Shillong, Nov 14: The 9th International Conference on Tradition, Science, Technology and Society (ICSTS-2026) began at NEHU, Shillong.
The two-day conference is jointly organised by the Department of Geology and VMS Research Foundation, Nagpur.
In his keynote address, ICCR President and former Rajya Sabha MP Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe said following traditions does not mean understanding the knowledge in them. He cautioned against homogenisation of cultures and said technology should serve human development, not isolate people.
NEHU Vice Chancellor Prof SK Barik said much of India’s traditional knowledge remains undocumented and is disappearing. He said it should be scientifically validated and documented.
Convenor Prof Devesh Walia said traditional knowledge in medicine, astronomy and culture needs to be preserved and scientifically examined. He said Meghalaya’s Wangala Festival deserves Guinness World Records recognition.
The conference abstract book was released. Lifetime Achievement Awards were given to Dr Raghavendra P Tiwari, Dr Rangrao Balu Bhuyekar, Dr R Dhananjay R Gabhane, Nababrata Bhattacharjee, Dr Kishor Dhawale, Dr Manish Bhatkulkar and Dr Deepak V Awale.
