Course Coordinator Prof. Upasana Bora Sinha, Department of Chemistry, Nagaland University
Lumani, January 12 (MExN): Nagaland University has launched a new academic programme and advanced research initiative focused on Chemistry within the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), in a step aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The university's Department of Chemistry is offering a Value-Added Course titled “Chemistry in Indian Knowledge Systems,” which has received the approval of the University Academic Council. The course aims to bridge a gap in academic attention towards India's historical chemical knowledge traditions, stated a press release.
According to the university, the course is designed to introduce learners to the foundational aspects of IKS, including traditional modes of knowledge transmission. It will explore the historical development of chemical knowledge in India and its links to fields like medicine, metallurgy, and environmental practices. The course is open to students from all disciplines, highlighting its interdisciplinary nature.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Jagadish K Patnaik urged students to avail of the programme. “Through this teaching initiative, Nagaland University is supporting advanced scholarly research in the area of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) in Chemistry,” he said.
Prof Patnaik also congratulated Prof Upasana Bora Sinha and her team for their leadership, calling the initiative a significant step toward realising the NEP 2020 vision.
Further, the university is supporting advanced research in the domain. Prof Upasana Bora Sinha is currently pursuing a Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) on the research topic “A Chronological Study of Chemistry in India from 1500 BC to the 21st Century: Linking Ancient Chemistry Knowledge with Modern Day Research Through Computational Simulation.”
This research involves a systematic scientific examination of India's chemical knowledge traditions using contemporary analytical and computational methods. It also aims to document the history of chemistry in India, continuing work initiated by scholars like Acharya PC Ray.
Elaborating on the initiatives, Course Coordinator Prof Upasana Bora Sinha said, “The teaching and research initiatives provide students with contextual learning, interdisciplinary exposure and research-informed perspectives, equipping them to engage critically with both India’s scientific heritage and contemporary global challenges.”
She added that through this effort, Nagaland University continues to strengthen its commitment to inclusive, future-ready education rooted in indigenous knowledge traditions.
