The Department of Sanskrit Studies, University of Hyderabad (UoH) in collaboration with Institute of Scientific Research on Vedas (I-SERVE), Hyderabad has organized a one-day seminar on “Scope of Advanced Research Opportunities in Ancient Indian Sciences” on 22nd August, 2013 at the Conference Hall, School of Humanities.
Prof. K. V. Krishna Murty, Chairman, I-SERVE gave a brief speech on the theme of seminar. Prof. Murty said that the essence of any science undoubtedly is health of humanity. Even though the sprawling growth on the modern sciences is a proud tribute to man’s intellect, unfortunately we are not in position to claim that it can insure either the health or the longevity of mankind. Prof. Murty felt happy to have a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University and conduct this one-day seminar jointly with the Sanskrit Department.
Prof. E. Haribabu, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, UoH while addressing the gathering has pointed out that the exact coming of the term “Science” which has been transformed from natural philosophy to natural science and further to science. Prof. Haribabu said that Vedas are secular in nature, we need to look at the great repository of Vedic knowledge. Prof. Haribabu emphasized that science like Ayurveda, Mathematics, Agriculture, etc. needs future exploration. The importance of interdisciplinary dialog and at the same time we should not simply glorify, but look at the tangible benefits out of Vedic wisdom, he added.
Prof. Amitabh Das Gupta, Dean, School of Humanities while giving his presidential remarks pointed out three issues in Indian context namely Mathematics, Grammar and Medicine. Prof. Gupta referred to Needhams question of scientific revolution, which has happened firstly in Europe rather than China and India. Prof. Gupta said that Indian Scientists like Shri P.C. Ray and further Shri Debiprasad Chattopadhyaya have addressed some of these problems and impediments. The Indian typical approach to pattern seeking which is quite in contrast with that of model making of the west, he added.
Dr. Amba P. Kulkarni, Head, Department of Sanskrit Studies welcomed the gathering while Dr. J.S.R.A. Prasad, faculty, Department of Sanskrit Studies proposed a vote of thanks.
The 1st session chaired by Prof. K. N. Murty, CIS had talks by Prof. V. Kannan, Emeritus Professor, School of Mathematics and Statistics on Problems faced by Researchers in Ancient Indian Mathematics and Dr. C.H.S. Sastry, GCIM, FRAV on Role of Ayurveda on 21st Century.
The 2nd session chaired by Prof. K. Subramanyam, CALTS had talks by Prof. K. V. Krishna Murty, Chairman, I-SERVE on Scope and Extent of Ancient Indian Sciences, Dr. I. Surya Narayan Rao, Retd. Scientist ‘G’ IICT, Hyderabad on Ancient Indian Chemistry and Dr. Amba P. Kulkarni, Head, Department of Sanskrit Studies, UoH on Panini: An Information Scientist.