By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 27: International scholars and changemakers brought fresh global perspectives to St. Edmund’s College as the Department of Social Work (UG) and the Department of Environmental Science hosted a two-day international seminar on “Indigenous Science Development: Intersecting Traditional Knowledge, Scientific Inquiry, and Socio-Cultural Practices.”
The event, held on October 24-25, 2025, featured an impressive line-up of speakers from India, Australia, and the Philippines, who shared insights on indigenous wisdom, sustainability, and the fusion of traditional and modern knowledge systems.
On October 24, keynote addresses were delivered by Medha Patkar, renowned social activist, and Ridhima Pandey, noted climate activist, where they both shared their insights on environmental justice, community empowerment, and women and youth engagement in climate action emphasising the importance of linking traditional wisdom with sustainability. Day 1 concluded with a vibrant cultural programme presented by local artists from the Arts and Culture department celebrating the rich heritage of indigenous communities featuring traditional dances like the Wangala Dance, the Shad Mastieh and Shad Bet Symbai. The programme was graced by chief guest PK Boro, CEO of Shillong Municipal Board.
The second day began with Invited International Talks by Dr Jacqui Rémond and Theressa Adler from the Australian Catholic University. They emphasised on “First nations country, language and cultural ways of being, knowing and living in Australia”.
Sr. Elizabeth Carranza from the Philippines spoke on “Socio-Cultural Embeddedness and Global Perspectives on Indigenous Science.” She spoke about the farming system, conservation of forest like agro-forestry practiced among the indigenous people known as the Egarot. This was followed by a Panel Discussion featuring experts Tambor Lyngdoh, Mayfereen Ryntathiang, HH Mohrmen and Prof S Dkhar. The panel explored and focus mainly on indigenous science and indigenous traditional knowledge.
The seminar brought together national and international scholars to discuss the relevance of indigenous knowledge in modern science. More than 40 papers were presented in various technical sessions with participants ranging from Assam, Mizoram, Sikkim, Kolkata, Tripura, Mumbai, Bangladesh, and Berlin (Germany). Themes ranged from indigenous epistemologies and socio-cultural embeddedness, traditional governance systems and environmental ethics, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and eco-cultural resilience, women’s role in indigenous knowledge transmission and socio-economic development and integrating indigenous knowledge into modern education, and policy frameworks. More than 500 participants including students and faculties of the various departments and colleges actively participated in the seminar.
Later, poster and reel competitions were also held with presentations covering indigenous healing systems and ethnomedicine, eco-tourism and conservation of rare flora, integration of indigenous science into curricula (NEP 2020 framework), legal frameworks for traditional ecological knowledge, and revitalisation of indigenous practices for future generations. An NGO Mela was also organised, featuring organisations working in environmental conservation, indigenous livelihood, and social development.
The event concluded with the valedictory programme where prizes and certificates were distributed by Dr H Tynsong (Scientist E, Director, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change).
