By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 12: Experts on Thursday underscored the urgent need to recover and revitalise Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), particularly in Northeast India, at a two-day national workshop that commenced on Thursday at the Indian Council of Social Science Research–North Eastern Regional Centre (ICSSR–NERC).
The workshop, titled ‘Exploring Indigenous Knowledge Systems of India with Special Reference to Northeast India,’ was jointly organised by the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), Regional Campus Shillong, and ICSSR–NERC. It seeks to foreground the contemporary relevance of indigenous epistemologies and provide an academic platform for dialogue and research engagement.
The inaugural session was attended by Prof Sumarbin Umdor, Pro Vice Chancellor of North Eastern Hill University, as chief guest. Prof Mridul Bordoloi of Dibrugarh University and Prof Shruti Das, Member of the Staff Selection Commission, Odisha, were present as distinguished guests. The session was chaired by Prof Bhagirathi Panda, Honorary Director of ICSSR–NERC, and coordinated by Dr Arzuman Ara, Associate Professor at EFLU Shillong.
In his address, Prof Umdor highlighted the region’s community-based knowledge traditions, particularly traditional medicinal practices in Meghalaya that are gradually disappearing. He cited the Living Root Bridges as an example of indigenous ecological ingenuity sustained over generations.
Speakers emphasised the diversity of indigenous cultures in the Northeast and stressed the importance of reclaiming traditional systems of knowledge. Prof Shruti Das noted that the National Education Policy’s emphasis on decolonisation provides scope for restoring India’s traditional knowledge systems, while Prof Bordoloi spoke on the interconnectedness and interspecies relationships embedded in indigenous worldviews.
The workshop will continue on Friday with technical sessions featuring scholars and registered participants from across the country.
