16TH Feb, 2026.

The Department of Sociology, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari, organised a two-day International Seminar titled Decolonising Knowledge: Indian Knowledge Systems, Indology and Indigenous Epistemologies in Global Dialogue on 16–17 February 2026. The seminar commenced with an inaugural session conducted by Mr. Nikhil Pandey, Research Scholar, Department of Sociology, who served as the Sutradhar. In his introductory remarks, he reflected on the conceptual tools of ontology and epistemology and underscored the relevance of local and indigenous knowledge traditions in an increasingly decolonising world, particularly in relation to the politics of knowledge within academia. He formally welcomed the resource persons and dignitaries to the dais and initiated the traditional ceremonial lighting of the lamp, symbolising the illumination of knowledge. This was followed by the felicitation of the honoured guests with a Bihar Darshan memento and a Madhubani chaddar.

The Welcome Address was delivered by Dr. Sujit Kumar Choudhary, Dean, School of Social Sciences and Head, Department of Sociology, MGCU. He welcomed the dignitaries, participants, and members of the University, and elaborated on the three dominant paradigms of decolonising knowledge. He highlighted the role of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in promoting Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) and introduced the sub-themes of the seminar, emphasising the scope for intellectual dialogue. He encouraged participants to contribute original research papers engaging critically with the theme of the conference.

The Special Address was delivered by Dr. Saket Bihari, Associate Professor, Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi. He spoke on the dynamics of hegemony and the historical process of colonisation, highlighting the uniqueness and resilience of Indian Knowledge Systems, symbolised through the Vedas, Vedangas, Upavedas, and Puranas. He emphasised that knowledge is inherently liberatory and emancipatory and stressed the responsibility of universities to meaningfully integrate IKS within contemporary academic frameworks.

The Keynote Address was delivered by the distinguished sociologist Prof. R. N. Tripathi,Banaras Hindu University. Acknowledging the philosophical legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, he stressed the importance of understanding India, or Bharat, ontologically in order to comprehend Indian Knowledge Systems. He highlighted the necessity of self-questioning as a means to engage authentically with India’s traditions. He observed that IKS possesses deep civilisational roots and was originally intended to serve society without rigid ideological constraints. Integrating the wisdom of IKS with Western scholarly traditions, he reflected on pathways to reclaim lost knowledge systems, asserting that decolonisation requires inner reflection rather than rhetorical assertions. He emphasised individual responsibility and consciousness in recognising subtle forms of colonisation, safeguarding indigenous languages and knowledge traditions, and resisting invasive materialist cultures. He concluded by reiterating India’s long-standing ecological consciousness and urged collective commitment towards reclaiming indigenous knowledge and cultural values.

The Special Guest Address was delivered by Prof. Prasoon Dutta Singh, Chief Proctor, MGCUB, who began with the recitation of a Sanskrit shloka. He emphasised the centrality of language in sustaining knowledge systems and expressed concern over the rapid disappearance of several languages, not limited to Sanskrit, which embody rich local epistemologies. He reflected on India’s historic contributions to global knowledge and acknowledged past failures in safeguarding traditional knowledge systems. He noted that the NEP 2020 marks a significant step towards countering the enduring effects of colonisation. He also highlighted the contemporary relevance of the philosophical principles of Karma and Dharma and appreciated the Department of Sociology for initiating a platform that fostered awareness and reflection on traditional knowledge systems.

The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Sweta, Co-Convenor of the Seminar and Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology. She thanked all the dignitaries, distinguished guests, faculty members, participants and the students for the active participation in the Seminar. On behalf of the Department of Sociology, she expressed her gratitude to the Honourable Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sanjay Srivastava, for allowing and encouraging such intellectual gatherings in the University.

The Inaugural Session was followed by a Plenary Session in the post-lunch schedule. The session was chaired by Prof. Bimlesh Kumar Singh, Head, Department of English, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari. The plenary witnessed a series of stimulating and insightful presentations by distinguished scholars, generating rich interdisciplinary discussions.

Dr. Rahul Yaduka, Postdoctoral Researcher at SOAS, University of London, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on the Politics of Technical Knowledge. He critically examined the marginalisation of traditional and indigenous knowledge systems in shaping the political economy of the Kosi River belt in Bihar, drawing attention to the dominance of technocratic frameworks over locally embedded ecological wisdom.

Dr. Amit Kumar, Assistant Professor, P.G. Department of Political Science, M.S. College, Motihari, elaborated on the concept of colonisation as understood within the social sciences. His presentation highlighted how traditional knowledge systems have historically posed epistemic and political challenges to colonial processes, thereby offering alternative modes of resistance and knowledge production.

Dr. Mayank Kapila, Assistant Professor (Law), B. R. Ambedkar Bihar University, brought a legal perspective to the discussion. He focused on the role of inter-governmental organisations in recognising and validating traditional knowledge systems and local genetic resources within the framework of the neo-liberal global economy, emphasising the tensions between intellectual property regimes and indigenous rights.

The plenary session concluded with remarks from the Chairperson, Prof. Bimlesh Kumar Singh, who warmly applauded the intellectual depth and originality of the presentations. On a lighter note, he remarked on his enduring admiration for the literary genius of William Shakespeare, drawing appreciative responses from the audience and bringing the session to a congenial close.

The Plenary Session was followed by a Technical Session, which was chaired by Dr. Kailash Chandra Pradhan, Head, Department of Economics, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari. The session featured a series of informative and engaging presentations by research scholars representing diverse universities from across the country.

The presenters included scholars from institutions such as the University of Ladakh, Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University, B. N. Mandal University, Madhepura, and the University of Patna. The breadth of institutional representation enriched the discussions and contributed to the interdisciplinary nature of the session.The scholars—Ms. Puja, Dr. Shriprakash, Mr. Nitesh Chandra, Dr. Shazia, and Dr. Bipin Kumar—collectively explored themes surrounding the concept of power and the multiple dimensions of traditional knowledgesystems. Through their presentations, they examined how knowledge operates within social, cultural, and political contexts, highlighting both its emancipatory potential and its contested nature in contemporary society. The session successfully facilitated critical engagement with theoretical and empirical perspectives on indigenous and traditional knowledge, and it underscored the relevance of young scholars’ contributions to ongoing debates on decolonisation and epistemic plurality.

17TH Feb, 2026

Day Two of the International Seminar featured a Special Lecture in Memory of Late Prof. Andre Beteille. The session began with an introductory address by Mr. Amit Vikram,Research Scholar, Department of Sociology, who assumed the role of Sutradhara. Reintroducing the central theme of the conference, he posed a fundamental question: How is knowledge shaped by history, power, and institutions? Reflecting on the marginalisation of knowledge from the Global South, he emphasised the significance of Sociology in understanding knowledge as a socially constructed phenomenon, deeply embedded within structures of power and inequality. This was followed by a felicitation ceremony, during which mementoes and shawls were presented to the dignitaries seated on the dais.

The Special Lecture session was chaired by Prof. Raghav Reddy from the University of Hyderabad. The first speaker, Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, reflected on the intellectual contributions of Prof. Beteille by highlighting the interconnections between sociology and common sense. He traced Beteille’s academic journey as both an insider and outsider, noting his instrumental role in integrating sociology and anthropology at the Delhi School of Economics. Although often described as a social anthropologist, Prof. Beteille sought to demonstrate the continuum between rural and urban societies. As a nationalist intellectual, he attempted to decolonise knowledge through his theoretical interventions, particularly his critique of Louis Dumont’sHomo Hierarchicus by advancing the theories of cumulative and dispersed inequality. Dr. Kumar further noted Beteille’s critical stance on policy-driven sociology, arguing that sociology must remain a critical study of society rather than a value-laden policy science like economics. His writings in the The Times of India were also acknowledged for elevating the quality of public debate in Indian society. Reflecting on his pedagogy, Dr. Kumar highlighted Beteille’s insistence on rigorous preparation and intellectual discipline, which continues to illuminate generations of students.

Dr. Mritunjay Kr. Yadavendu, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, MGCU, shared personal academic experiences with Prof. Beteille during his M.Phil. fieldwork in West Bengal at the Delhi School of Economics. He described Beteille as a scholar of exceptional discipline and punctuality, devoid of arrogance, and often regarded as the “Max Weber of India” due to his methodological depth. Dr. Yadavendu emphasised that Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) cannot be reduced to Hinduism alone and must engage with diverse knowledge traditions. Echoing Beteille’s position, he argued that knowledge is socially produced and inseparable from society. He stressed that the revival of traditional knowledge must remain secular, critical, and egalitarian.

Dr. Mritunjay Kumar Singh, Associate Professor, Department of Social Work, MGCU, reflected on his association with Prof. Beteille during his days at the University of Delhi and his opportunity to attend Beteille’s lectures at the Delhi School of Economics. He described Prof. Beteille as a scholar who shaped the discipline of sociology both in India and globally. Notably, Beteille distanced himself from policy-making and even resigned from the Knowledge Commission to preserve academic autonomy. Dr. Singh highlighted Beteille’smethodological synthesis of Indological traditions and rigorous fieldwork, which significantly contributed to the decolonisation of Indian knowledge. He concluded by posing a critical question to young scholars: why Indian sociologists are rarely cited in academic work in comparison to Western theorists.

In his concluding remarks, Prof. Raghav Reddy applauded the panellists for their rich reflections on Prof. Beteille’s scholarly legacy. Emphasising the rigour and empiricism that characterised Beteille’s work, he requested the audience to observe a minute of silence as a mark of respect and tribute.

The Special Lecture was followed by a Plenary Session chaired by Dr. Narendra Arya, Head, Department of Political Science, MGCU. Dr. Renu Choudhary, Assistant Professor of Sociology, College of Commerce, Arts and Science, Pataliputra University, spoke on reimagining Indology for the study of contemporary society. She argued that decolonising knowledge requires moving beyond colonial and purely textual frameworks, incorporating subaltern perspectives that challenge both Western epistemologies and indigenous patriarchy. She emphasised that gender must occupy a central place in decolonial discourse and that ethnography and fieldwork are crucial in amplifying marginalised voices and lived realities.

Dr. Sankar Kumar Lal, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, distinguished between Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS)—which include yoga, Ayurveda, and the Vedas—and Indian Traditional Knowledge (ITK), encompassing folkways, customs, and indigenous wisdom. He highlighted Indian values such as collectivism and non-materialism and argued that decolonising knowledge entails transforming mindsets, values, and lifestyles. He also drew attention to the often-overlooked role of women as custodians of household-based traditional knowledge, much of which, though rapidly disappearing, remains socially relevant.

Concluding the session, Dr. Narendra Arya expressed appreciation for the panellists’ diverse intellectual contributions, noting that their insights enriched the conference’s understanding of decolonising knowledge. The session concluded with an engaging interaction between the speakers and participants, marked by questions and observations that further deepened the academic deliberations.

Following the conclusion of the preceding session, the participants broke for lunch. The post-lunch Plenary Session was organised in an online mode and witnessed the participation of several national and international scholars, lending the session a distinctly global character. The session was chaired by Prof. A. K. Sharan, Department of Economics, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, and co-chaired by Dr. Sweta, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, MGCU. The first speaker, Dr. Rajeev Dubey, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Banaras Hindu University, spoke on the processes involved in the colonisation of the Indian mind. He analysed both symbolic and normative dimensions of colonial domination, highlighting how colonial knowledge systems reshaped values, categories of thought, and modes of reasoning, leaving a lasting imprint on Indian intellectual and social life.

Dr. G. Nagarjun, Head, Department of Sociology, University of Sociology, reflected on the uniqueness of Indian civilisation and cultural traditions. He emphasised the depth and diversity of Indian philosophical systems and argued that these traditions offer alternative ways of understanding society, ethics, and knowledge, which deserve greater engagement within contemporary academic discourse.

Prof. Manish Kumar Verma, Department of Sociology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, underscored the importance of incorporating diverse epistemologies in social science research. He highlighted Indian Knowledge Systems as a rich cultural and intellectual repository encompassing pedagogy, history, and civilisational wisdom. Stressing the inclusive and egalitarian nature of IKS, he also drew attention to the National Education Policy 2020, which encourages the integration of IKS and locally grounded epistemologies within higher education curricula.

The session also featured international perspectives. Prof. Grit Kristin Koeltzsch from National University of Jujuy, Argentina, affiliated with CISOR/CONICET, presented on fostering dialogue with Afro-indigenous and marginalised communities through dance and movement. She highlighted shared historical and experiential bonds across South America, Asia, and Africa and introduced the concept of epistemic horizontality as a methodological approach to democratising knowledge production. According to her, indigenous knowledge often emerges from lived experiences of suffering, resistance, and histories of enslavement.

Prof. Helen Nohgwe Yogo from Leibniz University Hannover, reflected on the dominance of Eurocentric frameworks in shaping colonised knowledge systems. She argued that such epistemic dominance has marginalised indigenous cultures and languages, thereby necessitating critical efforts toward epistemic decolonisation.

Concluding the session, Prof. A. K. Sharan synthesised the core themes presented by the speakers and appreciated the thought-provoking nature of their interventions. This was followed by an engaging interactive session in which faculty members and students actively participated in discussions surrounding decolonisation and recolonisation of knowledge. Dr. Sweta concluded the proceedings by posing two critical questions for reflection: first, how Indian Knowledge Systems can be reclaimed without uncritically reviving all past traditions, and second, how knowledge can be produced and sustained in non-institutional spaces. These questions provided a reflective closure to the session and reinforced the seminar’s broader commitment to plural, inclusive, and critical knowledge practices.

The final session of the day was a Technical Session, chaired by Prof. Kailash Chandra Pradhan, Head, Department of Economics, Mahatma Gandhi Central University. The session featured a series of scholarly presentations by research scholars and faculty members from various universities. The presenters included Ms. Chanda Kumari from Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University, Mr. Anshumali Kumar Mishra from Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, Mr. Shambhu Sankar Goswami from Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University, Mr. Amit Kumar Khatik from Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya, Vardha, Ms. Sakshi Priya from Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, Ms. Chandani Kumarifrom Lalit Narayan Mithila University, Darbhanga, Mr. Anil Kumar from Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University, and Dr. Arshi Khanaur, Faculty of Sociology, Ram Narayan College, Hajipur. The session provided a valuable platform for academic exchange, reflecting methodological diversity and thematic richness across sociological and interdisciplinary research areas.

The day concluded with a Valedictory Ceremony, presided over by Dr. Sweta, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology and Co-Convener of the Seminar. In her closing remarks, Dr. Sweta formally concluded the proceedings by proposing a vote of thanks. She expressed her sincere appreciation to the organizers, chairpersons, speakers, scholars, and participants for their active engagement and collective efforts in making the two-day International Seminar a meaningful and successful academic event.