CSIR conference urges rigour in validating and sharing traditional knowledge

A two-day international conference on communicating traditional knowledge opened on 2 November at CSIR-NPL, New Delhi, with a call to approach it "with curiosity and rigour".

CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR) is holding the third International Conference on Communication and Dissemination of Traditional Knowledge (CDTK-2026) on 2 and 3 November.

What was said

NITI Aayog member Dr Joram Aniya, the chief guest, cited indigenous practices of Arunachal Pradesh and praised the SVASTIK initiative, which shares scientifically validated traditional knowledge. Prof. Bhushan Patwardhan spoke of reverse pharmacology, where ideas from tradition are tested through laboratory and clinical work.

NIScPR director Dr Geetha Vani Rayasam noted the Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge is celebrating 25 years. UNESCO adviser Ma'aly Hazzaz said traditional knowledge belongs to communities, so consent, fair attribution and benefit sharing should come first.

Releases

A souvenir and abstract book, SVASTIK Stories Vol. III, and a flipbook, Treasure of Indian Traditions, in Assamese and Maithili were released.

Photos

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Source: official release by the Ministry of Science & Technology, issued through the Press Information Bureau, Government of India (02 NOV 2026 9:19PM by PIB Delhi). Read the full official text: CSIR-NIScPR organises third International Conference on Communication and Dissemination of Traditional Knowledge (CDTK)-2026.