GUWAHATI, March 25 - A two-day national symposium on Bharatiya Education Science and Technology (BEST) 2018, Uttar Purva Bharat, got under way yesterday.
It was inaugurated by Prof Shashikala Wanjari, VC, SNDT University, Mumbai. She spoke on the Indian ethos and literacy and also touched upon the value system and respect towards women in the education system, a press release said.
IIT Guwahati Director Prof Gautam Biswas, in his inaugural speech spoke on the evolution of Indian science and technology since ancient times and called for revisiting the development of science and technology by the younger generation.
Gauhati University VC Prof Mridul Hazarika spoke on Indian education and revival of Indian values in the education system. IGNCA Member Secretary Dr Sachidanand Joshi in his keynote address emphasized the relevance of BEST, and the contribution of the Northeast in this context.
Earlier, Prof Sukumar Nandi, Head, CLST, IITG, stated the objectives of the symposium. The inaugural session ended with a vote of thanks by Prof Nilima Bhagabati, former HoD, Education, GU. Later, an exhibition on basketry of NE was inaugurated by Prof Biswas.
In the first session, the keynote was delivered by Prof Wanjari, followed by paper presentation on various themes.
A talk on �Vedic scriptures: A blueprint for the future� was presented by Prof Renuka Rathore, Director, Rajasthan Sanskrit Academy. Prof Sivasish Biswas, Pro-VC, Assam University, Diphu Campus, spoke on the traditional marriage system of indigenous people of NE. A brief introduction of IGNCA activities was given by Dr Richa Negi, Director, IGNCA, NERC. A cultural function was organized at the end of day, where traditional folk dances of Assam and Manipur were presented.
The second day�s programme started with talks by Dr Dilip Kr Dey, SITM, Guwahati, and Prof Varadraj Bapat, IIT Bombay. Dr Dey spoke on the demographic issues of NE.
In the next session, chaired by Prof Nilima Bhababati, Prof Kulendu Pathak, former VC, Dibrugarh University, Prof BK Tiwari, NEHU, and Sujatha Nayak, VKIC, spoke on various issues related to science and technology, traditional knowledge system and research undertaken by VKIC in this context. Karunamay Sinha presented his paper on �Ratanmani�.
In the valedictory function, BSM national organizing secretary Mukul Kanitkarji dwelt on the resurgence of Bharatiya education in the present context and the importance of adapting indigenous systems and methods of education so that re-transformation of Indian education can actually take place.
