In the 16th c this pursuit came to be defined as the search for “truths” that went beyond received wisdom. Science became the catchword to define new enterprise. The search for truth, often claimed as absolute truth, became the order of the day. By 18th c, following industrial revolution, the formal knowledge realm came to be divided into natural sciences, social science and humanities. With the university system spreading along with and across the new nation states in the 19th century, the disciplinization and professionalization of knowledge took place. Creation of multiple disciplines was justified on the ground that systematic research requires concentration and distinct areas should be addressed separately. Such a division was rational, effective and productive. Specialisations and super specialisations became the generally accepted norms by which it moved up. Soon careers and institutions began to be defined in such terms.

This break-up of the knowledge domain into fragmented and inflexible academic disciplines and consequential occupational practices had far reaching adverse effects on the integrated intellectual processes vital for the social well-being of humanity. The primacy of the social well-being and the complex web of human-nature relationships that sustained it were the major casualties. Myopic disciplinary objectives and capital driven science pursuits gave birth to “anti-social” society and individuals. Society at best came to be defined as a collective of “independent” individuals.

PAMA considers experiments in trans-disciplinary enquiries and integrated life practices to be vital in engaging the problems faced by nature and humanity. Transparent, democratic and mutually dependent academic approaches may help the creation and empowerment of socially conscious individuals. Commitment to trans-disciplinary science and new methodological practices are the mode and practice that PAMA aspires to achieve as knowledge goals. PAMA, is a modest initiative by a socially conscious and science sensitive academic collective. It is my great pleasure to invite you to be a partner in ourtrans-disciplinary engagements

The immediate goals include

1. To enrich the PAMA Library for the Advancement of Transdisciplinary Sciences (LATS)
2. To activate the ongoing projects of the Institute for the Advancement of Trans-disciplinary Archaeological Sciences (IATAS).
3. To produce monographs and other intellectual output through transdisciplinary PAMA internships and fellowships.
4. To produce publications of outstanding standards through original research and translation.
5. To establish PAMA as a globally acclaimed trans-disciplinary knowledge centre

PAMA aspires for the support and patronage of the civil society in its various projects and programmes.

We look forward to your enlightened involvement in various projects of PAMA in the best traditions of transparent and socially responsible academic association.

Thanking you

Yours truly,
RVG Menon