Converging Paths: Bridging Traditional Practices and Modern Science Conference

Dehradun: The two-day national conference titled “Converging Paths: Bridging Traditional Practices and Modern Science” commenced on Thursday at Dolphin (PG) Institute of Biomedical and Natural Sciences in collaboration with the Uttarakhand State Council for Science Education and Research (USERC). The conference aims to explore and promote the integration of traditional knowledge with contemporary scientific practices, with participation from over 150 teachers, researchers, and students from 10 states.

Inaugural Session

The conference was inaugurated by the chief guest, Professor (Dr.) Anita Rawat, Director of USERC, who lit the ceremonial lamp in front of the idol of Goddess Saraswati. In her address, she emphasized the importance of revisiting traditional practices, stating, “We must follow and advocate traditional knowledge as it is hidden in our roots.” She urged everyone to return to their roots and work towards sustainability.

Encouragement for Young Talents

Dr. Rawat highlighted the significance of the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.” She encouraged young researchers to leverage their capabilities for social betterment. “If we work at the grassroots level, we can achieve meaningful results,” she remarked. She also mentioned the establishment of over 150 “Science Awareness Centers” by USERC focused on enhancing scientific knowledge and improving the quality of life.

Scientific Significance of Traditional Practices

The conference featured a special guest, Dr. D.K. Aswal, Director of HS & EG at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, who echoed Dr. Rawat’s sentiments about the scientific significance of traditional practices. He stated, “Our traditions contain many methods rich in scientific value. If we apply these practices in our contemporary lives, they can bring revolutionary changes for societal improvement.”

Technical Sessions

Following the inaugural session, two technical sessions were held. The first session focused on healthcare innovations, where Dr. Debashish Ghosh from the Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun, presented insights on modern scientific advancements and traditional treatment methods in healthcare.

Additionally, a poster session was held to showcase participants’ research, facilitating knowledge sharing and networking among attendees. The second session discussed sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation, with renowned ecologist Dr. Soumya Prasad elaborating on the importance of sustainable practices in agriculture and their critical role in environmental protection.

Presence of Scholars and Researchers

The conference witnessed the participation of esteemed educators, researchers, and students from across the country. Notable attendees included Dr. Shailja Pant, Dr. Varsha Parcha, Dr. Shruti Sharma, Dr. Deepak Kumar, Dr. Prabhat Sati, Dr. Gyanendra Awasthi, Dr. Ashish Raturi, Dr. Sandhya Goswami, Dr. Bina Joshi Bhatt, Dr. Deepti Wariku, Dr. Tripti Malik Ahuja, Dr. Vikas Paul Singh, Dr. Shalini Singh, Dr. Virendra Kumar, Dr. Deepali Rana, Dr. Prince, Dr. Ankur Adhikari, Dr. Raju Chandra, Dr. Ritu Singh, Sunil Kaul, and Sudhir Bharti.

Concluding Thoughts

This conference not only aims to build a bridge between traditional knowledge and modern science but also inspires young researchers to bring about positive change in society through their ideas and innovations. Such events foster knowledge exchange and create new networking opportunities, which are vital for research and development.