Faculty Development Program at Vishwakarma University

The Faculty Development Programme (FDP), organized jointly by the Center for Teaching and Learning Club (CTL) at Vishwakarma University, Pune, and the Center for Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) at Chanakya University, Bangalore, transpired over five days in a hybrid format with a limited cohort of 100 participants. The primary objective of the FDP was to explore the intricacies of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) and their manifold applications.The inaugural session featured esteemed guests, including Prof. Wasudeo Gade, Vice President of Vishwakarma University, Pune, Prof. Siddharth Jabade, Vice-Chancellor of Vishwakarma University, Pune, and Dr. Supriya Lakhangaonkar, Director of CTL. Sessions, conducted via Microsoft Teams, covered diverse topics such as leadership, Indian psychology, spirituality, health, Siddhantic Literature, and the application of Indian mathematics in solving astronomical puzzles. Following the inauguration, Dr. Ramakrishna Pejathaya from Chanakya University, Bengaluru, took the stage. Having discussed examples from multiple branches of IKS he emphasized that the IKS should be seen as a way of being and thinking also and not merely as a content. He also discussed the topics Art Appreciation and Cultural Literacy and opined that these topics must be taught to all students irrespective of their disciplines.

• Day two focused on an overview of Indian knowledge systems, led by Dr. Vinayak Bhat from Chanakya University, Bangalore, emphasizing the interconnected wisdom of IKS across disciplines. Subsequent days delved into the dialectical educational system, metallurgical contributions, and the application of Indian mathematics.   The FDP facilitated interactive learning through guest lectures, learning reports, and   discussions on the integration of IKS into education. Prof. Akshay Upadhyay explored India’s unique educational heritage, tracing its influence on the constitution, democracy, and debate culture.The concluding day featured an insightful session by Dr. Venketeshwara Pai from IISER Pune on Siddhantic Literature and Indian mathematics, decoding Sanskrit words and exploring ancient mathematical verses. Remi J. Thomas, Assistant Professor at Vishwakarma University, Pune, concluded the FDP by delving into Indian Knowledge Systems and future research areas, covering indigenous practices, intellectual property rights, philosophical schools, and ongoing research projects In summary, the FDP provided an intellectually stimulating and enriching experience, deepening the understanding of Indian knowledge systems and their contemporary relevance in research.