Jain University puts Indian Traditional Knowledge into the spotlight

BANGALORE, India - Feb. 7, 2014 - PRLog -- In recent times several traditional medicinal practices of India have been the topic of hot discussion within in the scientific circle. In order to encourage the cause of adapting traditional scientific practices Jain University - School of Graduate Studies in association with The Institute of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (IHST) organised a national-level conference, Bioneers – 2014. The conference titled ‘Bioveda - A treasure trove’ established Indian traditional knowledge as the solution to urban bio diversity dilemmas.

Academicians and researchers presented papers on the theme of ‘urban biodiversity and health’. Unlike regular conferences the presentations at Bioneers had elaborate poster presentations coupled with oral presentations on issues such assignificance of traditional medicines, water & waste management,benefits of certain medicinal plants and innovations in microbiology. Eminent researchers and academiciansdeliberated plausible solutions for proper use of traditional knowledge in scientific practices.

“Bioneers is a platform for scientific researchers to present their work to people, it is an attempt to enlighten young minds on the emerging trends in scientific research, conferences such as Bioneers serve as a beginning for young scientists to brood and discuss issues of the hour, these issues range from drastic shift in flowering pattern due to climate change to increasing presence of traditional medicinal practices in modern science” said Ms. Anitha Abraham, Head, Dept. of Life Sciences, Jain University.

Dr. Padma Venkat, Joint Director of Institute of Health Sciences and Technology (IHST)/ FRLHT delivered the key note address. She appreciated the efforts of Jain University for selecting Indian traditional medicine as one of major topics of discussion at Bioneers. Dr. Padma is an active part of researches on proving scientific basis of ayurvedic practices and theories. She spoke about her ongoing research in building the most affordable water purifier based on principles of Indian traditional knowledge. Dr. Padma said that a lot of researches on the theories of ancient ayurveda are already underway, sudden interest of scientific societies of the west in the benefits and profits of traditional ayurvedic knowledge have thrust Indian ayurveda into the limelight.

“Increased interest of the Indian institute of Health in promoting the benefits of yoga is another significant sign of growing popularity of Indian traditional knowledge. A few years down the lane researches in Indian traditional medicine will see an immense boom. If we manage to handle all the incisive attention well, India will be in for some serious business in traditional knowledge” Dr. Padma said.

The vibrancy of discussions on the scope and imminent applications of traditional sciences turned the conference into an academically enriching and intellectually stimulating scientific deliberation. The confluence ignited the flame of research in young minds and inspiring budding researchers.