About CIKS

Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems (CIKS) is a non-profit independent trust based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India that focuses on applying traditional Indian knowledge and practices to contemporary societal challenges — especially in agriculture, biodiversity, and sustainable livelihoods.

Overview & Purpose

• Founded: The organization began in August 1993 and was formally registered as an independent trust in January 1995 in Chennai, after being established under the Academy of Development Sciences, Maharashtra.

• Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

• Founders: Dr. A. V. Balasubramanian (Director & Founding Trustee) and Dr. K. Vijayalakshmi.

• Focus: Use indigenous knowledge for sustainable agriculture, food and nutritional security, biodiversity conservation, and Vrkshayurveda — an ancient Indian science of plant life and cultivation.

Core Activities

CIKS works directly with small and marginal farmers to enhance livelihood security through a mix of traditional and scientific practices:

• Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting organic farming and soil health.

• Biodiversity Conservation: Supporting cultivation and preservation of traditional crop varieties (e.g., indigenous rice).

• Research & Training: Producing research, materials, and training on traditional science, technologies, and farming knowledge.

• Farmer Support: CIKS and its network have helped support tens of thousands of farmer families and hundreds of producer institutions with enterprise development, marketing, and technical advice.

Key Programmes & Impact

• Namma Nellu: An initiative for conserving and promoting traditional rice varieties in Tamil Nadu, aiming at food and nutritional security.

• Field Operations: CIKS operates demonstration farms and field offices across Tamil Nadu; implements sustainability practices that blend indigenous knowledge with modern approaches.

• Farmer Reach: Through partnerships and its network (including Sempuman Sustainable Solutions), CIKS has supported over 110,000 farmers and helped nurture farmer producer companies.

Vision

The Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems at Megha Institute of Engineering and Technology for Women aspires to be a beacon of traditional wisdom and contemporary relevance, fostering a profound understanding and appreciation of India’s rich cultural, intellectual, and philosophical heritage. By integrating and implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, it aims to create a dynamic learning environment that bridges the gap between ancient knowledge and modern innovation, empowering students to contribute meaningfully to society.

Mission

Promote Interdisciplinary Learning: Encourage the exploration of India’s diverse knowledge systems through a multidisciplinary approach, enriching students’ academic and personal growth.
Integrate NEP 2020 Principles: Implement the National Education Policy 2020 to foster holistic, flexible, and multidisciplinary education, ensuring the inclusion of Indian cultural and ethical values in the curriculum.
Preserve and Innovate: Preserve the essence of Indian traditions while promoting innovative research and application of ancient wisdom to contemporary challenges.
Empower Future Leaders: Equip students with a deep understanding of Indian knowledge systems, enabling them to become thoughtful leaders and global citizens who contribute positively to society.

Objectives

• To preserve and showcase India’s knowledge for future generations and a sustainable society.
• To decolonize the Indian mind by generating interest and critical reverence for India’s knowledge traditions.
• To engage/ participate with traditional communities, gurus, and experts to document and preserve traditional practices.

To facilitate the students with the concepts of Indian traditional knowledge and to make them understand the importance of roots of Indian Knowledge System.

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