Preamble:
The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) represents a rich and diverse legacy of knowledge, philosophies, practices, and wisdom developed over millennia in India. This includes fields such as Ayurveda, Vedic sciences, Sanskrit literature, classical arts, mathematics, astronomy, and social sciences, among others. The resurgence and preservation of this heritage, along with its modern applications, are crucial in an age of rapid global changes. Sankalchand Patel University, with its commitment to academic excellence and societal contribution, recognizes the need for fostering and preserving IKS.
In this regard, the university proposes the establishing of the Centre for the Indian Knowledge System (Centre for IKS), in the line of National Educational Policy 2020 for the purpose of researching, promoting, and integrating the profound insights of Indian knowledge traditions into the contemporary academic and global context and fostering holistic learning environment.
Ahead of the International Conference on Smart Technologies for Medical & Health Sciences (ICSTMHS-2026) organized by Sankalchand Patel University, a pre-conference course on “Indian Knowledge Systems in Health and Wellness” was held on 9 March 2026 at the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), Gandhinagar.
The program was organized by the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems of Sankalchand Patel University, Visnagar, with NFSU kindly hosting the event. The main objective of this initiative was to build a bridge between the foundational understanding of traditional knowledge systems and modern smart technology-based health sciences. The program highlighted how ancient knowledge traditions provide fundamental insights into human well-being, which can be effectively integrated with contemporary healthcare science and technology.
The event was conducted under the inspiration and guidance of Padma Shri Prof. (Dr.) J. M. Vyas, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of NFSU, and under the leadership of Shri Prakashbhai Patel, President of Sankalchand Patel University.
During the inaugural session, Prof. (Dr.) Asha Shrivastava, Dean – School of Behavioural Forensics, Prof. (Dr.) S. O. Junare, Campus Director – NFSU, and Dr. J. R. Patel, Director – Health Sciences, Sankalchand Patel University, addressed the participants and emphasized the importance of integrating Indian Knowledge Systems with modern healthcare technologies.
The academic sessions were conducted under the theme “Foundations of Human Wellness: Insights from Classical Thought and Knowledge Traditions.” Distinguished speakers including Prof. (Dr.) Kamlesh Upadhyay, Prof. (Dr.) Smita Pandey, Shri Pathik K. Gheewala, and Dr. Deepak Mashru delivered insightful lectures on various aspects of traditional knowledge and wellness.
Students, researchers, and faculty members from different institutions participated enthusiastically in the program.
The main events of the International Conference ICSTMHS-2026 organized by Sankalchand Patel University will now be held on 14 and 15 March 2026 at NFSU, Gandhinagar, where international experts will discuss developments in health sciences, artificial intelligence, and smart technologies.