Two-Day National Seminar on ‘Indian Knowledge System and Artificial Intelligence’

Shimla, 29 October 2026: A two-day national seminar on “Indian Knowledge System and Artificial Intelligence: Integrating Indigenous Wisdom with Emerging Technologies” commenced today at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Rashtrapati Nivas, Shimla. Scheduled for 29–30 October 2026, the seminar aims to examine the interconnections between Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) from a multidisciplinary perspective and deliberate on the relevance of Indian philosophical, ethical, linguistic, environmental and cultural traditions in contemporary technological development.

The inaugural session was attended by Prof. (Dr.) Raj Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Bennett University, Greater Noida, as the Chief Guest. Dr. Priyanka Tripathi, Associate Professor, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Patna, delivered the keynote address online. Dr. Sumit Narula, Dean, Times School of Media, Bennett University, and Convener of the Seminar, introduced the theme, while Dr. Rajeev Kumar Mishra, Librarian and In-charge (ARO), IIAS, delivered the welcome address, extending a warm welcome to the distinguished dignitaries, speakers, academicians, researchers and participants. His address set the tone for the seminar’s academic deliberations and highlighted the importance of fostering meaningful intellectual engagement on the relationship between India’s knowledge traditions and emerging technologies.

*Tribute to Professor Sachidananda Mohanty During the Inaugural Session*

Before the formal commencement of the seminar, the scholars, dignitaries and participants observed two minutes of silence in memory of Professor Sachidananda Mohanty, National Fellow at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, who passed away on 27 October 2026.

Professor Mohanty was a distinguished scholar of English and Odia literature, literary criticism, travel writing and cultural history. During his illustrious academic career, he held several important positions, including that of Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Odisha. His 29 books and extensive literary scholarship enriched the study of Indian literature and culture. He was also regarded as one of the leading scholars of Sri Aurobindo. The Institute expressed its deep respect for his scholarly contributions and intellectual legacy, describing his demise as an irreparable loss to the academic and intellectual community.

*Convener Presents the Broader Intellectual Framework of the Seminar*

During the inaugural session, Dr. Sumit Narula, Convener of the Seminar and Dean of the Times School of Media, Bennett University, introduced the seminar’s theme and outlined its principal objectives. Emphasising the need for dialogue between Indian Knowledge Systems and Artificial Intelligence, he highlighted the multidisciplinary significance of the subject.

The seminar focuses on examining Indian philosophy, linguistic traditions, traditional health knowledge, environmental practices, arts and cultural heritage in relation to modern technological developments. In this context, an important question is how the ethical values and worldview embedded in Indian knowledge traditions can contribute to the responsible, inclusive and socially oriented development of Artificial Intelligence.

*Keynote Address by Dr. Priyanka Tripathi: Importance of Ethics and Human Values in AI Development*

Dr. Priyanka Tripathi, Associate Professor at IIT Patna, delivered the keynote address online. Her address provided a foundation for academic deliberations on the relationship between Indian Knowledge Systems and emerging technologies, in keeping with the central theme of the seminar.

As Artificial Intelligence assumes an increasingly important role across different spheres of life, a critical question is how technological progress can be aligned with ethical responsibility, human sensitivity and social welfare. Issues such as algorithmic bias, transparency, accountability and equitable access to technology underscore the need for serious reflection on the use of AI.

The diverse philosophical and ethical perspectives embedded in Indian Knowledge Systems can offer valuable intellectual resources for examining these questions. The Institute expressed its gratitude to Dr. Tripathi for delivering the keynote address and participating in the seminar online.

*Chief Guest Prof. (Dr.) Raj Singh Highlights the Importance of Academic Dialogue and an Interdisciplinary Approach*

Prof. (Dr.) Raj Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Bennett University, Greater Noida, attended the seminar as the Chief Guest and addressed the gathering. His address formed an important part of the inaugural session’s deliberations on the relationship between Indian Knowledge Systems and contemporary technological development.

The seminar raises an important question for universities and research institutions: how can technological innovation be meaningfully integrated with Indian knowledge traditions, ethical values and societal needs? An interdisciplinary approach is particularly important when examining the potential applications of AI in education, research, languages, environmental management and cultural heritage.

The Institute expressed its gratitude to Prof. (Dr.) Raj Singh for his participation as the Chief Guest and for addressing the gathering.

*Dr. Akhilesh Pathak Moderates the Inaugural Session and Proposes the Vote of Thanks*

Dr. Akhilesh Pathak, Sales and Public Relations Officer, IIAS, moderated the inaugural session, guiding its proceedings in a structured and coordinated manner. He welcomed the dignitaries, speakers, scholars and participants and facilitated the transitions between the various addresses in keeping with the seminar’s theme.

Following the address by the Chief Guest, Dr. Pathak proposed the vote of thanks. He expressed gratitude to Chief Guest Prof. (Dr.) Raj Singh, keynote speaker Dr. Priyanka Tripathi, Seminar Convener Dr. Sumit Narula, and Dr. Rajeev Kumar Mishra, who delivered the welcome address.

On behalf of the Institute, he also acknowledged the leadership, guidance and encouragement of Prof. Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi, Director, IIAS. He further thanked the scholars, research scholars, participants, administrative personnel and technical teams who contributed to the organisation of the seminar.

Dr. Pathak observed that Artificial Intelligence offers new possibilities for the preservation, dissemination and advancement of knowledge, while Indian Knowledge Systems encourage reflection on the ethical, social, cultural and environmental dimensions of technological development. He expressed the hope that the seminar would foster meaningful dialogue between Indian knowledge traditions and emerging technologies.

The inaugural session concluded with the National Song and the National Anthem, following which the first academic session commenced.

*Academic Deliberations on Environmental Sustainability, Cultural Heritage and AI Ethics*

Following the inaugural session, three academic sessions were held on the first day of the seminar. These sessions explored various dimensions of environmental sustainability, arts and cultural heritage, and the ethical foundations of Artificial Intelligence.

*Session I: Indigenous Environmental Knowledge and AI for Sustainability*

The first session, chaired by Dr. Sumit Narula, focused on environmental ethics, coexistence with nature and the contemporary relevance of Indian Knowledge Systems.

Dr. Lata Suresh of the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs presented on “Sustainability, Environmental Ethics and Coexistence with Nature.” Dr. Neelam Rani, Professor at IIM Shillong, delivered a lecture on Indian Knowledge Systems and Kautilya’s Arthashastra.

Dr. Sanjeev Kumar of Shyama Prasad Mukherji College for Women, University of Delhi, discussed Artificial Intelligence and the question of ownership in the context of Gandhian trusteeship and the concept of “owner-less-ness” in Advaita Vedanta.

*Session II: Arts, Culture, Heritage and the Role of Artificial Intelligence*

The second session, chaired by Dr. Anvesha Sharma, focused on the potential of Artificial Intelligence in preserving Indian art, manuscripts, crafts and cultural heritage, as well as the ethical questions associated with its application.

Mr. Kshitij Anand of Rishihood University, Sonipat, presented on the digital archiving, restoration and virtual reconstruction of cultural heritage. Dr. Komal Audichya, Professor and Director of Amity Law School, Amity University Rajasthan, delivered an online lecture on the use of AI for manuscripts, palm-leaf texts, crafts and visual traditions.

Ms. Pranjali Singh of Central University of Punjab presented a research paper on the ethical use of AI in cultural heritage and the preservation of cultural traditions in the context of Indian Knowledge Systems. Mr. Zainul Abideen, an academic researcher from Kishanganj, Bihar, discussed the protection of traditional artists and cultural heritage in an evolving creative economy.

*Session III: Ethical and Dharmic Approaches to Artificial Intelligence*

The third academic session examined the ethical dimensions of Artificial Intelligence and the relevance of Indian philosophical traditions. Chaired by Dr. Tilak Jha, Associate Professor, Times School of Media, Bennett University, the session explored the potential of concepts such as dharma, ahimsa, lokasangraha and viveka in shaping responsible AI.

Mr. Siddheshwar Shukla, Public Relations Officer at the Indian Institute of Insolvency Professionals of ICAI, delivered an online lecture on these Indian ethical concepts as frameworks for AI ethics. Professor Ram Nath Jha of Jawaharlal Nehru University examined algorithmic bias, fairness and accountability through the perspectives of Vedanta, Buddhism, Jainism, Nyaya and Sankhya.

Mr. Jaydev Singh, a research scholar at Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, presented a research paper on an Indian Knowledge Systems framework for responsible Artificial Intelligence in the context of dharma, viveka and algorithmic bias. Dr. Nizamuddin Ahmed of Haldia Government College, West Bengal, presented on reimagining ethical AI through Indian Knowledge Systems.

*Day Two to Focus on Health, Language Technologies and Education Policy*

On the second day, 30 October 2026, the seminar will feature academic sessions on Ayurveda, Yoga and AI for health and well-being; Indian linguistic traditions and language technologies; and curriculum, policy and capacity building. The valedictory session will review the key discussions and conclusions of the seminar.

The national seminar provides a platform for encouraging dialogue between Indian Knowledge Systems and contemporary technological innovation. Its broader objective is to explore possibilities for a technological future in which innovation advances alongside human values, social inclusion, cultural continuity and environmental responsibility.

SS/NK