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This approach highlights the vital role of the observer’s faculties in accurately reflecting and influencing phenomena. It also introduces a nuanced understanding of subjective experience, an aspect often overlooked in Western methodologies.
Research, referred to as “gaveshanam” in Sanskrit, involves seeking knowledge through direct experience (especially applicable in the domain of Para Vidya or Brahma Vidya) and ensuring its replicability for others. It emphasizes objectivity and universal consistency to enhance the quality and potency of acquired knowledge (Tarka, Sruti, Anubhava).
Distinct from Western methods, the Bharatiya approach to research categorizes knowledge creation into three primary methods:
According to Vedic wisdom, observers inhabit seven realms, each offering unique methods of knowledge acquisition. These methods span from physical senses and logical inference to intuition and spiritual contact. This comprehensive perspective advocates for refining these instruments to minimize errors and ensure reliable research outcomes.
An effective research methodology also entails the precise articulation of knowledge and its successful transmission within the community. The Bharatiya system incorporates systematic conventions that have facilitated reliable knowledge transmission for centuries, offering valuable insights for contemporary discourse and technological advancements.
The initiative explores leveraging classical Shastric concepts to enhance Natural Language Processing (NLP) algorithms. By integrating principles from Indic Knowledge Systems (especially Vyakaranam, Shiksha, Niruktam, Chandas), researchers can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of automated text summarization, thus connecting ancient wisdom with cutting-edge technology.
The initiative identifies several challenges in prevailing research methodologies, such as cultural bias, poor coverage of indigenous knowledge, and inadequate focus on subjective experience. It recommends a set of guiding questions to ensure high-quality research output, emphasizing the need to incorporate Vedic relevance, contemporary value, and a robust research plan.
Finally, the initiative discusses the limitations of applying Western research methodologies to Bharatiya knowledge systems. It advocates for a more inclusive approach that respects the unique aspects of traditional Indian sciences like Ayurveda, Aesthetics, and Vedanta.
This comprehensive research methodology aims to offer a balanced and enriched framework for future researchers, blending the best of Bharatiya and Western traditions to push the boundaries of human knowledge.
The seminar began with the opening remarks of Dr. Sai Ramakrishna Susarla – Executive Director of Siddhanta Knowledge Foundation, who set the context of the seminar by emphasizing the importance of an independent yet indigenous approach and the basis for a framework of Research based on the principles and frameworks of Indian Knowledge Systems.
Dr. Susarla’s opening remarks were followed by Prof. Shrinivas Varkhedi’s presentation “Towards an IKS-friendly approach towards research”. Prof. Varakhedi briefly introduced concepts on Nyaya Shastra such as Uddesa, Lakshana, Pareeksha, which would eventually lead to different avenues to pursue research. Prof. Shrinivasa Varakhedi is the ViceChancellor of Central University, New Delhi, a leading institution for higher education in Sanskrit. He previously served as Vice-Chancellor at Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University, and Gondwana University, Gadchiruli from 2017 to 2022. It is pertinent to note that KKSU achieved an A+ grade accreditation by NAAC. He has also held positions as acting VC of Karnataka Sanskrit University, Professor and Dean at Karnataka Samskrita University, and Director of Melkote Sanskrit Academy. His career includes roles as Director of Sanskrit Academy at Osmania University and faculty positions at Purnaprajna Vidyapeeth Sanskrit College and Tirupati Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth.
Prof. Nagaraj Paturi, spoke on “Cultural Bias in Research.” Prof. Paturi’s talk delved into often overlooked dimensions of culture and the biases that can impact research. He highlighted the underrepresentation of cultural aspects in research, especially in the realm of IKS. Dr. Nagaraj Paturi is a seasoned academic with 30 years of experience in university teaching and fieldwork-based cultural research. His expertise encompasses Culture Studies, Folk Culture Studies, Linguistics – particularly Sanskrit Linguistics – and Literary Studies, including Mythological studies.
Dr. Sampadananda Mishra, delivered a talk on “Subjective research versus Objective research”. His talk explored aspects of certain elements of the Upanishads which could be used as the basis for Subjective or Objective research. Dr. Sampadananda Mishra is a distinguished scholar with a profound passion for Sanskrit and the Indian Knowledge System. He has delivered lectures globally on topics including Sanskrit, Indian culture, Yoga, Spirituality, and Education, and is well-versed in the philosophy and practice of Sri Aurobindo’s Yoga. Dr. Mishra’s notable contributions include serving as the Associate Editor of the Collected Works of Vasishtha Kavyakantha Ghanapati Muni, founding the 24-hour Divyavani Sanskrit Radio, and establishing Samskrita Balasahitya Parishad to promote children’s literature in Sanskrit. His efforts have earned him numerous accolades, such as the President’s Award (Maharshi Badarayna Vyasa Samman 2011), the Senior Fellowship Award from the Ministry of Culture, the Literary Excellence Award from Junior Chamber International India, the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Bala Puraskar for 2018, and the Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Recognition of Re-engineering India 2020.
Dr. P Rammanohar made a presentation on “Ideal research method in Ayurveda”. Dr. Rammanohar explored how indigenous research methodology can be culled out of Ayurveda texts. The talk was centred around the critical techniques explored in Ayurvedic Texts such as Charaka Samhita and Shushruta Samhita and how these serve as the inspiration to develop alternative, Indigenous and effective methods of research. Dr. P. Rammanohar serves as the Research Director at Amrita School of Ayurveda and has been a key figure in Ayurvedic research for over 30 years. He holds a BAMS degree from Bharathiyar University and an MD (Ay) from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences. His extensive contributions include numerous research papers and book chapters. Dr. Rammanohar has been recognized with several prestigious awards, such as the Ayurveda Ratan Award (2022), Dhanvantari Award (2022), and Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar Healing Honor (2021). He has also received accolades like the Bhishak Bhushan Puraskaram (2021), Dr. C. Dwarakanath Memorial Award (2017), and Bharadvaja Puraskaram Award (2016). Notably, he co-authored an NIHfunded study that earned the Excellence in Integrative Medicine Research Award in 2012. His international efforts to promote Ayurveda have taken him to numerous countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and many others.
On the 9th of June 2024, the seminar began with the presentation of Sri. MS Chaitra on “Ways of seeing: Indian Tradition and Social Sciences”. Sri. Chaitra is Director, Centre for Study of Cultures and Associate Professor of Practice at Chanakya University. Sri Chaitra reconceptualizes Indian intellectual traditions by accessing and reconstructing their unique understanding of the experiential world. Using the Comparative Science of Cultures framework, he compares Western and Indian cultures. Initially a biologist specializing in molecular genetics, ecology, and evolutionary biology, he has worked with the Wildlife Institute of India, the Centre for Ecological Sciences, and the Indian Institute of Science. He co-founded the Aarohi Research Foundation and served as a Senior Fellow at the India Studies Unit at CESS, Bengaluru. Sri. Chaitra explored how topics such as Bhrama or Adhyasa and the way it is explored in the Shastras can be utilized to understand Western narratives and explore certain topics in research.
Dr. Jayaraman Mahadevan presented on the “Indic approach to Thesis construction.” Dr. Jayaraman explored how the concept of Tantrayukti will help not only to prepare a wellstructured research thesis, but also how can an evaluation framework of research thesis can be built. Dr. Jayaraman is the Dean at S-Vyasa University, Bengaluru. Dr. Jayaraman Mahadevan was the Director of Research at Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram in Chennai, and a member of various academic boards and committees related to Samskrita and Yoga. He holds a PhD in “The Doctrine of Tantrayukti” from the University of Madras, along with postgraduate degrees in Samskritam, Journalism, and Mass Communication. His extensive training in Samskrita and Yoga stems from traditional Gurukula education and includes teaching experience. Dr. Mahadevan has authored several books, translated important texts, and presented papers in seminars and conferences globally. He has also published research papers on Yoga and led significant projects such as “Yogasya Bhasha” and “Yogavaiśāradī.”
Shatavadhani Dr.R. Ganesh spoke on “Research Methodology of Indian Aesthetics”. Dr. Ganesh explored how the study of works in Alankara Shastra help us understand an independent approach towards discovery and articulation. He explained how works of Natya Shastra have distinctive methods to validate knowledge. Dr.R. Ganesh, also known as Shatavadhani Ganesh, is renowned for his mastery in the art of avadhana, having performed over 1300 avadhanas in languages such as Kannada, Sanskrit, Telugu, and Prakrit. He is celebrated for his spontaneous composition of poetry (āśukavita) and chitrakavya during these performances. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the only Śatāvadhāni from Karnataka and has set records, including composing poetry continuously for twenty-four hours. He is a master of the ancient art of avadhana and is credited with reviving the art in Kannada. He is a recipient of the Badarayana-Vyasa Puraskar from the President of India for his contribution to the Sanskrit language.
The last lecture was again by Prof. Nagaraj Paturi on “Teaching discipline-specific research methodology”. Prof. Paturi explained how homogenized approach of research to vibrant disciplines is unproductive. He explained how the critical editing of unpublished manuscripts of Shastras is considered as research is a false approach. He opined that critical editing of manuscripts is a biblical concept which comes under the discipline of History and not Shastra.
The two-day seminar ended came to an end with the closing remarks of Dr. Sai Ramakrishna Susarla. The seminar had an active participation of around 300+ participants and . The seminar was well received. The two-day seminar was hosted and moderated by Dr. Srinivas Jammalamadaka, Scholar – IKS Courses, Siddhanta Knowledge Foundation.
Thank you