Embracing Indigenous Knowledge at the Animal Taxonomy Summit

Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh has urged the scientific community to integrate India's indigenous knowledge with contemporary scientific research to foster growth. Addressing the Animal Taxonomy Summit 2025 in Kolkata, Singh emphasized the significance of moving beyond Western ideas to enrich intellectual pursuits.

Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision articulated in the Panch Pran, Singh lauded India's role as a global thought leader in biodiversity. The Minister acknowledged the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) scientists as 'modern sages' for their contributions to understanding India's diverse species.

The summit, attended by over 500 delegates from countries including Ghana, Denmark, the US, and the UK, focused on advancing taxonomy and conservation. With its 110-year heritage, ZSI continues to play a pivotal role in documenting India's vast faunal biodiversity.