Date: 27th March, 2026
Venue: New Conference Hall, Jagannath Barooah University
Organised by: Department of Philosophy, Jagannath Barooah University

An Inter-Departmental Students’ Seminar on the theme “Indian Knowledge Systems for Viksit Bharat 2047” was successfully organised by the Department of Philosophy on 27th March, 2026 at the New Conference Hall of Jagannath Barooah University. The seminar aimed to provide a platform for students from various departments to present their perspectives, research insights, and critical reflections on the relevance of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) in achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Ms. Pompy Bhuyan, a member of the organising committee, who highlighted the significance of the seminar. This was followed by the formal welcome of dignitaries by Ms. Juri Hussain, Assistant Professor of the Department of Philosophy. The distinguished guests included Dr. Utpal Jyoti Mahanta, Registrar, JBU, Dr. Surajit Sharma, Academic Registrar, JBU, Dr. Minakshi P. Hazarika, Dean of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ms. Shamim Nasrin, Head of the Department of Assamese and Ms. Nibedita Bezboruah, Head of the Department of Philosophy. The session was chaired by Dr. Minakshi P. Hazarika, who also served as one of the resource persons, along with Ms. Shamim Nasrin.

The cultural segment of the programme featured a devotional bhajan presented by Akash Deep Borah, a UG II semester student of the Department of Philosophy, which added a reflective tone to the event.

Dr. Malaya Borah, Assistant Professor of the Department of Philosophy and the coordinator of the seminar, in her introductory speech, emphasized the richness of India’s intellectual heritage as reflected in classical texts such as the Vedas and Upanishads. She highlighted that these knowledge systems encompass diverse disciplines including philosophy, science, medicine, and ethics, and promote a holistic way of life rooted in harmony between the self, society, and nature. She further noted that in the contemporary context, traditional knowledge systems offer meaningful solutions to modern challenges. The vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, she argued, necessitates a synthesis of indigenous wisdom with modern scientific knowledge to ensure sustainable and inclusive development.

Dr. Utpal Jyoti Mahanta, in his inaugural address stressed upon the importance of intellectual self-reliance, stating that true freedom lies in generating indigenous ideas and innovations without excessive dependence on technological tools. Dr. Surajit Sharma, in his address, underscored the need to reconnect with India’s cultural and philosophical roots. Referring to the Upanishadic idea of “Atmanam Viddhi”, he emphasized self-awareness as the foundation of development and cautioned against notions of superiority. Both the speakers encouraged students to engage deeply with India’s intellectual traditions.

Ms. Nibedita Bezboruah also shared her reflections on the theme, reinforcing the relevance of Indian Knowledge Systems in contemporary academic and social discourse.

The seminar witnessed enthusiastic participation, with fifteen groups comprising around fifty students from different departments presenting their papers through PowerPoint presentations. The topics covered a wide range of themes, including Between Scripture and Practice, Reclaiming the Intellectual Heritage of Assam, The Wrath and Grace of Nature, Nāṭyaśāstra, Green Economy, and Economic Valuation of Urban Green Spaces. The presentations demonstrated analytical depth, interdisciplinary engagement, and critical understanding. Notably, Seuj Abir, a UG 6th Semester student from the Department of English, delivered a particularly engaging presentation.

Each presentation was followed by an interactive session, where participants, faculty members and Resource persons engaged in discussions, raised questions, and offered constructive feedback, fostering a collaborative academic environment.

Based on criteria such as content, presentation, interaction, and team coordination, both the resource persons selected the best paper presenters. The Best Seminar Presentation Award was conferred upon the UG 6th semester students of the Department of Sociology (Ritisha Saikia, Mitesha Kasyap Dutta, Joon Sahu, and Namrita Paul). The Best Appreciation Award was awarded to the UG 6th semester students of the Department of Geography (Asthapriya Sonowal, Aditi Baruah, Angela Vauquline, and Parchi Kakoty). All participants were awarded certificates of their contributions.

The resource persons, in their concluding remarks, appreciated the efforts, creativity, and academic engagement of all participants. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Simi Borah, Assistant Professor of the Department of Philosophy and member the organising committee.

The seminar was attended by faculty members and staff, including Ashim Swargiary, Sangeeta Devi, Pratyashi Barua, Probenson Terang, Dr. Deepanjali Baruah, Dr. Swapna Borah and Biswa Jyoti Sharma, along with a large number of students.

In addition, the prize distribution ceremony of the Inter-Departmental Poster Making Competition, organized by the Department which was held on 7 March 2026 on the occasion of International Women's Day and coordinated by Dr. Simi Borah, was also organised alongside the seminar programme. The winners of the competition are as follows:

• 1st Position: Arindom Tamuli, UG 6th Semester, Department of Zoology.

• 2nd Position: Naorem Yairen Leima, UG 4th Semester, Department of Botany; and Dipranjan Nath, UG 4th Semester, Department of Hindi.

• 3rd Position: Rishi Saikia, UG 6th Semester, Department of Zoology; and Davenjoli Handique, UG 4th Semester, Department of Hindi.

The winners were congratulated for their outstanding and remarkable achievements, and were wished continued success in their future endeavours.

Overall, the seminar, along with the associated competition, proved to be a meaningful academic initiative that fostered research aptitude, critical thinking, and communication skills among students, while reaffirming the relevance of Indian Knowledge Systems in shaping a sustainable, inclusive, and intellectually vibrant vision for Viksit Bharat 2047.