History of the Centre
The Centre of Excellence for Indian Knowledge Systems (CoE-IKS) at the University of Engineering and Management (UEM), Kolkata was established on 23rd November 2023, following approval in the 31st Governing Board meeting. This initiative aligns with the vision of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) Division, Ministry of Education, Government of India, which was founded in October 2020 to promote India’s rich intellectual heritage.
Recognizing Kolkata as a major knowledge hub, UEM took the pioneering step of setting up one of the first IKS Centres in Eastern India. The Centre aims to integrate traditional Indian wisdom with modern disciplines, fostering interdisciplinary research, innovation, and public engagement.
The Centre was formally inaugurated on 16th February 2024 at the FICCI Auditorium, with a keynote address by Padmashree Prof. Dilip K. Chakrabarti, Emeritus Professor, University of Cambridge. The event witnessed the presence of distinguished scholars, including Prof. Nrisinha Prasad Bhaduri (Chairman of the Advisory Board), Prof. Amitabha Ghosh (Emeritus Scientist, INSA), and Prof. Joy Sen (IIT Kharagpur), along with other eminent academics and researchers.
Objectives of The Centre
- Promote Interdisciplinary Research: Conduct research on various domains of Indian Knowledge Systems, including history, science, technology, medicine, mathematics, arts, and sustainable development.
- Address Societal Challenges: Undertake research projects focusing on engineering, mathematics, biological sciences, astronomy, health, environment, law, and sustainability through the lens of IKS.
- Engage and Support Scholars: Foster interactions between young researchers and senior scholars for knowledge exchange.
- Facilitate Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Establish partnerships with national and international institutions to share resources and expertise in IKS. Organize academic events such as seminars, conferences, and workshops to disseminate research and findings.
- Develop Academic Resources: Create a dedicated IKS Library housing primary and secondary texts, reference materials, and manuscripts.
- Introduce Educational Initiatives: Offer short courses, certificate programs, and special lectures on significant aspects of IKS.
- Foster Innovation in IKS: Encourage innovation by exploring the practical applications of traditional knowledge in modern scientific and technological contexts.
