With the aim of promoting research and innovation, the Society for Holistic Development of Humanity Development (SHoDH) Foundation inaugurated a two-day national workshop titled ‘Shodhshala 1.0’ at the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) in the sacred city of Prayagraj. The event began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp before the idols of Swami Vivekananda and Goddess Saraswati.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Prof. Mukul Sharad, Director of IIIT Prayagraj, as the Chief Guest; Mr. Ashish Chauhan, National Organising Secretary of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), as the Keynote Speaker; Mr. Arjun Anand, National Convenor of Shodh Foundation; and Prof. Suchita Tripathi, President of ABVP Kashi.
A total of 120 research delegates from various states of India participated in the workshop. The primary objectives of the workshop were to enhance the quality of research, foster collaboration between academia and industry, and familiarize young researchers with the latest methodologies and resources in the field of research.
Following the inaugural session, Prof. Anand Shankar Singh, Principal of Iswar Saran Degree College, delivered a lecture on “The Indian Knowledge Tradition.”
Prof. Sunit Kumar Singh, Director of Dr. BR Ambedkar Biomedical Research Centre, University of Delhi, spoke on “Publication Opportunities for Live Research in India.”
Ashish Chauhan, National Organising Secretary of ABVP, addressed the delegates on “Opportunities and Possibilities in Research.” The workshop also featured three parallel dialogue sessions focusing on diverse research themes.
Delivering his inaugural remarks, Prof. Mukul Sharad emphasized that research should not merely be treated as a process, but as a cultural practice. He encouraged participants to view research as a means to achieve the broader goal of human welfare, urging them to engage deeply with each phase of the research journey.
In his keynote address, Ashish Chauhan reflected on the importance of intellectual discourse, likening the workshop to a “Knowledge Kumbh,” reminiscent of the recent spiritual Kumbh held in Prayagraj. He expressed concern that many Indian companies still rely on imitation rather than original innovation, contributing very little to meaningful research. He urged the youth to move beyond divisions and to make full use of available educational resources to ensure quality contributions to the research domain.
Arjun Anand, National Convenor of Shodh Foundation, highlighted that India’s academic system is still influenced by colonial mindsets, which can only be changed through a personal transformation rooted in ‘Swa’ (self). He reiterated the workshop’s aim to train participants in the correct methods of research and to cultivate academic leadership for the future.
Prof. Suchita Tripathi, President of ABVP Kashi, welcomed the delegates and spoke on the uniqueness of the Indian knowledge tradition, underlining the need to internalize indigenous research paradigms.
