The final day of the International Conference on Communication and Dissemination of Traditional Knowledge (CDTK) commenced with a dedicated scientific session entitled, “Challenges and Opportunities in Scholarly Communication in Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating 25 Years of Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge (IJTK)”. The session opened with a commemorative video documenting the inception, advancements, and key milestones of the IJTK over its 25 years journey. Following the visual presentation, Dr Geetha Vani Rayasam, Director, CSIR-NIScPR, officially released the IJTK 25th anniversary issue.
Dignitaries releasing IJTK-25th anniversary issue
The first keynote address of the session (online) was delivered by Dr Ina Vandebroek, Professor of Ethnobotany, University of the West Indies, Mona. In her talk, she shared her expertise on working with local communities of the biodiversity hotspots of the Caribbean deep forests in Jamaica emphasising the necessity of becoming stronger community ally. Chairperson and Keynote speaker of the session Prof. Pulok Mukherjee, Jadavpur University, and Executive Editor, IJTK, emphasised translating traditional knowledge into global evidence through omics integration, highlighting Lok Swasthya Parampara and sustainable impact. Dr H. R. Nagendra, Chief Editor, IJTK, highlighted the journal’s evolution and scientific indexing milestones. Former Editors Dr N. R. Mankad, Dr T. K. Mukherjee and Dr K. P. Singh recalled IJTK’s inception, 25-year scholarly journey and editorial legacy. Dr Charu Verma, CSIR-NIScPR, emphasised digitization for global accessibility, while Dr R. N. Padaria, ICAR-IARI, stressed community ownership and participatory frameworks benefiting Traditional Knowledge holders.
The fifth scientific session, titled “Challenges and Opportunities in Popularising Traditional Knowledge,” was chaired by Shri P. A. Vivekananda Pai, Secretary General, Vijnana Bharati, Kerala. In his address, he highlighted India’s foundational contributions to Mathematics, specifically the Kerala School of Mathematics and Madhava’s work on calculus, alongside core scientific frameworks like Panchamahabhuta and Panchikarana. He insisted on overcoming colonial and anthropocentric mindsets, and scaling indigenous technologies to strengthen local economies and sustainability.
Dr Pramod Grover, Director, Science City, Kolkata, highlighted the role of National Council of Science Museum (NCSM) in science communication via interactive exhibits, and teacher training. He recommended establishing collaboration between NCSM and SVASTIK, establishing a traditional knowledge hub to extend scientific outreach to rural communities and elevate public understanding. Dr V. V. Binoy, Associate Professor, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru addressed on contextual and participatory models of science communication, emphasising engagement with traditional knowledge holders. He recommended integrating indigenous epistemologies into science classrooms and exploring India’s historical scientific contributions within modern fields like AI.
The final scientific session of the conference, titled, “Sustainable Innovation and Development: Experiential Learning from Social Researchers and Traditional Knowledge Holders” was chaired by Dr Arvind C Ranade, Director, National Innovation Foundation, Gandhinagar. He in his address outlined three key pillars of sustainable innovation namely environmental sustainability, economic viability and fair benefit-sharing with traditional knowledge holders. Dr Gajanan Dange, Founder & President, YOJAK, highlighted how India’s traditional knowledge systems promote a holistic approach to biodiversity and breed conservation, sustainable agriculture, and the preservation of local ecological practices. Shri Krishna Nath, Indian Folk Herbalist, Jorhat, Assam, addressed about the rich legacy of traditional healing practices in Assam, drawing on generations of indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants and remedies.
Distinguished talk by Smt. Rahibai Soma Popere, Padma Shri, Farmer and Seed Conservationist
Smt. Rahibai Soma Popere, Padma Shri, Farmer and Seed Conservationist from Maharashtra, shared her inspiring journey of conserving indigenous seeds and reviving traditional farming practices. She highlighted the importance of protecting native seeds, restoring soil health and moving towards chemical-free agriculture. Emphasising the value of traditional wisdom, she called for a return to nature-based farming to ensure that every household has access to toxin-free vegetables and safe, nutritious food, paving the way for a healthier and more sustainable future. The two days of conference conducted 40 oral and 60 poster presentations from participants across the country and abroad.
The valedictory session featured a welcome address by Dr Naresh Kumar, Chairperson, CDTK-2026, and closing remarks by Dr Geetha Vani Rayasam, Director, CSIR-NIScPR, who highlighted ethical engagement, community sensitisation, documentation and benefit-sharing in Traditional Knowledge. Prof B N Jagatap, Former Senior Professor at IIT Bombay, highlighted the importance of formalising Indian Knowledge Systems, showcasing India's original scientific contributions, and incorporating diverse forms of evidence. The dignitaries also presented Best Poster Presentation Awards. Dr Charu Lata, Organising Secretary, CDTK-2026, proposed the vote of thanks. The conference reaffirmed the importance of scientific validation, ethical dissemination and community participation in preserving and promoting Traditional Knowledge.