“THE POSITION AND RELEVANCE OF VEDANTA PHILOSOPHY IN PRESENT ERA”
JK News Today
Jammu, November 2:
A three day 27th International Conference on the topic “The Position & Relevance of Vedanta Philosophy in Present Era”was inaugurated today with the lightening of ceremonial lamp by Prof.Manoj K Dhar, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Jammu University.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Manoj K Dhar speaking quoted some verses from Guru Ravindra tagore and quoted Swami Vivekananda who has said “vedanta philosophy comprise of all the various sects that now exist in india.” Prof Dhar further said that vedanta means end of vedas thereby reflecting the idea that emerges from the speculations and philosophy containing in the upanishads . VC said that Vedanta is one of the six orthodox schools of hindu philosophy and it doesn’t stand for one comprehensive or unifying doctrine rather it is a umbrella term for sub traditions. Vice Chancellor, said Vedanta Philosophy was relevant in ancient age and so is it today. Although we are living in digital age, but our living style belongs to Sanatana Paddhati. We have different view regarding Vedanta Philosophy but lastly when we go to the old age we return again to Advaita Philosophy. Prof Dhar said that the University is in the process of establishing digital laboratory dedicated to languages which will allow students and scholars to reinforce material learned in class by putting them into practice through interactive activities. He also congratulate the Department for organizing this conference.
Prof. Jatashankar Tiwari Ex. HOD, Department of Philosophy, University of Allahabad & President Akhil Bhartiya Darshan Parishad “Saraswat Atithi” in his Keynote address began with the three foundational scriptures of vendanta tradition i.e upanishads, bharmasutra, Bhagwad Gita. Several commentaries have been written on Prasthantvaiji and accordingly different schools of vedants emerged in due course of time. Prof Tiwari maintained that Vedantic theory of Abedh is the only solution to the contemporary problems of the world . Vedanta is inclusive philosphy and denies all kinds of exclusiveness.
Prof. Kishor Kumar Chakrawarti Professor of Philosophy and Religion, University of California, USA was Special Guest. Prof Kishor cited several examples where classical Greek thinkers have been influenced by Vedantic wisdoms of India, He quoted some points from plato where the impact of vednatic traditions is visible.
RajGuru Mahamandleshwar SwamiVishwatmananda Saraswati ji was Guest of Honor, and he enlightened the participants with an episode from upanishad where humans, dieties and demons reached prajapati Brahma and requested him the path of a good happy life. Brahma uttered only one letter ” Da” and all the three derived different meanings as per their own interpretation and convenience.
Prof. Keshav Sharma Dean Academic Affairs, University of Jammu also spoke o the occasion.
Earlier. Prof. Ram Bahadur HOD Sanskrit, University Of Jammu and the organizing secretary of this conference. delivered welcome address.
The formal Vote of thanks was delivered by Prof Shohab Inayat Malik, HOD Urdu & Dean Faculty of Arts,
Among others delegates from different part of India , faculty members scholars and students from department of Sanskrit and other institutions were also present.
