National Conference
on
Ancient Indian Text, Science and Technology
Sponsored by
Indian Council of Philosophical Research New Delhi
Concept Note
National Conference on Ancient Indian Text, Science, and Technology
The present conference aims to create a robust and inclusive platform where theorists and practitioners across diverse fields such as science, technology, humanities, and philosophy, can come together to explore the latent potential of Ancient Indian Texts.
However, much of this indigenous knowledge remains underexplored, especially in the context of contemporary scientific and technological paradigms. Modern academia often segregates science and the humanities, and there is limited interdisciplinary dialogue that brings together theoretical, historical, and applied perspectives from these texts.
By revisiting ancient texts through a modern lens, scholars and practitioners can unearth timeless wisdom and explore new applications for today’s complex challenges be it sustainable development, ethical decision-making in science, or holistic health practices.
Thematic Areas / Sub-themes
The conference welcomes contributions that are interpretative, comparative, analytical, or application-oriented, across the following sub-themes (including but not limited to):
- Astronomy and Cosmology in Ancient Indian Texts
- Vedic Mathematics and Number Systems
- Engineering and Technology in Ancient India
- Architecture and Vaastu Shastra
- Knowledge Frameworks and Systems of Classification
- Indian Knowledge Systems and Sustainability
- Indian Philosophy of Science
- Comparative Studies of Indian Philosophical Systems and Modern Science
- Ancient Indian Text and Modern Science
Conference Dates
February 25 – 27, 2026
Publishing Partners
- Motilal Banarsidass (Hindi Edition)
- Reputed Publisher (English Edition)
Important Dates
Invited Speakers
Prof. Sachchidananda Mishra
Member Secretary Indian Council of Philosophical Research
Prof. C. D. Sebastian
IIT Bombay
Guidelines for submissions
Submissions should include a short bio (including name, affiliation, academic status, contact details) and an abstract (c. 300 words) of the proposed paper. The language of the conference and the proposal is English and Hindi.
- Deadline: November 30, 2025
- Notification of acceptance: December 15, 2025
- Submissions should be sent to: aist@iitism.ac.in
- Last Date of Full Paper Submission: January 30, 2025
Guidelines for Full Paper Submissions
- Full papers should be between 5,000 and 9,000 words.
- Manuscripts must be submitted in Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins on all sides.
- Use the latest Chicago-style consistently throughout the paper.
- Submissions must be the original work of the authors and should not have been published or submitted elsewhere.
- Plagiarism must not exceed 10% similarity, as determined by standard plagiarism detection software.
- AI-generated text will not be accepted. All content must be the authors’ original work and written without AI-generated assistance.
- Use a consistent citation style as per the conference guidelines. Bibliographies should include complete details to enable source verification.
- Papers will undergo peer review, and authors will be notified of acceptance or required revisions.
- Selected papers will be published in the conference proceedings with Motilal Banarsidass or Reputed Publisher.
Sponsors
Indian Council of Philosophical Research New Delhi
Organized by
Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems
Department of Humanities and
Social Sciences
IIT(ISM) Dhanbad
Cultural Events
As part of National Conference , two mesmerizing evening events have been planned to celebrate art, music, and culture.
Evening-1 (February 25, 2026)
Swar Sangam: The Enchanting Magic of Bamboo Flute
An evening dedicated to the soothing rhythm and divine melody of the bamboo
flute,
celebrating India’s timeless musical traditions and the soulful expression
of sound.
Evening-2 (February 26, 2026)
Golden Notes: Celebrating Timeless Music
A musical journey across generations — paying tribute to the golden era of
Indian music
through enchanting live performances and soulful renditions.
Entry is open to all registered participants and invited guests.
Committee
Organizing Committee
Prof. Sukumar Mishra
Patron
Director, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad
Prof. Dheeraj Kumar
Co-Patron
Deputy Director, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad
Core Committee
Contact Us
Venue
IIT (ISM) Dhanbad
Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India
Phone
Prof. Gyan Prakash: Office Number: +91-326-223-5170
aist@iitism.ac.in
How to Reach Dhanbad
By Rail
IIT(ISM) Dhanbad is just 2.8 km from Dhanbad Railway Station, one of the busiest stations in the region with direct trains to major cities across India. Taxis, Ola cabs, autorickshaws, and e-rickshaws are easily available from the station to the campus.
By Road
Dhanbad is well connected by National Highways 18 and 19, linking it to cities like Ranchi, Kolkata, Jamshedpur, and Bokaro. Regular bus services operate on these routes for convenient travel.
By Air
Nearby airports include:
- Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport, Durgapur – 85 km
- Deoghar Airport, Deoghar – 110 km
- Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi – 140 km
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport, Kolkata – 269 km
From these airports, taxis and buses are available to reach Dhanbad.
Places to Visit Near Dhanbad
Deoghar
Deoghar is a prominent pilgrimage destination in Jharkhand, India. At its heart lies the revered Baba Baidyanath Dham temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva, attracting devotees from across the nation. Beyond its spiritual significance, Deoghar offers a blend of natural beauty. The Trikut Pahar, with its trio of peaks and the Tapovan caves offer a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. The Naulakha Temple stands as a testament to intricate craftsmanship and is dedicated to Radha and Krishna.
Maithon Lake
Maithon Lake, located approximately 48 km from Dhanbad in Jharkhand, is a serene reservoir formed by the Maithon Dam on the Barakar River. Visitors can engage in activities such as boating and fishing, or simply relax amidst the lush green surroundings. Nearby attractions include the Kalyaneshwari Temple, an ancient shrine dedicated to Goddess Kalyaneshwari, and a deer park that houses over 50 deer, providing additional points of interest for tourists. The drive typically takes around an hour, with well-maintained routes via NH19 and SH5.
Parasnath Hills
Parasnath Hills, located in Jharkhand's Giridih district, stands as the state's highest peak at 1,350 meters. This revered site is a significant pilgrimage destination for Jains, known as Shikharji, where twenty of the twenty-four Tirthankaras are believed to have attained salvation. The hills are adorned with numerous ancient Jain temples, making it a spiritual haven for devotees. Traveling from Dhanbad to Parasnath Hills by taxi covers approximately 50 km and typically takes around 45 minutes via NH19.
Bodhgaya
Bodh Gaya, located in Bihar, India, is a significant pilgrimage site where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi Tree, becoming the Buddha. The Mahabodhi Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, encompasses the revered Bodhi Tree and several ancient structures that offer insight into Buddhist heritage. Traveling from Dhanbad to Bodh Gaya covers approximately 208 kilometers by road, typically taking around 3 hours. The journey can be undertaken via private car or taxi. Alternatively, regular train services connect Dhanbad Junction to Gaya Junction, followed by a short 12-kilometer drive to Bodh Gaya.
Purulia (Ajodhya Hills)
Ajodhya Hills, located in the Purulia district of West Bengal, is a picturesque destination known for its lush forests, rolling hills, and serene waterfalls. This area offers a tranquil retreat for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Visitors can explore attractions such as Bamni Falls, Turga Dam, and the Upper and Lower Dams, which provide breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor activities. Traveling from Dhanbad to Ajodhya Hills by taxi covers approximately 101 kilometers and typically takes around 3 hours.
Ranchi
Ranchi, the capital city of Jharkhand, is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, encompassing cascading waterfalls, lush green valleys, and rich cultural heritage. Notable attractions include the majestic Dassam Falls, the serene Ranchi Lake, and the historic Jagannath Temple, each offering unique experiences for visitors. Traveling from Dhanbad to Ranchi covers approximately 150 km and can be reached via train or taxi in 4 hours.