Prisita Das 
BHUBANESWAR, February 27, 2026 — At a time when governance systems across the world are grappling with complex social, technological, and ethical challenges, scholars and policymakers are increasingly turning to indigenous knowledge for insight. Reflecting this growing intellectual movement, Utkal University inaugurated a two-day National Conference on “Indian Knowledge Systems: Relevance for Present Day Governance” at the MKCG Auditorium and Digital Library, bringing together leading academicians, civil servants, and industry leaders from across the country.
The conference aims to explore how India’s rich intellectual traditions—from classical philosophical thought to ancient administrative frameworks—can contribute meaningfully to contemporary governance models.
A Confluence of Thought Leaders
The inaugural session set the tone for the deliberations, with prominent dignitaries highlighting the importance of integrating traditional wisdom with modern administrative practices. Among those present were Mrs. Anu Garg, IAS, Chief Secretary of the Government of Odisha; Prof. Jagneshwar Dandapat, Vice Chancellor of Utkal University; Prof. Mitali Chinara, Chairperson of the Post Graduate Council; noted litterateur and Kendra Sahitya Academy Awardee Prof. Prafulla Kumar Mohanty; Dr. Pratima Sarangi, Conference Convenor; and Dr. Hemant Kumar Dash, Organising Secretary.
Addressing the gathering, the speakers underscored the enduring relevance of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) in shaping ethical governance, policy formulation, and inclusive development. They emphasized that India’s intellectual heritage—from texts such as the Arthashastra to philosophical traditions embedded in classical literature—offers valuable frameworks for addressing present-day administrative challenges.
Academic Contributions Released
A significant highlight of the opening ceremony was the release of three important academic publications that seek to advance research in governance and Indian Knowledge Systems:
- “Governance in India: Priorities, Policies & Prospects (3Ps)”, a volume examining evolving policy frameworks in contemporary India.
- “Book of Ideas”, the abstract compilation of the IKS National Conference 2026, documenting research contributions from scholars across disciplines.
- “Arthashastra re Lokaniti o Loka Prashasana” by Dr. Sanjaya K. Pattanayak, which revisits Kautilya’s administrative insights in the context of modern public administration.
These publications aim to foster deeper engagement with the theoretical and practical dimensions of governance rooted in indigenous knowledge traditions.
The Plenary Debate: Theory Meets Practice
Following the inauguration, the conference moved into its plenary session titled “The Curtain Raiser – Theorising IKS & Administering Governance: The Priority Debacle.” The session brought together a distinguished panel of experts including Dr. Satyajit Mohanty, IPS (Retd.), Dr. Sanjaya Kumar Pattanayak, Prof. Gopal Chandra Nanda, Dr. Kamal Lochan Mishra, IAS, and Dr. Bibhudutta Mahapatra.
The panel engaged in a lively discussion on the challenges of translating philosophical concepts from traditional Indian texts into practical governance strategies. Speakers highlighted the need to reinterpret classical ideas in a way that aligns with contemporary democratic institutions, technological advancements, and global policy environments.
A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the importance of bridging the divide between theory and practice—ensuring that scholarly insights from Indian Knowledge Systems inform real-world administrative decision-making.
Scholarly Dialogues and Emerging Perspectives
The afternoon sessions saw the conference branch into multiple parallel technical panels where researchers presented papers on diverse themes. Topics ranged from ethical leadership and sustainable development to digital governance, social welfare frameworks, and community-centric policymaking, all examined through the lens of Indian Knowledge Systems.
Participants explored how ancient philosophical concepts such as dharma, artha, and rajadharma could inform ethical governance, transparency, and accountability in modern administrative systems.
Reviving Tradition for Future Governance
By bringing together scholars, policymakers, and practitioners, the conference seeks to create an interdisciplinary dialogue that reconnects India’s intellectual heritage with contemporary governance challenges. Organizers believe that such engagements can inspire innovative approaches to policy design and public administration.
As discussions continue over the two-day event, the conference stands as an important academic platform—reaffirming that India’s traditional knowledge systems are not merely historical artifacts, but living frameworks capable of shaping the future of governance.
