Media Release

Mangaluru, Sep 22: Stressing that indigenous and folk knowledge systems deserve the same importance as classical Indian knowledge, Dr K Chinnappa Gowda, former vice-chancellor of Karnataka Janapada University, Haveri, inaugurated 'Jnana Kosha: Treasury of Indian Knowledge Systems' at St Agnes College (Autonomous), Mangaluru, on Saturday, September 19. The new IKS section is housed in the college library. The event was jointly organized by the IKS Centre, IQAC and the St Agnes College Library.

Delivering the inaugural address as chief guest, Dr Gowda said that classical Indian knowledge and indigenous and folk traditions are equally vital. He called for comparative research using a multidisciplinary approach to understand the distinct characteristics, differences and significance of these knowledge systems.

Presiding over the function, Sr Dr M Venissa AC, principal of the college, said the IKS Centre's core mission is to preserve and document traditional knowledge through active research and pass it on to the younger generation so it remains meaningful. She strongly encouraged students to take up research in this area.

Guest of honour Dr Sampoornananda Balkur, retired professor of Kannada, Sr Dr Vinora AC, PG coordinator, Sr Dr Roopa Rodrigues AC, vice principal and Dr Sabina D'Souza, IQAC coordinator, were present. IKS members, faculty and students also attended the programme. Dr Vishala B K, IKS coordinator, welcomed the gathering. The dignitaries lit the ceremonial lamp, after which the section was unveiled by the chief guest.

Deepthi, a first-year MA student of the department of English was the master of ceremonies, and Manisha, assistant professor, department of psychology, proposed the vote of thanks. Janet Nisha Braggs led the prayer.

A book exhibition on Jnana Kosha was arranged for 15 days for the benefit of staff and students, where books on Indian Knowledge Systems, including yoga, Indian art, music, dance, culture, history, philosophy, agriculture, economics, the Vedas, Upanishads, Vedic mathematics, ayurveda, the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, Sanskrit, Tulu, Konkani and more, were displayed.