First Annual International Conference on Sanskrit

Sanskrit as a Global Knowledge System: Integrating Ancient Wisdom with Modern Technology

Call for Papers

Conference Overview

Date: June 6, 2026
Location: Aria University, 1521 California Circle, Milpitas, CA 95035
Format: Keynote and Presentation Sessions with International Participation
Organized By: Aria University
In Collaboration With: SYAAM (Sanskrit, Yoga, Arts, and Music)

Sanskrit, one of humanity’s most ancient and sophisticated knowledge languages, has served for millennia as a powerful medium for transmitting scientific, philosophical, aesthetic, and spiritual wisdom. Far from being confined to the past, Sanskrit continues to offer profound insights relevant to contemporary disciplines including science, technology, linguistics, healthcare, environmental studies, and the arts.

This inaugural annual conference provides a platform for scholars, researchers, technologists, and practitioners to explore innovative approaches to preserving, advancing, and disseminating Sanskrit knowledge systems. We particularly encourage research that bridges traditional Sanskrit scholarship with modern technologies including artificial intelligence, computational linguistics, digital humanities, and data science.

Conference Objectives

  • Bridge Ancient and Modern: Connect classical Sanskrit knowledge with contemporary research methodologies and technological applications.
  • Foster Interdisciplinary Dialogue: Create conversations between Sanskrit scholars, computer scientists, linguists, health practitioners, and cultural preservationists.
  • Promote Digital Innovation: Explore AI, machine learning, and computational approaches to Sanskrit research, preservation, and pedagogy.
  • Advance Global Scholarship: Contribute to making Sanskrit knowledge accessible and relevant to global audiences.
  • Build Research Community: Establish an annual forum for sustained scholarly exchange and collaborative research.

Research Themes

The conference welcomes original research contributions in the following areas:

Theme 1: Scientific Knowledge in Ancient Sanskrit Texts

This theme explores the sophisticated scientific and mathematical knowledge embedded in Sanskrit literature and its relevance to modern scientific inquiry.

Topics include:

  • Mathematics, astronomy, physics, and allied sciences in Vedic and classical Sanskrit texts.
  • Sanskrit linguistic theories (Pāṇini, Bhartṛhari) and their relevance to modern linguistics and cognitive science.
  • Interdisciplinary approaches to Sanskrit studies.
  • Sanskrit’s contributions to global intellectual history and world civilization.
  • Computational analysis of scientific content in Sanskrit manuscripts.
  • Comparative studies of ancient Sanskrit and modern scientific paradigms.

Theme 2: Technology and Digital Innovation in Sanskrit Studies

This theme focuses on leveraging modern technology to preserve, analyze, and disseminate Sanskrit knowledge.

Topics include:

  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: NLP applications for Sanskrit, neural machine translation, sentiment analysis in Sanskrit texts.
  • Digital Preservation: Manuscript digitization technologies, OCR for Devanagari and other Indic scripts, digital archiving best practices.
  • Computational Linguistics: Parsing Sanskrit grammar, morphological analyzers, dependency parsing, corpus linguistics.
  • Educational Technology: E-learning platforms for Sanskrit pedagogy, adaptive learning systems, gamification in Sanskrit education.
  • Data Science Applications: Text mining Sanskrit literature, network analysis of intertextual references, quantitative approaches to Sanskrit studies.
  • Digital Humanities: Creating digital editions, annotation tools, visualization of Sanskrit knowledge networks.

Theme 3: Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Wellness Traditions

This theme examines traditional knowledge systems related to health, environment, and sustainable living.

Topics include:

  • Ayurveda: Evidence-based research on Ayurvedic principles, integration with modern medicine, sustainable lifestyle practices.
  • Yoga Science: Biomechanical and physiological studies of yoga practices, therapeutic applications, integration with modern healthcare.
  • Traditional Ecological Knowledge: Environmental wisdom in Sanskrit texts, sustainable agriculture practices, conservation ethics.
  • Mathematics and Astronomy: Computational methods in ancient Indian mathematics, astronomical algorithms, calendar systems.
  • Mind-Body Practices: Neuroscience of meditation, psychophysiological effects of pranayama, evidence-based integrative healthcare.

Theme 4: Sanskrit Aesthetics, Literature, and Philosophy

This theme explores the rich aesthetic, literary, and philosophical traditions preserved in Sanskrit.

Topics include:

  • Rasa Theory: Emotional and aesthetic science in Sanskrit dramaturgy, applications to modern psychology and cognitive science.
  • Literary Theory: Dhvani (suggestion), śleṣa (wordplay), alaṅkāra (figures of speech), and their cognitive dimensions.
  • Poetry as Practice: Kāvya as sādhana (spiritual practice), literature and contemplative traditions.
  • Narrative Traditions: Philosophical narratives in gadyakāvya, prose poetry from Bāṇa to modern authors.
  • Digital Literary Analysis: Computational approaches to Sanskrit poetics, stylometry, authorship attribution.
  • Comparative Literature: Sanskrit literary traditions in global contexts.

Submission Guidelines

Abstract Submission

Important

Deadline: February 25, 2026

Submit abstracts to: sanskritconference2026@aria.edu

Requirements:

  • Length: 300-500 words.
  • Content: Should clearly state research question, methodology, and significance.
  • Keywords: Include 5 relevant keywords.
  • Author Information: Full name(s), affiliation(s), email address(es), phone number.

Evaluation Criteria:

  • Originality and scholarly merit.
  • Relevance to conference themes.
  • Clarity of research objectives.
  • Methodological rigor.
  • Potential contribution to the field.

Notification: Acceptance notifications will be sent by February 5, 2026

Full Paper Submission

Important

Deadline: March 31, 2026

Submit full papers to: sanskritconference2026@aria.edu

Requirements:

  • Length: 3,000-5,000 words (excluding references).
  • Languages: Sanskrit or English.
  • Font: Times New Roman, 12-point.
  • Format: APA 7th edition for citations and references.
  • Structure: Title page with author details, abstract, keywords, main text, references.
  • Originality: All papers must be original, unpublished work.
  • Citations: All sources must be properly cited and referenced.

Title Page Must Include:

  • Paper title
  • Author name(s) and affiliation(s)
  • Contact details (email, phone)
  • Acknowledgments (if any)

Plagiarism Policy:

All submissions will be screened for plagiarism. Papers found to contain plagiarized content will be summarily rejected and excluded from conference proceedings. Authors are responsible for ensuring the originality of their work and proper attribution of all sources.

Publication Opportunities

Selected papers, subject to rigorous peer review, will be published in an edited volume with ISBN. This provides authors with:

  • Peer-reviewed publication for academic record.
  • Wider dissemination of research.
  • Permanent scholarly contribution to the field.
  • Citation in academic databases.
Important

Publication Fee: An additional $30 will be charged for authors choosing to publish in the proceedings volume.

Important Dates

Milestone Date
Abstract Submission Deadline February 25, 2026
Abstract Acceptance Notification March 5, 2026
Full Paper Submission Deadline March 31, 2026
Early Registration Deadline March 31, 2026
Final Program Announcement May 1, 2026
Conference Date June 6, 2026
Proceedings Publication June 6, 2026

Registration and Fees

Registration is mandatory for all participants. All accepted submissions will be included in the conference souvenir.

Fee Structure

Important
Early Registration Regular Registration
Student Presenters $75 $100
Faculty/Professional Presenters $100 $120
Non-presenting Attendees $30 $40


Early registration deadline is Tuesday, 31 March 2026.

For authors who wish to include their papers in the conference proceedings, there is a Publication in Proceedings fee of $30.


Registration Includes:

  • Conference attendance
  • Conference materials and souvenir
  • Lunch and refreshments
  • Certificate of participation/presentation
  • Access to keynote sessions and panel discussions

Payment Methods:

Details for online payment will be provided upon abstract acceptance. Multiple payment options including credit/debit cards and wire transfer will be available.

Organizing Committee

Chief Editor

Dr. Anupama Ryali
Chair, Department of Sanskrit Language, Aria University

Sub-Editors

  • Dr. Vani Bhandaram
  • Dr. Remilla Rama Krishna Sastry
  • Dr. Usha Rani Sanka

Conference Convenor

Dr. Anupama Ryali
Chair, Department of Sanskrit Language, Aria University

Patrons

  • Raju Chamarthi, CEO, Aria University
  • Dr. Venkat Gudivada, Provost, Aria University

Program Committee

  • Srinivas Saripalle, Founder, SYAAM
  • Rama Saripalle, Co-Founder, SYAAM
  • Satyapriya Tanugula, Director of Outreach, Aria University
  • Sridevi Ganti, Director of Admissions & Records, Aria University

About the Organizers

Aria University

Aria University is a WASC-approved multidisciplinary institution committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and global engagement. With a strong emphasis on integrating traditional knowledge systems with contemporary scholarship, the University promotes critical inquiry, ethical leadership, and interdisciplinary learning.

Through its academic programs and research initiatives, Aria University seeks to foster intellectual rigor while contributing meaningfully to the preservation, advancement, and global dissemination of knowledge. The University’s commitment to bridging Eastern and Western knowledge traditions makes it an ideal venue for this conference on Sanskrit studies.

Location: 1521 California Circle, Milpitas, CA 95035
Website: www.aria.edu

SYAAM

SYAAM (Sanskrit, Yoga, Arts, and Music) is a cultural and educational initiative dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and global dissemination of Sanskrit and allied Indic knowledge traditions. Through its interdisciplinary programs spanning Sanskrit, Yoga, Arts, and Music, SYAAM seeks to make classical wisdom accessible and relevant to contemporary learners.

By fostering scholarship, creative expression, and community engagement, SYAAM actively contributes to sustaining Sanskrit as a living tradition and a vibrant medium of knowledge in the modern world. SYAAM’s collaborative approach aligns perfectly with this conference’s mission to bridge traditional scholarship and modern innovation.

Contact Information

General Inquiries

Email: sanskritconference2026@aria.edu
Website: aria.edu/conferences/sanskrit2026

Conference Coordinator

Rama Saripalle
Co-Founder, SYAAM
Email: rama.saripalle@aria.edu
Phone: (408) 564-3198

Paper Submission Queries

For questions about abstract and paper submissions, evaluation criteria, or formatting: Email: sanskritconference2026@aria.edu

Registration and Payment

For questions about registration process, fees, or payment methods: Email: sanskritconference2026@aria.edu

Travel and Accommodation

Venue

Aria University
1521 California Circle
Milpitas, CA 95035

Getting There

By Air: San José International Airport (SJC) - 15 minutes. Other nearby airports are San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK).
By Car: Free parking available on campus.
By Public Transit: VTA Light Rail and bus service to Milpitas.

Accommodation

A list of recommended hotels near the campus will be provided to registered participants. Special conference rates may be available at select hotels.

Why Attend?

  • Cutting-Edge Research: Learn about the latest developments in Sanskrit studies, computational linguistics, and digital humanities.
  • Interdisciplinary Networking: Connect with scholars from Sanskrit studies, computer science, linguistics, health sciences, and cultural studies.
  • Technology Focus: Explore how AI, machine learning, and digital tools are transforming Sanskrit research and preservation.
  • Publication Opportunity: Selected papers will be published in peer-reviewed proceedings with ISBN.
  • Collaborative Research: Identify potential collaborators for future research projects and funding proposals.
  • Professional Development: Enhance your research profile and expand your academic network.

Call to Action

We invite scholars, researchers, technologists, graduate students, and practitioners from around the world to contribute to this important conversation on preserving and advancing Sanskrit knowledge systems through innovation and technology.

Important

Submit your abstract by February 25, 2026

Join us in bridging ancient wisdom with modern technology!

This conference represents the beginning of an annual tradition dedicated to advancing Sanskrit studies through scholarly excellence and technological innovation. We look forward to your participation in this inaugural event.

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