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Anant University and Penn GSE organize host convening for Indigenous research project
The event focused on Indigenous Consciousness research methodologies, laying the groundwork for an India-based research project.
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Staff Reporter - Fri, 01, Aug 2025
- 02:12 EDT
- 20
The Indigenous Consciousness Education Research Methodology Convening / Anant National University
Anant National University collaborated with the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania, United States (Penn GSE) and hosted the Indigenous Consciousness Education Research Methodology Convening on July 25 and 26 at the Anant campus in Ahmedabad.
The event brought together leading scholars, education policy experts and practitioners to explore Indigenous Consciousness research methodologies, establishing the foundation for an India-based research project - Indigenous Consciousness Methodology Education Research Project (ICER).
ICER studies an approach that honours local knowledge systems, prioritises community-engaged practices and fosters sustainable, equitable educational frameworks.
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The convening focused on Indigenous Consciousness research methodologies, laying the groundwork for an India-based research project through dialogue, interactions, and panel discussions.
One of the panels was titled 'Rooted Futures: Reimagining Education Policy Through Indigenous Consciousness’. It examined how education policies can incorporate Indigenous knowledge systems, cultural values, and learning approaches to create inclusive, contextually relevant educational frameworks.
Other panels like, 'The Magic of Paper Workshop,' 'Designing Anti-Games - Interactive Media for Consciousness Preservation,' Reimagining Play: A Living Archive of Indigenous Games by Rathava Children' and 'Unlearning Empire: Recolonising Education Research' were also organized.
As part of the academic year 2025-2026, Anant aims to inform the design and development of education policy by ensuring that Indigenous perspectives remain central to shaping impactful and culturally responsive learning models, through this project.
This initiative is closely aligned with the vision outlined in India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for inclusive, locally grounded education models that preserve and promote indigenous knowledge systems.
Dr Sanjeev Vidyarthi, Provost, Anant National University, noted, "Indigenous knowledge forms an integral part of our design pedagogy, and this convening perfectly aligns with our educational philosophy that integrates indigenous knowledge and contemporary design practices."
Dr Leland S McGee, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Penn GSE and Senior Associate Director, GSE Office of Student Success, said, "Indigenous knowledge systems are often associated with only the tribal communities. However, they form an integral part of the traditional knowledge of countless communities across the world. Through this convening, we aim to explore how indigenous knowledge and its impact can help us better design education, policy and systems for the betterment of future generations."
Dr. Diti Vyas, Associate Professor at the School of Creative Practices and Entrepreneurship at Anant, said, "The intent of the convening was to interrogate, expose and undo the dangers and desires of colonisation in education through indigenous consciousness.
Talking about the Convening, she added, "We focused on bringing all the stakeholders of education into conversation, including policy-makers, teachers, researchers and students. Collectively, we aspire to contribute to creating an educational framework that listens deeply, acts justly and honours all."
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