The second day of the 11th Dubrovnik International Conference on the Sanskrit Epics and Purāṇas (DICSEP) featured engaging discussions on digital approaches to Sanskrit literature before turning to the highlight of the day – the ICCR Regional Conference on Promoting Indian Culture and Civilization and Indian Knowledge Systems, organized by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). ICCR continues to play a leading role in promoting India’s civilizational heritage and fostering international academic and cultural dialogue through such initiatives.

The morning sessions explored digital humanities and Sanskrit studies, examining formulaic structures in the Mahābhārata, linguistic patterns through infinitive-kāma compounds, and the use of stylometric analysis to investigate the chronological development of the Epics and Purāṇas. Further presentations focused on the Mahābhārata, discussing theories of dream and sleep, early Vedānta in the Mokṣadharmaparvan, and archaic ritual elements reflected through divine vision, oracular hearing and yogic power.

The afternoon was dedicated to the ICCR Regional Conference, opened with a keynote address by Dr. Rajesh Ranjan, Deputy Director General, ICCR. Distinguished international scholars discussed how translations, scholarly handbooks and academic research contribute to promoting Indian civilization worldwide, followed by presentations on Mahābhārata translation studies, addressing literary style, translation strategies and the interpretation of key concepts. The programme concluded with a panel on Indian Traditional Knowledge Systems, reaffirming ICCR’s commitment to advancing global understanding of India’s rich intellectual, philosophical and cultural traditions.