The University of Ladakh hosted a two-day workshop-cum-conference on “Research Frontiers and Opportunities in Indian Knowledge Systems (RFOIKS-2025)” on September 18–19 at its Leh Campus. The event was sponsored by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and the IKS Cell of AICTE, Ministry of Education, New Delhi.

The conference opened with a traditional felicitation led by Dr. Subrat Sharma, Dean of Academic Affairs, University of Ladakh, in the presence of eminent guests including Dr. Om Prakash Chaurasia (Director, DRDO); Prof. Ganti Suryanarayanamurthy, National Coordinator, IKS Cell, AICTE; Dr. V. Ramanathan, Head, Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems, IIT (BHU) Varanasi; Dr. Padma Gurmet, Director, National Institute of Sowa Rigpa; and Dr. Mohd Hussain, Convener of the conference. Distinguished scholars, researchers, and students from across India also participated.

Over two days, the workshop featured four technical sessions and parallel sessions:

Technical Session I: Integration of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) into modern education and research, including multidisciplinary applications, comparative insights on Ayurveda and modern medicine, and the scientific validation of ancient Indian chemistry.
Technical Session II: Medical heritage and Ayurveda, with discussions on Kashmir’s contributions, preservation of classical texts, rich medicinal flora, and Ayurveda’s preventive, eco-conscious approach to healthcare.
Technical Session III: Indigenous wisdom and sustainability, highlighting the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), innovative mountain-animal feeding systems, and Ladakh’s ecological practices for climate resilience.
Technical Session IV:  Water and yogic sciences, featuring the Churpon system of indigenous water distribution in Leh and the historical, philosophical, and modern significance of yoga in health and integrative medicine.

Parallel sessions allowed scientists, scholars, and students to share region-specific insights on indigenous healing systems, sustainable agriculture, traditional architecture, cultural practices, and ecological knowledge—bridging grassroots traditions with academic research.

The event was organized in collaboration with the IKS Center of Excellence, IIT (BHU) Varanasi; Defence Institute of High Altitude Research, Leh; National Institute of Sowa Rigpa, Leh; Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust, Leh; Mahabodhi International Meditation Center, Leh; and the Central Institute for Buddhist Studies, Leh.

The valedictory session was presided over by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Saket Kushwaha, who emphasized the global relevance of Indian Knowledge Systems and Ladakh’s strategic importance as a hub for IKS studies. Prof. Ganti Suryanarayanamurthy, Dr. V. Ramanathan, Prof. Rama Jayasundar (AIIMS), and Dr. Vishwanjanani J. Sattigeri (CSIR-TKDL) also addressed the gathering.

Prizes were awarded to outstanding young scholars. Oral Presentation winners: Dr. Basharat Ali (First), Saikrupa Adarthaya (Second), and Faiza Batool (Third). Poster Presentation winners: Zahra Batool, Ume Kulsum, and Zahida Banoo (First, GDC Kargil).

Dr. Jigmat Dachen, Dean of Colleges, University of Ladakh, expressed optimism about continuing the initiative with the second edition of the Workshop-cum-Conference in 2026.