The four day National Workshop on Bhāratīya Anusandhāna Paddhati (Indian Research Methodology), conducted as part of the IoE Research Project “IRM from Sanskrit Texts” at the Department of Sanskrit Studies, University of Hyderabad, in collaboration with Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady from 15th to 18th November, 2023 proved to be an enriching and insightful experience for the participants. The workshop aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the unique research methodologies employed in the Indian context, fostering a deeper appreciation for diverse research practices.
The primary objective of this workshop was to introduce the Masters and Doctoral students to the salient features of the Indian Research Methodologies (IRM) framework and its application in academic research. By the end of the workshop, participants were expected to be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to incorporate IRM principles into their own research projects, term papers and dissertations. Further, this workshop sought to help participants develop a deeper appreciation for the diverse research traditions following Ancient Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS).
The workshop was funded by the Institute of Eminence (IoE) at the University of Hyderabad and Dollar Company Pvt. Ltd., Chennai. The workshop hosted about 60 registered participants all around the country and one participant from The Open University, Sri Lanka. The participants belonged to diverse academic backgrounds: Sanskrit, English, Philosophy, Biotechnology, Management, Political Science and so on, making the workshop multidisciplinary in its true sense.
The workshop featured lectures by eminent resource persons like
Prof. K. Muthulekshmi, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, Kerala.
Prof. Madhusudan Penna, Dean, Faculty of Indian Philosophy & Culture, Kavi Kulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University, Ramtek.
Dr. M. Jayaraman, Professor & Dean, Division of Yoga and Spirituality, SVYASA Yoga University, Bengaluru.
Vaidya M. Prasad, Director and Chief Physician, Sunethri Ayurvedashram and Research Centre, Mathikkunnu, Thrikkur, Thrissur, Kerala.
Prof. K. Murali, (Retd.) Dept. of Kayachikitsa, Govt. Ayurveda College, Kannur, Kerala.
Prof. Devdatta Sarode, Coordinator, research & Development cell Central Sanskrit University, Prayagraj.
Dr. Shreevatsa, Head, Dept. of Samhita Siddhanta & basic principles, Govt. Ayurveda College, Mysore.
Prof. Geetha Durairajan, (Retd.) School of English Language Education EFLU, Hyderabad.
The speakers emphasised on reclaiming the indigenous, rich, cultural heritage of Bharat of which we are proud inheritors. This sense of decoloniality in thinking should be coupled with the sincere and robust, multidisciplinary research in Indian Research Methodology (IRM) to complement the existing research methodology at the global scale. Moreover, this workshop was not just about theoretical discussions. It was about hands-on learning, sharing experiences, and building relationships by forging cross-disciplinary dialogues. The participants were encouraged to actively participate, share their perspectives, and engage in fruitful discussions. The success of this workshop lied in the collective wisdom and enthusiasm that each participant brought to the table.
A cultural evening was organised on Day 2 of the workshop to showcase the rich, dynamic cultural traditions of Bharat in the field of performing arts. Eminent vocalist Mrs. G Janaki performed a beautiful rendition of ‘Kutchery’, accompanied by Mr. B. Pawan Kumar on Violin and Mr.Durga Singh on mridangam. Ms. Ashwathy Chandran, PhD scholar at the Department of Sanskrit Studies along with Ms. Gopika Mohan and Ms. Nimisha Narayanan, PhD scholars in the Department of Dance at SN School, University of Hyderabad also collaborated with the organisers and enriched the august ceremony with their enchanting Bharatnatyam dance performances. Finally, the students and research scholars at the Department of Sanskrit Studies led by the director Dr. Brijesh Mishra staged the Sanskrit drama “Bhranta Sodhaarthii” which portrayed the nuances and complexities of a confused researcher in a university environment.
Feedback from participants highlighted increased confidence in applying culturally relevant research techniques, improved awareness of theoretical frameworks in authoring research papers, and a strengthened sense of community among the research fraternity in doing research the Bharata way. Almost all the participants mentioned in the feedback that they will be interested in attending future workshops/events organised by the department. Additionally, the workshop’s materials, including recorded sessions and resources shared, will be compiled for wider dissemination, ensuring a lasting impact on the broader research community.
In the words of a participant, Ms. Nandini Das, a doctoral research scholar at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), “I was a layman about Tantrayukti when I submitted my Ph.D thesis. I completely followed western research methodology in my Ph.D thesis. After attending this workshop I got a little emotional because if this workshop happened before my Ph.D. submission then I would have followed IRM. I congratulate the entire team for organizing such a wonderful workshop where we all learned and gained a bunch of knowledge regarding IRM. Please organize more and more workshops in future”.
The participants were encouraged to write back to the organizers at – iks@uohyd.ac.in with reference to any individual requirements in their own research. Project findings can be accessed at the website iks.uohyd.ac.in.
- Contributed by Sayantan Lahiri, IoE Research Intern