CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 120, NO. 4, 25 FEBRUARY 2021 603 CURRENT SCIENCE Volume 120 Number 4 25 February 2021 GUEST EDITORIAL Traditional knowledge systems and new science policy thrust The extent of original medical research in India remains sub-optimal despite competence and facilities. One of the factors could be ignorance about, and a general lack of rational appreciation of India’s traditional knowledge sys- tems (TKS), which could otherwise be a good source of new ideas, and thus innovation. The existing silos do not allow sufficient cross-disciplinary dialogue between the mainstream biomedical community and those in the TKS to promote active and unbiased research in TKS. The new Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) pro- posed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST 2020), Government of India has the potential to accelerate the confluence of ancient and contemporary wisdoms, if appropriately articulated, inter-digitated and executed. Science and Technology remains a key driver for eco- nomic growth and human development. The STIP aims to identify and address strengths and weaknesses of the Indian STI ecosystem to catalyse socio-economic develop- ment of the country and also make the Indian STI ecosys- tem globally competitive. STIP proposes establishment of a National STI Observatory as a central repository for all kinds of data related to and generated from the STI eco- system. Strategy of Open Science Framework will be im- portant to provide access to scientific data. Making all data generated from publicly-funded research available to the public is a welcome step. The idea of ‘one nation, one subscription’ would give legally appropriate access to global research articles. The policy intends to strengthen innovative ecosystem and entrepreneurship. Establish- ment of Science Media Centres at national and regional levels, to connect scientists with media, is also a good step. The STIP is expected to be guided by a broad vision including technological self-reliance, human resource de- velopment, increased investments and global recognition. In order to fulfil aspirations of a new, future-ready India with ensured and active participation, shared responsibility and equitable ownership of all stakeholders, it is neces- sary to transform the national STI landscape. It should fortify India’s indigenous capacity while nurturing mea- ningful global interconnectedness. In this context, there is a need for greater emphasis on promoting active research in TKS, so that the inter- twined facts and myths are separated. This is expected to lead to development of indigenous technologies and en- courage grassroot innovation. The STIP envisions an institutional architecture to integrate TKS and grassroots innovation into education, research and innovation system by encouraging collabo- rations with scientists. Obviously, there is a need to rationally verify and strengthen the validated traditional knowledge base. The capacity to look at various disci- plines with humility, curiosity and passion is the key to such integration. It is important to recognize the dynamic nature of knowledge rather than keep it compartmenta- lized as traditional and modern. This perspective is im- portant for health research in a country like India, which has a long history of living with traditional health-care systems such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and several local health traditions (broadly grouped as AYUSH systems). The mainstream health research in India is managed by the Department for Health Research (DHR) mainly through the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The five research councils under the Ministry of AYUSH (MoA) function independently. In addition, several other departments and councils of science and technology also support health and biomedical research. Importantly, the DHR mandate needs to cut across boundaries of modern and AYUSH systems, giving due regard to respective epistemological nuances. In this context, it is necessary to emphasize that health education and research needs to be considered in a holistic manner. The National Health Policy 2017 and National Education Policy 2020 both promote this vision. The proposed National Research Foundation will hopefully be aligned to promoting trans- disciplinary research on TKS. There is often a criticism that AYUSH professionals are not involved in high quality research. The need for more rigorous scientific research on Ayurveda and other TKS has been repeatedly highlighted (Patwardhan, B., J. Ayurveda Integr. Med., 2010, 1(3), 169; Lakhotia, S. C., In Integration Perspectives: Ayurveda, Phytopharmaceut- icals and Natural Products (ed. Bhat, N.), Continental Prakashan, Pune, 2020, II/7, pp. 87–102; Lakhotia, S. C., Proc. Indian Natl. Sci. Acad., 2016, 82(1), 1–3; Patward- han, B. and Vaidya, A. D., Curr. Sci., 2009, 97(8), 1117– 1121). Although, the data in Clinical Trials Registry of