Erudite scholars and academicians grace the occasion

Kanya Maha Vidyalaya (Autonomous) organised a one-day National Seminar sponsored by Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR), New Delhi to commemorate World Philosophy Day. The acclaimed academicians Prof.(Dr.) Shivani Sharma, Department of Philosophy, Panjab University, Chandigarh, Dr. Pankaj Srivastava,Chairperson, Department of Philosophy, Panjab University, Chandigarh&Mr. Lallan Singh Baghel, Department of Philosophy, Panjab University, Chandigarh were accorded warm welcome on this occasion. Keeping up with the tradition,the proceedings of the day commencedwith the lighting of holy lamp in ceremonial manner.Welcoming the erudite guests,Principal Prof. (Dr.) Atima Sharmaaverred that Philosophy as a driving force of life is all-pervasive in every discipline forming a vision to live up to. Expressing her concern over rapid decline in age-old traditional moral values, she stressed upon  the need of blending value-added courses like Moral Education in curriculum and KMV has already taken a constructive lead by setting a precedent in this direction.Dr. Pankaj Srivastava, Chairperson, Department of Philosophy, Panjab University, Chandigarh examined the ongoing quest to decolonize Indian philosophy and India Studies by revisiting indigenous intellectual traditions and critically reflecting on their contemporary relevance. Citing the works of thinkers like K.C. Bhattacharya, Amartya Sen, Ramu Gandhi, Raghuram Raju, Daya Krishna, D.P. Chattopadhyay, and D.D. Kosambi, Dr. Srivastava explored concepts like Swaraj in thought, public reasoning, and historical materialism that can reshape Indian intellectual discourse. He emphasised upon the need to balance the reclamation of indigenous knowledge with critical self-reflection in contemporary scenario.Prof. (Dr.) Shivani Sharma,Dept. of Philosophy, Panjab University, Chandigarh reflected on the need and significance of Philosophy as a main discipline of knowledge when it comes to Education and its purposethrough the lens of Sri Aurobindo’s ideas. She highlighted the negative impact on the mental health of the Nation at large if it equates Education with Job-securing temperaments and attitudes by fostering insecurities.Therefore, it is incumbent that the task of Nation building must evolve Indian Knowledge System that help us understand our connectedness with history and our historical identity.Mr. Lallan S. Baghelin his discourse, elaborated the Ideas of ‘Swaraj’ from the perspective of Daya Krishna’s political philosophy raising some Normative and Epistemological concerns. He evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of the arguments from the perspective of Daya Krishna and its effects on other philosophers. He emphasised that reconstruction of India’s intellectual traditions must not remain a cultural construct rather aim at integrated consciousness and assimilation of all knowledge systems, not just decolonisation.All the sessions were followed by interactive discussion with the distinguished guests who responded to the inquisitive minds in lucid and interesting manner.The formal vote of thanks was extended by Dr. Ekta Saini, Head, Dept. of Philosophyto all the luminaries, faculty and scholars who made this event successful with their participatory presence.