Andhra Vignana Sammelanam 2026 Opens at SPA Vijayawada, Blending Tradition with Science

The two-day Andhra Vignana Sammelanam-2026 opened at the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) in Vijayawada on Monday, bringing together scientists, academicians, researchers and students for a programme centred on promoting scientific and technological knowledge through Telugu.

Day one was dominated by discussions on environmental protection and biodiversity, Telugu literature, the role of nuclear energy in sustainable development, traditional Indian architecture, water conservation and Ayurveda.

Professor and architect Amogh Kumar Gupta, chairperson of the Board of Governors at SPA Vijayawada, attended as chief guest. K.V.S.G. Murali Krishna, former Vice-Chancellor of JNTU-Kakinada, and C.V.S. Brahmanandam Rao, Dean of the Chemical Sciences Division at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, were guests of honour.

Organisers said a principal aim of the Sammelanam was to make scientific knowledge accessible to a wider section of society through Telugu. The event also seeks to encourage scientific temper among students and young people and to build greater awareness of India's knowledge traditions.

The sessions sought to connect contemporary scientific approaches with traditional knowledge systems, offering experts a platform to discuss their relevance in fields such as health, environment, architecture, mathematics and sustainable development. Students, researchers and science enthusiasts took part in the interactive discussions. SPA Vijayawada Director Ramesh Srikonda presided over the proceedings.

The second day, to be held on Tuesday, will feature expert sessions and discussions on yoga, Ayurveda, mathematics, astronomy, Indian knowledge traditions, artificial intelligence and ethics. Research papers will be presented before the valedictory programme.