Inspiring Minds, Empowering Futures:
Bridging Ancient Wisdom to Modern Education

Siddhanta Knowledge Foundation (SKF) pioneers the fusion of ancient wisdom and modern education, partnering with the IKS Division to revitalize traditional knowledge. Drawing from the wellspring of ancient wisdom, Siddhanta Knowledge Foundation nurtures a new generation of leaders equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of modern leadership.

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Embark on a transformative journey of learning and discovery with our comprehensive Siksha courses. Explore the depths of Indic education, unlock ancient wisdom, and empower yourself for a brighter future. Start your educational adventure today and embrace the heritage of knowledge.

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Uncovering Bharatiya Wisdom

Embark on a journey of discovery with us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Bharatiya knowledge. From out-of-print treasures to modern insights, we bring you a vibrant collection of books and digital resources to enrich your mind and soul.

Bridging Millennia:
From Manuscripts to Modern Research

We blend tradition with technology to unlock the full potential of Bharatiya knowledge. Explore, discover, and innovate with our curated collection of annotated texts through Sandhaan - a platform that brings ancient texts to life, making them accessible and intelligible for modern research and innovation.

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Inspiring Minds, Empowering Futures:
Bridging Ancient Wisdom to Modern Education

Siddhanta Knowledge Foundation (SKF) leads the integration of ancient wisdom with contemporary education, in collaboration with the IKS Division to rejuvenate traditional knowledge. Rooted in ancient insights, SKF fosters a new breed of leaders adept in navigating today's complex challenges.

Explore Our Diverse Courses
Explore Our Diverse Courses

Embark on a transformative journey of learning and discovery with our comprehensive Siksha courses. Explore the depths of Indic education, unlock ancient wisdom, and empower yourself for a brighter future. Start your educational adventure today and embrace the heritage of knowledge.

One Page at a Time
Uncovering Bharatiya Wisdom

Embark on a journey of discovery with us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Bharatiya knowledge. From out-of-print treasures to modern insights, we bring you a vibrant collection of books and digital resources to enrich your mind and soul.

Bridging Millennia:
From Manuscripts to Modern Research

We blend tradition with technology to unlock the full potential of Bharatiya knowledge. Explore, discover, and innovate with our curated collection of annotated texts through Sandhaan - a platform that brings ancient texts to life, making them accessible and intelligible for modern research and innovation.

previous arrow
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Bridging Ancient Wisdom to Modern Education

SKF merges ancient wisdom with modern education, revitalizing traditional knowledge with the IKS Division.

Explore Our Diverse Courses

Explore Indic education, unlock ancient wisdom, and embrace knowledge heritage. Start your transformative journey with Siksha.

Uncovering Bharatiya Wisdom

Discover out-of-print treasures and modern insights in our vibrant collection of books and digital resources, enriching your mind and soul.

From Manuscripts to Modern Research

Dive into Sandhaan, our platform that brings ancient texts to life, making them accessible for modern research and innovation.

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Towards a Comprehensive Research Methodology

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The seminar “Towards a Comprehensive Research Methodology” was organized by Siddhanta Knowledge Foundation (SKF), in partnership with the Indian Knowledge Systems and Heritage Association (IKSHA) and the IKS Division, Ministry of Education, Government of India. This event is the first in a series of similar events planned. Siddhanta Knowledge Foundation, part of the Siddhanta Group founded under the leadership of Shri Jai Kishan Jhaver ji, has set an ambitious goal of making Bharatiya Jnana Parampara accessible and actionable for current and future generations of Bharat, to revive their pride and confidence in their heritage. The Foundation strongly believes in empowering scholars with technology tools to research, extract, and curate content from Shastras, and develop content for mainstream education aimed at real-world applications. In addition to serving as a preferred knowledge partner of the IKS Division, Ministry of Education, Government of India, SKF is also designated as an IKS Shikshaka Prashikshana Kendra. SKF is firmly convinced that this seminar on research methodology represents an essential and pioneering step towards unravelling the hitherto untapped power of Bharatiya Gaveshana. This groundbreaking initiative seeks to transform research methodologies by seamlessly integrating Bharatiya and Western knowledge systems. Authored by the Research Methodology Team, this project aspires to enhance research practices across various disciplines.
Objectives and Philosophy

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.

Defining Research

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).

The Bharatiya Approach

Distinct from Western methods, the Bharatiya approach to research categorizes knowledge creation into three primary methods:

  • Direct Observation (Pratyaksha)
  • Inference (Anumaana)
  • Acceptance of Reliable Sources (Aagama)
Instruments and Realms of Knowledge

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.

Articulation and Transmission of Knowledge

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.

Integrating Shastric Principles in Natural Language Processing (NLP):

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.

Addressing Methodological Challenges

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.

Enhancing Western Methods for IKS Research

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

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