THE Young Authors’ Conference had six sessions on different themes. The first session after the inaugural session was on history and philosophy. The focus of this session was on shared civilisational links and their impact on modern ethical behaviour.
The session took up the impact of ancient civilisations and ethical values on modern society. It was chaired by Dr. Yuthika Mishra with Ekatherina S. Manoylo from the Russian Federation and Dr. Ayesha Gautam from India as the panelists. The session was moderated by Prof. Ajoy Karnati.
Trade, commerce linkages
The focus of the session on economy was on trade and commerce linkages. International trade has a rich history starting with barter system being replaced by mercantilism shifting towards liberalism. Trade and commerce are not just the basic sustaining elements of society; they are also effective ways of strengthening politico-economic security and cultural ties.
Dr. Sunil Ashra was the chair for this session with Anastacia V. Volodina from the Russian Federation and Dr. Pravesh Kumar Gupta from India as the speakers. The session was moderated by Mr. Kumar Vikram.
Translating religious texts
This third session focused on religion as a major pillar of civilisational identity that permeates all aspects of life. Religion can travel across oceans through texts, and these sacred texts, which may be translated for various purposes, include forms of architecture, poetry, music and recitation that are co-constructed by religious communities and function within broader religious and social cultures.
The session was chaired by Chamu Krishna Shastri and moderated by Deepa Singh. The panelists for the session were Nurlan Kyzy Begaiym from the Kyrgyz Republic, Dr. Pranshu Samdarshi from India and Ainur Akhmetova from Kazakhstan.
Contemporary culture
This session explored the foundation of modern popular culture which is rooted in myriad aspects of civilisation. The traditions of history–political, social and economic structures, music, art and literature passed down through years rebuild societies and mould new generations.
Dr. JK Bajaj was the session chair and Neera Jain was the moderator. Dr. Rashmini Koparkar from India, Erkanat Khuatbekuly from Kazakhstan and Anastacia V. Volodina were the speakers.
Literature & literary texts The focus of this session was on translation and interpretation of literary texts. Language, as a social tool, is the medium through which the culture and history of different communities interact with each other.
This fifth session was chaired by Prof. Badri Narayan and was moderated by Kumar Vikram. The panelists for the session were Ekatherina S. Manoylo from the Russian Federation, Tanvi Negi from India, Ainur Akhmetova from Kazakhstan and Dr. Sonu Saini from India.
Science & medicine
The focus of the sixth and the last session was on perspectives on science and medicinal knowledge systems of SCO member states. Since time immemorial, various communities have closely observed the natural world around them to formulate traditional systems of beliefs which not only reflect their wealth of wisdom but also provide time-tested and reliable remedies. The session was chaired by Maxim A. Zamshev from the Russian Federation and Neerja Anand was the moderator. The panellists of the session included Dr Aditya Kolachana from India and Nurlan Kyzy Begaiym from Kazakhstan.
The panel highlighted the role of medicine in the 21st century and the need to strike a balance between traditional and modern medicinal practices.