Traditional Indian knowledge has always
been based on sustainability and self-reliance, said Chief Guest, Dr Anil
Joshi, Founder of the Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation
Organization (HESCO), Dehradun, as he discussed the complex relationships
between the economy, ecology, and environment, Dr. Joshi, who is popularly
referred to as the ‘Mountain Man of India’ encouraged teachers to promote
scientific learning within the context of India’s indigenous traditional
knowledge.

He was addressing more than 100 teachers
from over 75 institutions and other guests at a Capacity Building National
Workshop on Communication and Dissemination of Indian Knowledge Systems
(IKS) for Teachers organised by CSIR-National Institute of Science
Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR). 
It was held under the national initiative SVASTIK (Scientifically
Validated Societal Traditional Knowledge) to communicate scientifically
validated traditional knowledge to society, jointly with the Indian National
Young Academy of Science (INYAS) under its flagship programme RuSETUp (Rural
Science Education Training Utility Programme) and Maharshi Dayanand University
(MDU), Rohtak on October 16 in MDU, Rohtak.

MDU Vice-chancellor Prof Rajbir Singh
pointed out that that true dissemination of knowledge begins with teachers, who
serve as key communicators and change makers in society. Prof Ranjana Aggarwal,
an organic chemist and former Director of CSIR-NIScPR said a holistic
perspective that integrates the natural, social, and spiritual sciences forms
the foundation of India’s scientific heritage. She pointed out that false
information frequently misrepresented traditional knowledge in the digital age,
highlighting the importance of clear communication, scientific validation, and
educational inclusion. Dr. Ashwani Tiwari, Associate Professor, School of
Environmental Sciences, JNU, spoke on the importance of traditional rainwater
harvesting systems in addressing India’s growing water scarcity. To encourage
local conservation efforts, he advised educators to incorporate traditional
water knowledge into environmental education. Dr Charu Lata, Principal
Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR, delivered an insightful talk on India’s traditional
food wisdom.