SRM University-AP successfully organised a highly engaging academic symposium titled “Integrating Traditions: A Symposium on Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS)” on May 22, 2026. The event brought together prominent scholars, faculty members and enthusiastic scholars to explore the deep intersections between historical Indian Wisdom and modern scientific disciplines. Convened by Dr Chandana Deka, Assistant Professor of Political Science, the programme served as a vital platform for academic cross-pollination.

The symposium commenced with an insightful address by Dr Aqsa Agha, Chairperson of the IKS Committee and Head of the Department of History. Dr Agha set a rigorous academic tone for the day, following which, the first Keynote session was delivered by International Guest speaker Dr Annapurna Mamidipudi, a researcher from the Technical University of Berlin, Germany. Dr Mamidipudi captivated the audience with her presentation on captivated the audience with her presentation on crafting knowledge as intellectual property, focusing specifically on the historical dynamics of handloom weaving in South India, linking it with climate issues of the modern world and the modern Intellectual Property Rights. She went into detail regarding the methods of owning knowledge, and how innovations are incorporated into traditions.

The dialogue then shifted toward technological integration with a presentation by Prof. Niraj Upadhyay from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. Prof. Upadhyay demonstrated how ancient built environments and indigenous structural philosophies possess unique conceptual frameworks that can actively inform and optimize modern computing applications.

This was followed by a Profound lecture by Prof. Jayaseelan Murugaiyan of the Biological sciences department. Speaking on the importance of self-knowledge, Prof. Murugaiyan illustrated how understanding traditional perspectives, and our own history enhances scientific and biological inquiry in the modern era. The final individual presentation was led by Dr Bikku, Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, who provided a critical analysis of Indigenous Ecological Knowledge Systems (IEKS) and their vital role in shaping sustainable environmental policies today.

The symposium concluded with a highly interactive and vibrant Q&A session, allowing students and research scholars to engage directly with the panellists.