Muzaffarpur, April 18: A two-day national seminar exploring the multidisciplinary dimensions of the Indian Knowledge System and its deep interconnections with philosophy, psychology, science, technology, management, art and literature commenced on Saturday at the Senate Hall of B.R.A. Bihar University (BRABU). Sponsored by the Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR), New Delhi, the seminar has been jointly organised by the University Departments of Psychology and Philosophy in collaboration with Vidya Bharati Uchch Shiksha Sansthan, Uttar Bihar Prant.

Delivering the keynote address, Shri K.N. Raghunandan, Rashtriya Sangathan Mantri of Vidya Bharati Uchch Shiksha Sansthan, described the Indian Knowledge System as far more than a mere historical repository of knowledge. He termed it a living embodiment of *Pragyan* (higher wisdom) and *Satyanveshan* (quest for truth). He stressed that it provides a comprehensive *Jeevan Drishti* — a holistic vision of life — that seamlessly integrates ancient history and philosophy into a distinctive cognitive framework.
In his presidential address, BRABU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dinesh Chandra Rai emphasised the growing scientific convergence between ancient Indian wisdom and modern inquiry. He observed that contemporary psychology and medicine are increasingly validating time-tested Indian practices such as yoga, meditation and mindfulness for their proven efficacy in enhancing mental and physical well-being. Prof. Rai urged scholars to go beyond symbolic reverence and undertake rigorous empirical research to scientifically establish the medicinal and nutritional superiority of India’s traditional food practices. He noted that the principle of “food as medicine”, which is currently gaining traction in Western wellness circles, has long been an integral part of the Indian food tradition.
The inaugural session was enriched by insightful addresses from Prof. Sachchidanand Mishra, Shri Khayali Ram, Kshetriya Sangathan Mantri of Vidya Bharati Uttar Poorv, Prof. Raman Trivedi, Prof. Rajnish Gupta and Prof. Nikhil Ranjan Prakash. The seminar, which concludes on Sunday, features several technical sessions and the presentation of hundreds of peer-reviewed research papers.
The proceedings were graced by a host of senior academicians and university officials, including Prof. Radheshyam Sharma (Dean, DU), LS College Principal Prof. Kanupriya, Prof. Rajeev Kumar, Prof. Shyamal Kishore, Dr. Vijaya Kumar, Dr. Renubala, Dr. Amar Bahadur Shukla, Dr. Lalit Kishore, Dr. Navin Kumar and others.