Indian knowledge system as a significant factor for the survival and continuity of all societies around the world

Indigenous knowledge has been a significant factor that sustains the survival and continuity of all societies around the world. Strengthening and sustaining indigenous knowledge leads to greater productivity in every aspect of life. This was stressed at an International Conference held at The English and Foreign Languages University, Regional Campus, Shillong, in collaboration with ICSSR – NERC, Shillong, with the theme “The Indian Knowledge System in the Curriculum: Pedagogical Perspectives” on 4 November 2025. The conference aimed to explore the integration of India’s vast and diverse knowledge systems within contemporary educational frameworks, fostering dialogue on decolonized and inclusive pedagogical approaches.
Hosted by Ms. Ansumi Gogoi, Research Scholar, EFLU, the inaugural session started with a welcome address by Dr. I. Amenla Changkija, Assistant Professor, Department of Linguistics, EFLU Shillong,
Prof. N. Nagaraju, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, who oversees the Regional Campuses at Shillong and Lucknow delivered the Presidential Address online, stating that the University is dedicated to promoting the different languages of the country to foster growth of indigenous knowledge. He spoke about the significance of holding such a conference at a time when India is rethinking education through the lens of heritage and innovation. He lauded the Shillong Campus for hosting its second major conference with excellence and commitment. He remarked that through such initiatives, EFLU Shillong continues to uphold the university’s ethos of combining linguistic scholarship with cultural insight.
This was followed by an Address by the Director, Prof. Mousumi Guha Banerjee, Director, EFLU Shillong who stressed on the significance of indigenous knowledge in education, highlighting the importance of preserving indigenous traditions and cultural memory, especially those of the North-Eastern region. She spoke of the amalgamation of mind, body, and soul that lies at the core of IKS, explaining how traditional knowledge promotes balance, ethical living, and sustainability.
The Chief Guest, Dr. N. Munish Singh, Regional Director, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Shillong, highlighted the significance of intercultural exchange through conferences towards improving the role of indigenous knowledge in education. Dr. Singh emphasized the unique cultural richness of the North-East, describing it as a repository of traditions, philosophies, and languages that together form a vibrant part of India’s civilizational mosaic. He reflected on how discourse around IKS is essential in today’s context — not only to preserve heritage but also to inspire innovation and resilience in the modern world.
A special highlight of the inaugural session featured the release of three books, Legends of Manipur: Retelling the Puyas, (2025) Mittal Publication, New Delhi, by Dr. Rosy Yumnam; Studies in Language, Literature and Linguistics (2024) Taran Publication, New Delhi, edited by Dr. Rosy Yumnam and Dr. Amenla Changkija and Language, Literature and Culture: Multidisciplinary Perspectives in the Context of NEP 2020 (2024) Taran Publication, New Delhi, edited by Dr. Rosy Yumnam and Dr. Aroma Kharshiing. These books, each a contribution to the ongoing dialogue on language, culture, and education symbolized the university’s ongoing commitment to research and its deep engagement with the philosophical and pedagogical roots of Indian knowledge.
The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Dr. Rosy Yumnam, Associate Professor, Department of English Language Teaching (ELT), EFLU Shillong.
The Keynote session titled “Decolonizing Curriculum: Integrating Indigenous Linguistic Knowledge Across Global Educational Contexts” was steered by Prof. Ana Sanchez-Muñoz, California State University, Northridge, USA, a distinguished scholar in language, identity, and pedagogy. Drawing from her extensive research on heritage language education and linguistic diversity, Professor Muñoz offered a compelling exploration of how indigenous and immigrant experiences shape educational realities in multicultural societies. Her address deeply resonated with the aims of this conference, as it paralleled India’s own educational journey — from colonial language hierarchies to the revival and integration of indigenous epistemologies and multilingual heritage.
In his address during the Valedictory function, the Chief Guest, Prof. Bhagirathi Panda, Honorary Director, ICSSR- NERC Shillong, called for a challenging thinking beyond conventional boundaries and embrace an innovative view of IKS as a global holistic project that promotes sustainability and sustainable development through social, cultural and ecological practices.
The Guest of Honour, Prof. Shailendra Kumar Singh, Department of Linguistics, North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, delivered an insightful address that urged to contextually understand the very project of IKS as a project of spiritually and fundamentally decolonizing our knowledge systems and uniting our nation.
The Chairperson’s Address during the Valedictory function was delivered by Prof. Mousumi Guha Banerjee, Director, EFLU Shillong, who highlighted the significance of research endeavours in India’s own indigenous knowledge systems and cultural heritages that have and continue to educate, inform and shape India’s diverse peoples over centuries.
The series of parallel technical sessions brought together scholars, educators, and researchers from India and abroad to deliberate on the pedagogical value of traditional Indian knowledge systems and their relevance in contemporary curriculum design and provided fertile ground for discussion, reflection, and exchange. Participants explored the Indian Knowledge System through diverse perspectives — spanning language and literature, oral traditions, ecology, pedagogy, gender, and technology. By fostering dialogue across disciplines and cultures, the event sought to contribute to a more holistic and inclusive vision of education.