National Seminar cum Workshop on Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge at VBRI, Udaipur on October 14
Udaipur, Vidya Bhawan Rural Institute (VBRI), Udaipur, will host a National Seminar cum Workshop on “Indigenous/Traditional Knowledge and Sustainable Utilisation of Traditional Food and Medicinal Plants: Propagation, Protection, and Conservation” on October 14, 2025, at its Badgaon Campus.
The event is being organised in collaboration with the Centre for Microfinance and the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES), under the Convenership of Prof. Kanika Sharma, Director, VBRI.
According to Organising Secretary Dr. Anita Jain, the seminar will highlight the importance of traditional food and medicinal plants that serve as vital sources of healthcare, nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods, but are increasingly threatened with extinction. As per IUCN reports, nearly 21% of medicinal and aromatic plant species are endangered, which stresses the urgent need for their conservation and sustainable utilisation.
The seminar aims to integrate indigenous wisdom with modern science, encouraging the plantation of native species in both urban and rural landscapes for ecosystem restoration. These initiatives align closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
The workshop is structured around four thematic sessions:
Bridging Traditional Knowledge and Modern Science – exploring indigenous medicinal practices and their relevance in modern healthcare.
Knowledge and Capacity Building – focusing on plant diversity, forest resources, and the People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR).
Strategies & Collaborative Approaches for Conservation – engaging NGOs, academics, and communities to promote sustainable practices.
Wild Bio-resources and Food Security of Tribal and Forest Communities – emphasizing the nutritional and livelihood value of wild food plants.
The event will feature eminent experts and practitioners from across India, including:
Prof. A.K. Jain, Ex-Director, S.K. Institute of Ethnobiology, Gwalior (M.P.)
Dr. Arvind Saklani, Vice-President, Sami-Sabinsa Group Ltd., Bengaluru, and member of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2021
Prof. S.S. Katewa, MLSU, Udaipur
Dr. Satish Kumar Sharma, Retd. ACF
Dr. Anil Sarsavan, FES
Dr. G.P. Jhala, Seva Mandir
Dr. Anita Jain, Ethnobotanist, VBRI
Dr. Vartika Jain, Associate Professor, Govt. Meera Girls College, Udaipur
With participation from leading academicians, NGOs, and practitioners, the seminar aims to develop a roadmap for the propagation, protection, and conservation of traditional food and medicinal plants, while strengthening community knowledge systems and ensuring sustainable utilisation for future generations.
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