Udaipur: A two-day international seminar on “Ancient Indian Knowledge Tradition: Modern Dimensions of Knowledge and Science” concluded on Sunday at Pacific Academy of Higher Education and Research University. The seminar was organised by the Department of History, Pacific University, in association with the Global Sanskrit Forum and Global History Forum.

Addressing the valedictory ceremony as the chief guest, Rajasthan Governor Shri Haribhau Kishanrao Bagde emphasised the need for extensive research and study of ancient Indian knowledge systems across the world. He said India’s knowledge tradition has remained an enduring and invaluable legacy.

Governor Bagde said foreign philosophers, linguists and writers have also acknowledged the intellectual strength, linguistic richness, global philosophical outlook and concepts of atomism reflected in Indian knowledge traditions. He claimed that before the arrival of the British, around eight lakh gurukuls, schools and ashrams were engaged in nurturing and developing knowledge in India. He said the colonial education system introduced under Lord Macaulay adversely affected India’s traditional culture, knowledge and scientific heritage and contributed to the decline of local cottage and small-scale industries.

In his address, the Governor also referred to various historical accounts associated with Bappa Rawal and his efforts to drive foreign invaders out of Indian territory.

In his welcome address, Pacific University Kul Guru Prof. Hemant Kothari highlighted the importance of research into the Indian knowledge tradition and presented an overview of the university’s various institutions and academic activities. He explained how indigenous knowledge and sacred geometry can provide important foundations for contemporary innovation.

Prof. Kothari urged academic and scientific communities to view India’s shared heritage not merely as a historical record but as a living catalyst for the country’s continuing scientific renaissance and the emergence of artificial intelligence.

Pacific University Group President Prof. B.P. Sharma said ancient Indian knowledge continues to offer valuable references for diverse modern disciplines. He noted that Sanskrit literature contains profound knowledge and that significant research is being conducted in India and abroad on various aspects of these traditions.

He cited research associated with Nobel laureate Elizabeth Blackburn on deep breathing practices in yoga, saying that studies have explored their possible relationship with telomere length and stress-related processes.

Rebecca Taylor, representing the University of Alberta and Portugal, highlighted the continuing relevance of ancient Indian knowledge systems, particularly traditional sculpture. She discussed how ancient artistic traditions continue to find resonance in modern artistic expression, including geometric rhythms and spiritual elements reminiscent of monumental Indian temples.

Kul Guru of Mohanlal Sukhadia University Prof. Kailash Daga was also present.

Seminar Organising Secretary Prof. Ajatshatru Singh Shivrati said a total of 222 research papers were presented during the two-day event. Seminar Director Prof. T.P. Ameta proposed the vote of thanks.

Prof. Dilendra Hiran and Prof. Hemant Pandya made significant contributions to the successful organisation of the seminar, while Prof. Mehndi conducted the proceedings.