Research and Presentations on “Unveiling the Forgotten Wisdom: Women Scholars of Ancient India”

With an aim to appreciate intellectual heritage, the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) at Uttaranchal University organized a competition on “Unveiling the forgotten Wisdom: Women Scholars of Ancient India” on 12 March 2025 in the Swami Vivekananda Auditorium. The competition highlighted the understanding of the historical context to gain new perspective by inspiring critical thinking and innovation.  The students felt motivated by the presence of Shri Jitender Joshi, President, Uttaranchal University; Ms Ankita Joshi, Vice- President; Prof. Dharam Buddhi, Vice Chancellor; Prof. Rajesh Bahuguna, Pro Vice Chancellor; Er. Rajesh Deorari, Director IQAC; and Dr. Kartikey Gaur, Deputy DSW. The competition was judged by Prof Poonam Rawat, Principal, Law College Dehradun. The presentations showcased the lives and scholarly contributions of ancient women scholars of India like Gargi, Maitreyi, Leelavati, Lopamudra, Apala, Anusuya, Bhairavi, Ghosha, Madalsa in various fields including Philosophy, Mathematics, Literature, Tantra Vidya, Upanishads, Rigveda, Astronomy, Medicines and many more. The event created interest among students to research on ancient women scholars and they learned about ancient texts like Markandey Puran, Rigveda, Bhairavaitantra, Gargi Vachaknavi, ancient temple of Anusuya, literature in the form of “LORI” by Madalsa. Students presented their research through creative skills like song, poem, dance, rap song, act and drama. The event attempted to promote regional languages of India. Apart from English, students presented their research in Kumauni, Garhwali, Sanskrit and Hindi. 

After a careful evaluation, the Judge announced the winners. The First prize Winners were Animesh Aman, Minal Kaushik & Jahnavi, BBA Sem II (UIM) while the Second prize was secured by Smita Rana, BCA, Sem II (USCS). Prof Poonam Rawat and Mr Rishi Nautiyal, Asst. Manager, IQAC presented the cash prizes to the winners. The program concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Dr Reeta Rautela, Coordinator of the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems. She expressed gratitude to Uttaranchal University’s approach to promote research and innovation on women’s contributions in ancient wisdom.