Centre For Indian Knowledge Systems

Promotes, preserves, and shares traditional Indian wisdom for modern challenges.

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About

  • Headquarters

    Chennai, Tamil Nadu

  • Since

    1995

In India, a vast reservoir of knowledge systems exists, encompassing technologies, skilled artisans, and scholars proficient in various branches of tr Read moreaditional Indian sciences and technologies. These encompass diverse fields like agriculture, architecture, metallurgy, healthcare, textiles, as well as theoretical domains ranging from astronomy and mathematics to grammar, logic, and linguistics. Within these sectors, knowledge exists at different levels, from classical scholars with expertise in textual materials and manuscripts in Indian languages, to folk practitioners with skills transmitted as a living tradition. Crucially, a significant portion of India's population still relies on traditional knowledge, skills, and resources in essential sectors. Although traditional sciences and technologies are studied, the focus often remains historical or related to "Indology," rarely considering their contemporary relevance. Moreover, traditional appreciation frequently centers on aesthetics rather than functional aspects or their modern applicability. The CIKS approach delves deep into these ancient knowledge systems, seeking comprehensive insights into their mechanisms and logic. This understanding is then harnessed to devise pragmatic solutions that suit present-day circumstances.

Impact

Set up and supported 650 farmer institutions including farmer clubs, joint liability group, and self-help group. Nurtured 23 farmer producer companies across 9 districts in Tamil Nadu. 200 publications in six languages.

Programs

  • Organic Agriculture

    CIKS actively develops practical organic farming programs rooted in indigenous knowledge, promoting eco-friendly techniques for sustainable agriculture. Strengthening faith in traditional practices, CIKS fosters the shift towards organic farming, targeting diverse areas:

    Validating plant and animal products for pest protection.
    Enhancing soil fertility using compost, vermicompost, etc.
    Adapting traditional wisdom for organic crop cultivation.
    Innovating biopesticide storage based on Vrkshayurveda.
    Establishing small-scale units for bioinputs production.
    Offering training on organic certification procedures.
    Facilitating certified seed production and SRI techniques.
    CIKS's initiatives have successfully transitioned numerous farmers to effective organic practices, highlighting the viability of sustainable agriculture.

  • CIKS Flood Relief Project

    CIKS executed this project to aid cyclone Nivar, Burevi, and heavy rainfall-affected farmers (Nov 2020 - Jan 2021). Donations funded this endeavor, successfully concluded in Dec 2021. CIKS undertook diverse initiatives, including:

    Distributing bio inputs, plant protection materials, and traditional paddy seeds.
    Assisting flood-affected farmers in Nagapattinam, Kancheepuram, Tiruvannamalai, and Ramanathapuram Districts to access government support.
    Prioritizing small, marginal, severely impacted farmers without government compensation or assistance.

  • Sourcebook of Vrkshayurveda

    Vrkshayurveda, the ancient Indian plant science, offers remarkably relevant solutions to modern agricultural challenges. Existing information highlights its significance in ayurveda, agriculture, horticulture, and life sciences. It encompasses valuable insights into seed treatment, soil testing, yield enhancement methods, land categorization, and cultivation techniques. Topics like disease causation, identification, treatment, and utilization of plants for water and mineral exploration are also covered. Understanding the historical processes that allowed ancient Indians to acquire plant-related knowledge and its practical application for improving life conditions can offer insights for contemporary issues. CIKS endeavors to integrate Vrkshayurveda principles across its diverse endeavors.

    The Sourcebook of Vrkshayurveda project had a specific goal of compiling comprehensive knowledge. Initiated by CIKS in March 2021 and successfully concluded in October 2021. Importantly, the approach focused on the current relevance and practical applications of Vrkshayurveda. The Sourcebook encompasses a general introduction, a thorough examination of source materials, recent validation efforts, present significance, and future potential. It also provides a valuable bibliography of diverse source materials related to the subject.

  • Conservation of indigenous rice varieties

    In October 2016, CIKS streamlined its efforts in conserving indigenous rice varieties through the inception of the "Namma Nellu" initiative, meaning "Our Rice" in Tamil. This initiative aimed at crowd funding, where CIKS invited contributions from individuals and organizations to support the conservation of diverse indigenous rice varieties for the common good. Unlike the cold storage seed banks maintained by research institutions and agricultural universities, indigenous varieties are limited in availability and not accessible to farmers. Their access is typically reserved for researchers and scientists. The objective of multiplying and providing rare indigenous varieties to farmers and the broader public aligns with the need to ensure their preservation and availability.

Leadership Team

  • Dr Latha Satish

    Chairperson

  • Darshan Shankar

    Trustee

  • DS Ramakrishna Rao

    Trustee

  • S Kamala

    Trustee

  • AV Balasubramanian

    Trustee

Demographics & Structure

  • No. of Employees

    6-20

M&E

  • Internal, External Assessors

    No

Policies

  • Ethics and Transparency Policies

    No

  • Formal CEO Oversight & Compensation Policy

    No

Political & Religious Declarations

  • On Affiliation if any

    No

  • On Deployment Bias if any

    No

Registration Details

  • PAN Card

    AAATC0057F

  • Registration ID

    Book 4 Document No 16

  • VO ID / Darpan ID

    TN/2016/0099681

  • FCRA

    75900632

  • CSR Registration Number

    Not Available

Location

Other Details

  • Type & Sub Type

    Non-profit
    Trust

Financial Details

 Income / Expenses
  • 2018-19

    Income
    Rs.0
    Expenses
    Rs.6,491
    Admin Expenses
    Rs.6,491
    Program Expenses
    Rs.0
    Tip: Click on any value above to exclude it.
  • 2019-20

    Income
    Rs.0
    Expenses
    Rs.5,380
    Admin Expenses
    Rs.5,380
    Program Expenses
    Rs.0
    Tip: Click on any value above to exclude it.
  • 2020-21

    Income
    Rs.0
    Expenses
    Rs.4,492
    Admin Expenses
    Rs.4,492
    Program Expenses
    Rs.0
    Tip: Click on any value above to exclude it.