By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 5 Feb: At a press conference organised here, today, Prof Durgesh Pant, Director General, said that the ‘18th State Science and Technology Congress’, organised by the Uttarakhand State Council of Science and Technology (UCOST), in collaboration with Kumaon University, Nainital, and Uttarakhand Open University, Haldwani, is set to take place from 8 to 9 February at Uttarakhand Open University, Haldwani.
The theme for this year is “Bhartiya Jñāna Vijñāna Parampara – World Peace and Harmony”.
The 18th USSTC will spotlight “Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS)”, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern science. The congress will explore the deep wisdom found in ancient Indian texts, emphasising the relevance of these age-old traditions in the contemporary world. It aligns with the goals outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, seeking to incorporate traditional knowledge into modern educational streams.
At the Science Congress, practitioners, researchers and innovators will be given a platform to present their successful case studies, innovations, products, techniques and new ideas. Leading scientists will interact with participants in discussions about relevant scientific knowledge and best practices in order to enhance traditional knowledge system.
Part A will be the 6 Plenary Sessions which will include –
1) Indigenous Knowledge System: Bhartiya Jñāna Parampara in modern education for holistic learning, addressing ethics and fostering resilience.
2) Science and Spirituality: Explores the connection between science and spirituality, focusing on their shared quest to understand the fundamental nature of the universe.
3) Holistic Health & Ayurveda Session: The ancient Indian holistic health practices. Covers treatments like internal purification,
specialised diets, herbal remedies, and practices like yoga and meditation. Highlights Ayurveda’s recognised status in India’s healthcare system.
4) Yogic Sciences – Ancient wisdom of Yoga, aiming for holistic well-being and happiness like asanas, pranayama, kriyas, mudras, bandhas, and shat karma. Emphasises the unity of all life and practical applications in daily life.
5) Vedic Mathematics, Geometry, Astronomy – This will explore ancient Indian mathematical heritage, with a focus on Vedic Mathematics. Traces astronomical milestones from Vedanga Jyotish to Aryabhata, highlighting contributions of Varahamihira, Brahmagupta, and others.
6) Bhartiya Jñāna Vijñāna Parampara – World Peace and Harmony – Celebrates India’s multicultural harmony. Advocates universal love and brotherhood, aiming for a paradigm shift in global education and governance with ancient wisdom, echoing “Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam”.
The special session ‘Disaster Resilient Uttarakhand’ will highlight Uttarakhand’s response to challenges like Joshimath subsidence and Silkyara tunnel. It showcases the success of the World Congress on Disaster Management and ongoing efforts to implement the impactful Dehradun Declaration in Uttarakhand and other mountain ecosystems. In essence, it offers a brief overview of achievements, challenges, and future plans for a resilient future.
There will be an exhibition at which rural individuals, entrepreneurs, NGOs, SHGs, academic institutions, and government agencies, among others, will display their best work.
The Council invited abstracts of original research work, experiments and success stories related to the theme from research fellows and researchers studying/working in different R&D research institutions, universities, colleges and any recognised, private or autonomous Science and Technology organisations located in the Uttarakhand State in the following disciplines – agriculture, bio-technology, chemistry, Science, Home Science, Geology, Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, Rural Science and Biology.
It was stated that UCOST is committed to advancing scientific research, collaboration, and innovation in Uttarakhand. The State Science and Technology Congress, a key initiative, focuses on encouraging discussions and the exchange of knowledge within the scientific community.
