Manipur University’s Prof. Gambhir Singh highlights indigenous knowledge systems and the crucial role of fieldwork in modern education.
Emphasizing the integration of traditional wisdom into modern academia, Lala Rural College hosted a specialized lecture for its faculty on Thursday. Organized by the institution’s Research and Publication Cell, the afternoon event at the Adishwar Seminar Hall focused comprehensively on the “Indian Knowledge System in the New Syllabus of 2020 with Special Focus on Ethics in Publication.”
The keynote address was delivered by Professor Gambhir Singh, Head of the Department of English and Cultural Studies at Manipur University. Unpacking the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 framework, Prof. Singh utilized visual representations of ethnic cultural practices from North-East India—particularly Manipur and Nagaland—to showcase the rich diversity of indigenous traditions. He strongly advocated for empirical surveys and pragmatic fieldwork to effectively explore these native knowledge systems, while simultaneously stressing the urgent need to maintain strict ethical standards in academic research and responsible publication.
The 2:00 PM program, anchored and managed by Central Librarian and Cell member Rajdeep Chowdhury, officially commenced with the felicitation of distinguished guests on stage. Dr. Manas Sinha, Convener of the Research and Publication Cell, delivered the welcome address, explicitly outlining the session’s targeted value for the college’s professors.
During the guest introductions, former English Department Head Dr. Tanuj Kumar De praised the college’s organizing branch for inviting such an eminent academician, noting that Prof. Singh had previously served as a personal inspiration for his own research in cultural studies.
College Principal Dr. Himabrata Chakraborty also addressed the gathering. After expressing his gratitude to Prof. Singh for accepting the invitation, the Principal underscored the importance of blending the Indian Knowledge System seamlessly with contemporary, practical teaching frameworks.
Following the main address, the floor was opened for an engaging interactive session, allowing the attending professors to raise questions and exchange academic perspectives. The successful program concluded with a formal vote of thanks from English Department Assistant Professor Dr. Swaranjit Singha, who acknowledged the active participation of the guest speaker, the Principal, and all faculty members.