Shillong, Feb 12: A two-day National Workshop on “Exploring Indigenous Knowledge Systems of India with Special Reference to Northeast India” commenced on Thursday at the Indian Council of Social Science Research–North Eastern Regional Centre (ICSSR–NERC), Shillong. The programme is organised by ICSSR–NERC.

The workshop seeks to foreground the richness and contemporary relevance of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), with a special focus on the socio-cultural landscape of Northeast India. It aims to provide an academic platform for dialogue, research engagement and the revitalisation of indigenous epistemologies.

The inaugural session was graced by Prof. Sumarbin Umdor, Pro Vice Chancellor of North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), as Chief Guest. Other distinguished guests included Prof. Mridul Bordoloi of Dibrugarh University and Prof. Shruti Das, Member of the Staff Selection Commission, Odisha. Prof. Bhagirathi Panda, Honorary Director of ICSSR–NERC, chaired the session, while Dr. Arzuman Ara, Associate Professor at EFLU Shillong, coordinated the workshop.

Welcoming the participants, Ms. Kalari Lyngdoh of ICSSR–NERC highlighted the significance of institutional collaborations in advancing indigenous research. Introducing the theme, Dr. Ara underscored the diversity of indigenous cultures in the Northeast and stressed the urgency of recovering and revitalising traditional knowledge systems.

In his address, Prof. Umdor reflected on the region’s community-based knowledge traditions, particularly traditional medicinal practices in Meghalaya that are gradually disappearing. He cited the Living Root Bridges as a striking example of indigenous ecological ingenuity sustained through generations.

Prof. Shruti Das noted that the National Education Policy’s emphasis on decolonisation offers scope for restoring India’s traditional knowledge systems. Prof. Bordoloi spoke on the principles of interconnectedness and interspecies relationships embedded in indigenous worldviews.

The workshop will continue on February 13 with technical sessions featuring scholars and registered participants from across the country.

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