Namsai, Mar 18: The Arunachal University of Studies (AUS) here, in collaboration with the state regional center of Botanical Survey of India (BSI), and the National Innovation Foundation, Gujarat, successfully organised a day-long workshop on scouting and documentation of grassroots innovations & outstanding traditional knowledge practices.
The event brought together experts, policymakers, and traditional knowledge practitioners to emphasise the importance of preserving and integrating indigenous knowledge into modern research and sustainable development.
The workshop featured insightful discussions on the role of traditional knowledge in biodiversity conservation and community-based resource management.
Rector of AUS Prof D S Hernwal, inaugurated the event.
Scientist-D from BSI, Dr Krishna Chowlu underscored the critical need to preserve traditional knowledge systems.
Dr Chowlu elaborated on the workshop’s significance, emphasising the role of grassroots innovations in sustainable development. She discussed the necessity of scouting, documenting, and preserving traditional practices to ensure their integration into biodiversity conservation strategies.
Principal Associate at the National Innovation Foundation Dr Rajiv Mili, delivered an engaging talk on traditional knowledge and technologies in Northeast India, with a special focus on Arunachal Pradesh.
He stressed the need to document and commercialise indigenous knowledge while facilitating technology transfer. His insights highlighted the importance of bridging traditional wisdom with modern innovation to create sustainable solutions.
AUS vice chancellor Prof Ajeya Jha, delivered the keynote speech on ethnobotany, underscoring the role of indigenous knowledge in sustainable resource management.
A key highlight of the event was the personal experiences shared by Purnima Chowlu, a renowned traditional herbal medicine practitioner, who provided valuable insights into the deep-rooted wisdom of local communities and its potential applications in contemporary research and innovation.
The workshop also saw participation from Namsai deputy commissioner C R Khampa, who spoke on administrative efforts to support and document grassroots innovations.
Namsai lawmaker Chou Zingnu Namchoom in his address stressed on the importance of policy-level support for the preservation and promotion of traditional knowledge in the state.
The initiative marks a significant step toward strengthening the documentation and dissemination of grassroots innovations and ethnobotanical knowledge in Arunachal Pradesh, ensuring their integration into scientific research and policy frameworks.
