Tura, Oct 22: A one-day symposium on the theme “Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS): Sustainable Future” was held at Captain Williamson Sangma State University (CWSSU), Balalgre in Tura on Wednesday.

The event was organized by the Department of Sociology and funded by the Chief Minister’s Special Grant Fund.

The symposium was graced by Chief Guest Deputy Commissioner of South West Garo Hills Hema Nayak.

While speaking at the programme, Hema Nayak spoke about how local knowledge and language are deeply connected to people’s lives, food habits, health, and traditions.

“Language, lifestyle, and feelings are tied together. If we lose one, we may lose the others too,” Nayak said.

The Welcome address was given by Dr. S. Khyriemmujat, Chairperson i/c, Department of Sociology.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Vasanthi Vijayakumar gave a powerful speech highlighting the importance of preserving and recording indigenous knowledge for future generations.

She said, “Traditional wisdom teaches us about nature, community, and sustainable living. We must document and digitize it.”

The Keynote Address was delivered by Dr. Bodhi Sainkupar Rani, Associate Professor at TISS, Mumbai.

He emphasized the deep value of indigenous systems in today’s modern world.

Two technical sessions were held during the day:

The Session I was chaired by Dr. E. Kharkongor. Kharkongor focused on the evolution of traditional offices in Khasi-Jaintia society.

The speaker was Prof. L.S. Gassah, former Head of Political Science at NEHU, Shillong.

The Session II focused on Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Tribal Communities of Northeast India.

Prof. Kedilezo Kikhi, Professor of Sociology at NEHU, was the resource person.

Both sessions included interactive discussions with students and faculty members.

The event ended with a valedictory session where rapporteurs presented summaries of the technical sessions.

Participants also shared their thoughts and reflections.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Vasanthi Vijayakumar gave the valedictory address, appreciating the effort put into the symposium and encouraging more documentation of local knowledge.

The Vote of Thanks was given by Andrea Bazeley A. Sangma, who also served as the compere for the day.

The symposium brought together students, scholars, and administrators to discuss how Indigenous Knowledge Systems can help build a sustainable future. It highlighted the need to espect, preserve, and pass on traditional knowledge in the modern world.

Prof. Vasanthi Vijayakumar, Vice Chancellor, (CWSSU), Dr. Bodhi Sainkupar Rani (TISS, Mumbai), Dr. S. Khyriemmujat (Chairperson i/c, Department of Sociology, CWSSU), Andrea Bazeley A. Sangma, Anisha Trevalova M. Momin, Dr. E. Kharkongor (Chairperson i/c, Department of Economics, CWSSU), Prof. L.S. Gassah (Former Head, Political Science, NEHU), Dr. Reema V. Diengdoh(Shillong College), Prof. Kedilezo Kikhi (NEHU), Dr. Temjenkala Jamir, Earic W. Sohtun, Steward G. Momin, and Singje Ch. Marak(Deputy Registrar, CWSSU) were present in the programme.

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