in shaping future models of development.

The valedictory session reinforced a powerful consensus: Indian Knowledge Systems are not relics of the past but a vital foundation for building an inclusive, balanced, and environmentally sustainable future. Participants agreed that integrating traditional wisdom with modern innovation offers practical solutions to pressing global challenges such as climate change, holistic health, and ethical technological advancement.

The event successfully demonstrated that meaningful progress does not require abandoning roots; instead, it can emerge from a thoughtful synthesis of ancient insights and contemporary needs. By fostering interdisciplinary conversations, the conference opened new pathways for research, policy-making, and education that honour India’s cultural legacy while addressing 21st-century realities.

As one of the most significant gatherings on IKS in recent times, the Mumbai conference has set a promising tone for future academic initiatives. It reaffirmed that when tradition and innovation walk hand in hand, they can create models capable of guiding humanity toward a more harmonious and sustainable tomorrow.

For students, researchers, and policymakers alike, the discussions at Chandrabhan Sharma College offered both inspiration and actionable ideas — proving that India’s ancient knowledge systems remain a living, dynamic resource with immense potential to shape a brighter global future.