GHD News, Ampati, Oct 22, 2025: A one-day symposium on “Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS): Sustainable Future” was held today at the Captain Williamson Sangma State University (CWSSU), Tura. The programme was organized by the Department of Sociology and supported by the Chief Minister’s Special Grant Fund, Government of Meghalaya.

Smt. Hema Nayak, Deputy Commissioner of South West Garo Hills, graced the occasion as the Special Guest and delivered an insightful address highlighting the deep relationship between language, culture, and indigenous knowledge. Sharing personal reflections, she emphasized how local wisdom is closely tied to the environment, traditional food habits, and livelihoods.

She underscored the importance of documenting and preserving indigenous practices to prevent their loss amid modernization and changing lifestyles. Raising concern over external documentation of Northeastern cultures, she cautioned against cultural appropriation and urged local scholars and students to take the lead in recording and safeguarding their heritage.

The Deputy Commissioner further spoke on the need to value local knowledge systems at par with formal education, encouraging students to pursue higher learning driven by curiosity rather than immediate job expectations. She concluded by reminding participants that every story, person, and language contributes meaningfully to the diversity of human knowledge.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Vasanthi Vijayakumar, in her opening remarks, emphasized the relevance of indigenous knowledge for achieving a sustainable future.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Bodhi Sainkupar Rani, Associate Professor and Chairperson, Centre for Social Justice and Governance, School of Social Science, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), who spoke on “The Evolution of Knowledge and Education.” He highlighted the importance of critical thinking, justification, and the representation of indigenous knowledge within modern education.

The programme began with a welcome address by Dr. S. Khyriemmujat, Chairperson (In-Charge), Department of Sociology, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Smt. Anisha Momin of the same department. The inaugural session was followed by technical discussions focusing on the role of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in shaping a sustainable future.