Jagannath Barooah University, Jorhat successfully organized a Special Talk on "Indian Knowledge System" under its academic lecture series PHRONESIS 1.0: Awakening the Mind, Advancing Knowledge on 29 May 2026 at the New Conference Hall of the University.

The programme was attended by faculty members, research scholars, students, officers, and staff of the University. The event aimed to promote intellectual engagement and encourage a deeper understanding of India's rich knowledge traditions and their relevance in contemporary society.

The session was  anchored by Subhasish Sarmah, Dean of Students' Affairs, Jagannath Barooah University, who welcomed the gathering and introduced the theme of the lecture. He highlighted the significance of academic discourse in fostering critical thinking and broadening intellectual horizons among the university community.

The programme commenced with the inaugural address by Professor Jyoti Prasad Saikia, Vice Chancellor, Jagannath Barooah University. In his address, he emphasized the importance of exploring India's intellectual and cultural heritage and underscored the growing relevance of the Indian Knowledge System in contemporary education. He noted that indigenous knowledge traditions offer valuable perspectives for addressing present-day challenges and contribute to the holistic development of learners.

The keynote lecture was delivered by Professor Ramesh Chandra Deka, Vice Chancellor, Cotton University. In his insightful and thought-provoking presentation, Professor Deka elaborated on the philosophical foundations, scientific contributions, and cultural dimensions of the Indian Knowledge System. He emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting indigenous knowledge traditions while appreciating their relevance in the modern world.

Professor Deka particularly highlighted the significance of traditional medicinal practices and indigenous systems of knowledge that have evolved through centuries of observation, experience, and community wisdom. He observed that many traditional practices continue to provide valuable insights in areas such as health, environment, and sustainable living. At the same time, he urged the audience not to accept everything blindly, whether traditional or modern, but to adopt a critical and balanced approach guided by reason, evidence, and social relevance. He stressed the need to evaluate ideas and practices on their merit and contribution to human welfare.

Following the lecture, Professor Deka engaged in a fruitful interaction with the faculty members of Jagannath Barooah University. The discussion covered a range of academic and institutional issues, including opportunities for research funding, strategies for enhancing research quality, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and strengthening the overall research culture within higher educational institutions. Faculty members actively participated in the deliberations and benefited from Professor Deka's extensive academic and administrative experience.