“Research Frontiers and Opportunities in Indian Knowledge Systems (RFOIKS-2025)”.

The University of Ladakh successfully organized a Two-Day Workshop-cum-Conference on “Research Frontiers and Opportunities in Indian Knowledge Systems (RFOIKS-2025)” on 18th–19th September 2025 at the Leh Campus. The event was sponsored by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and the IKS Cell, AICTE, Ministry of Education, New Delhi.
The conference was inaugurated with a traditional felicitation by Dr. Subrat Sharma, Dean of Academic Affairs, University of Ladakh, in the presence of eminent dignitaries including Dr. Om Prakash Chaurasia (Director, DRDO), Prof. Ganti Suryanarayanamurthy, National Coordinator, IKS Cell, AICTE, Ministry of Education, New Delhi, Dr. V. Ramanathan, Head, Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems at IIT (BHU) Varanasi, Dr. Padma Gurmet, Director, National Institute of Sowa Rigpa, Dr. Mohd Hussain, Convener of IKS Conference, along with distinguished guests, research scholars, and students from various institutions within and outside Ladakh.
Over the two days, the workshop featured four technical sessions and parallel sessions:
Technical Session-I focused on the Integration of Indian Knowledge Systems into Modern Education and Research. Talks highlighted the multidisciplinary applications of IKS, comparative perspectives on Ayurveda and modern medicine, and scientific validation of ancient Indian chemistry.
Technical Session-II explored Medical Heritage and Ayurveda, emphasizing Kashmir’s contributions, preservation of Ayurvedic texts, rich medicinal flora, and Ayurveda’s preventive, eco-conscious approach to healthcare.
Technical Session-III addressed Indigenous Wisdom and Sustainability, including the role of the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) in protecting traditional knowledge, innovative feeding systems for mountain animals, and Ladakh’s traditional ecological practices for climate resilience.
Technical Session-IV discussed Water and Yogic Sciences, covering the Churpon system of indigenous water distribution in Leh and the historical, philosophical, and modern significance of Yoga in advancing health and integrative medicine.
Parallel Sessions provided a platform for scientists, research scholars, and students from across India to share region-specific insights on indigenous healing systems, sustainable agriculture, traditional architecture, cultural practices, and ecological knowledge, enriching the dialogue between grassroots traditions and academic research.
The event was organized in collaboration with the IKS Center of Excellence, IIT (BHU), Varanasi; Defence Institute of High Altitude Research, Leh; National Institute of Sowa Rigpa, Leh; Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust, Leh; Mahabodhi International Meditation Center, Leh; and Central Institute for Buddhist Studies, Leh.
The Valedictory Session was graced by the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Saket Kushwaha, who emphasized the relevance of Indian Knowledge Systems in the global scenario and highlighted Ladakh’s strategic importance as a center for IKS studies. Esteemed dignitaries including Prof. Ganti Suryanarayanamurthy, Dr. V. Ramanathan, Prof. Rama Jayasundar (AIIMS), and Dr. Vishwanjanani J. Sattigeri (CSIR-TKDL) also addressed the gathering.
As part of the program, prizes were awarded to young scholars for their outstanding presentations. The Oral Presentation winners were Dr. Basharat Ali (First), Ms. Saikrupa Adarthaya (Second), and Ms. Faiza Batool (Third). The Poster Presentation winners were Ms. Zahra Batool, Ume Kulsum, and Zahida Banoo (First, GDC Kargil).
The conference concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Jigmat Dachen, Dean of Colleges, University of Ladakh, who expressed optimism about continuing this initiative with the second edition of the Workshop-cum-Conference in 2026.