Overview

Sharda University, in collaboration with the International Center for Cultural Studies (ICCS), is hosting a two-day international conference to explore the lasting impact of colonialism on Indigenous communities and the revival of Indigenous knowledge systems.

The event will highlight global efforts to reclaim spiritual, cultural, and ecological practices, and propose frameworks for decolonization grounded in Indigenous perspectives. Scholars and practitioners will share insights through research, dialogue, and case studies, with outcomes including policy recommendations, publications, and visual exhibitions.

 

Chief Patron:

  • Mr. Pradeep Kumar Gupta Ji, Chancellor, Sharda University
  • Mr. Yatendra Kumar Gupta Ji, Pro-Chancellor, Sharda University

Patron:

  • Prof. Sibaram Khara, Vice Chancellor, Sharda University
  • Prof. Shashi Bala Ji, Indologist, President, ICCS Bharat
  • Prof. Yashwant V Pathak Ji, Associate Dean, USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy, University of South Florida, President

Objectives of Event

·  Critically examine the impact of colonial infrastructure
Explore how colonial systems—political, cultural, economic, and spiritual—have historically marginalized Indigenous communities, disrupted their ways of life, and erased their knowledge systems.

·  Highlight global Indigenous efforts to reclaim traditions
Showcase how Indigenous peoples around the world are actively restoring their spiritual and cultural practices, reconnecting with their ancestral heritage, and rebuilding community resilience.

·  Promote decolonial frameworks and Indigenous methodologies
Encourage academic and practical models that center Indigenous worldviews, values, and epistemologies as tools to dismantle lingering colonial structures.

·  Foster interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration
Bring together scholars, activists, and practitioners from diverse fields to engage in meaningful discussions on Indigenous resurgence, postcolonial recovery, and cultural continuity.

·  Develop actionable outcomes for advocacy and knowledge-sharing
Generate scholarly publications, policy recommendations, and multimedia resources—including case studies and visual archives—to support Indigenous revivalism and public engagement.

Convener Details

Co-Convener:

  • Dr. Prashant Arwey, Secretary, ICCS, Delhi Chapter and Assistant Professor, Ramjas College, 8888624969

Co-ordinators:

Chief Guest Details:

  • Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of Minority Affairs, Government of India
  • Dr. Dhananjay Singh, Member Secretary, ICSSR, Indian Council of Social Science Research
  • Shri Mukul Kanitkar, Bhartiya PracharToli Sadasya,  Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)

Speaker Details:

  • Dr. Joram Begi , Former Director of Higher Education, Government of Arunachal Pradesh & Chairman, RIWATCH Governance/Policymaking
  • Dr. Shashibala , National President, International Centre for Cultural Studies (ICCS) Academics
  • Dr. Amiben Upadhyay, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar State Open University, Gujarat Academics
  • Prof. Vasant Shinde Former Professor and Vice-Chancellor at the Deccan College, Post-Graduate and Research Institute, Deemed University, Pune Academics
  • Dr. I Made Darmayasa President, International Divine Love Society, International Vice President, World Hindu Federation, (Bali) Academics
  • Prof. Balram Singh Director, Center for Indic Studies, University of Massachusetts