INDICA is pleased to share the completion of the 9th IKS MetaRetreat – “Indian Knowledge Systems – Imagining the Future” – at Vilvam Foundation, Tiruvannamalai. The MetaRetreat focused on “IKS Knowledge Generation” as needed in the contemporary times and future.
The MetaRetreat will explore both the macro and the micro.
- A Long term steady-state configuration of the Civilization
- A specific focus for the next 5 years
The MetaRetreat was led by Dr. Manohar Shinde and co-anchored by Dr. MS Chaitra and consisted of a select group of esteemed luminaries, thought leaders, and subject matter experts on the many dimensions of IKS. The MetaRetreat sought to envision a future where IKS is an integral part of all knowledge pursuits of our civilization drawing out knowledge generation required in the long term for a steady state configuration and a short term of 5 years to create door-openers and breakthroughs.
The Context
Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) has witnessed a resurgence in the past decade, though its roots run deep. Many new strands developed during the colonial era when visionary minds began to reinterpret traditional Indian wisdom for contemporary times in response to the challenges posed by Western knowledge systems and Euro-American politics. Over the subsequent decades, these strands evolved into many streams across different regions, all drawn from the larger flow of diverse Indian traditions. However, the hope that IKS would become the backbone of modern India has, for many years, remained unfulfilled. It took over 70 years for the State to begin recognizing and nurturing IKS, and only recently have we seen its early stages of resurgence and mainstreaming. It is time IKS took its rightful place.
The MetaRetreat Discussion
Over three days, a diverse group of scholars, educators, and practitioners convened to explore the future of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), reflect on past contributions, and outline a vision for mainstreaming these traditions.
Day-1 opened with presentations that revealed personal journeys into IKS, highlighting formative experiences such as ecosystem, travel, meditation, and ancestral connections. The cohort members acknowledged that much of modern scholarship has relied on European frameworks, and emphasized the importance of rediscovering and rearticulating India’s own civilizational experiences. They discussed how well-being, agriculture, and resilience can be bolstered by IKS readily. Knowledge-generation itself requires an exclusive focus. Some subjects were explored more deeply such as the resilience of networks in agriculture, the benefits of Vrukshayurveda for soil health, and the centrality of Panchakosha models for holistic well-being. Many underlined the need for bridging old and new, noting that traditional Indian frameworks can help address modern problems when combined with rigorous research and solid methodology.
The second session on Day-1 delved deeper into structuring IKS research and practice. The cohort members stressed that IKS must move beyond mere validation and instead offer fresh paradigms that can address pressing global issues. They discussed whether IKS should be seen as a distinct alternative to so-called “Western/Modern knowledge systems” (W/MKS) or operate in tandem with them. Emphasis was placed on designing precise taxonomies that link IKS to contemporary disciplines, while acknowledging inherent challenges in conceptual clarity. Participants debated the scope of mainstreaming IKS, including whether it should be integrated horizontally across various fields or vertically as a specialized stream. This evolved into conversations on how to systematically engage with Sanskrit texts, temples as knowledge corridors, and policy measures for promoting IKS in modern institutions. The need for comprehensive credit courses, top-notch scholarship, and synergy with modern technology was repeatedly highlighted.
Day-2 continued with detailed discussions on ontology and critical knowledge projects. Scholars recognized the importance of articulating an “integrated ontology.” They explored how the Indian approach to mathematics, logic, and linguistics differed historically from Western frameworks, focusing more on pragmatic usage, consistency of results, and self-correcting methodologies. Numerous examples illustrated the interplay of theoretical foundations and empirical practice in areas like astronomy, Ayurveda, and grammar. Attendees then explored ways to apply these insights to pressing topics such as sustainability, social theory, and resilience. The idea of harnessing Purushartha (life goals) for ecological balance, or employing time tested Indian frameworks for ethical approaches to resource usage, showcased the unique potential of IKS for modern problem-solving.
On Day-3, the cohort members crystallized action steps for long-term growth and application. They identified strategic areas for deeper research, such as social theory informed by Indian concepts of harmony, karma, and complementary dualities. Participants urged the creation of IKS-focused PhD programs, fellowships, and faculty development initiatives in mainstream universities, as well as new institutional centers dedicated to IKS. Another recurring theme was the importance of forming a cohesive community that fosters collaborative inquiry, critical debate, and ongoing dialogue—much like the Vienna Circle—but grounded in Indian civilizational experiences. By maintaining both rigorous scholarship and a commitment to practical outcomes, the group aspired to reinvigorate IKS, influence policy, and create a vibrant ecosystem for future generations.
The MetaRetreat was led by Dr. Manohar Shindhe, Chief Patron, IKSHA and Dr. MS Chaitra – formerly Director, Centre for Study of Cultures, Chanakya University. Other cohort members of the MetaRetreat were as follows:
- Padma Shree Prof. MD Srinivas – Senior Fellow, Centre for Policy Studies, Chennai
- Prof. Ganti Murthy – National Co-ordinator, IKS Division, Ministry of Education
- Dr. Neerja Gupta – honourable Vice Chancellor of Gujarat University, Gujarat University
- Matrushri. Ananthalakshmi – Anaadi Gurukulam
- Dimple Kaul – Director, Academic Programs – INDICA
- Prof. Nomesh Bolia – Director, Public Systems Lab, IIT Delhi
- Prof. Ashish Pandey, SJMSOM, IIT Bombay
- Raghava Krishna – CEO, Brhat
- Dr. Sai Susarla – Executive Director, Siddhanta Knowledge Foundation
- Independent Scholar Shankara Bharadwaj Khandavalli
Dr. Nagaraj Paturi – Kulapati, INDICA, Prof. Srinivasa Varakhedi – honourable Vice Chancellor, Central Sanskrit University, and Prof. Mohan Raghavan participated for a short duration remotely. Dr. Ashwini BS and Dr. Tilak Rao were also a part of the Cohort as observers.
A Vision Paper based on the discussion is on works.
INDICA MetaRetreats
IKS MetaRetreats are immersive intellectual explorations spanning 2-3 days, led by an Acharya in the ambience of a Gurukula and conducted with an attitude of Shraddha. The Acharya is a leader or SME in the space, seeking to explore a specific topic, discipline, or domain along with a cohort. 9-12 participants who possess Shraddha and the right experience in the chosen theme form the cohort. This cohort then comes together with an Upanishadic attitude of learning through immersion at a location that echoes the ambience of a Gurukula.
Pleased to share links to some of our previous MetaReteats.
- Launch of IKS MetaRetreats
- IKS MetaRetreat: Making Sense of Cultural Differences – A Report
- IKS MetaRetreat: Deconstruction & Reconstruction: Beyond Colonial Discourse – A Report
- IKS MetaRetreat: Shakti – The Power of Indic Feminine
- IKS MetaRetreat: Indian Classical Dance – Beyond Proscenium
Shivakumar GV
Director – IKS Changemakers
(Guru-Sadhaka Sachiva)
