Two-Day International Conference on Indian Knowledge Systems for Sustainable Well-Being Organized at SMS, Varanasi
Two day international conference was organized at SMS, Varanasi during 4-5 March 2023 The main theme of the two-day international Conference on Indian Knowledge Systems for Sustainable Well-Being. Former Vice Chancellor of A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Prof. D.S.Chauhan, who was present as the chief guest at the inaugural session of the international conference, said that the ancient Sanatan Vedic tradition has always focused on the transmission of knowledge conducive to the environmental system. There are many examples of encouraging the protection of the environment in the Vedic mantras. Underlining the references of public interest contained in the ancient Indian tradition of knowledge, Prof. Chauhan said that to stop the exploitation of natural resources, the element of peace has been invoked in these resources.
He said that it is very necessary to decode the ancient knowledge but at the same time it is necessary to be honest and efficient in whatever profession you are in because this is the essence of ancient Indian civilization and knowledge. Marking the importance of sustainable development, Prof. Singh said that collective development is the true measure of sustainable development. In todays world news like increase of lust, anger, greed, usage of nuclear weapons is the absence of consciousness, in such a situation world peace can be restored only through Indian knowledge tradition.
The Guest of Honor in the conference, Prof. Rana P. B. Singh, former chairman of the Department of Cultural Geography and Heritage Studies, BHU, said that in the Sanatan tradition, Shiva is not just God but a whole universe. Explaining the geographical mapping of Varanasi city, Professor Singh said that this city is ring-shaped and folded at three places. Now, if these arrows are connected to the bank of the Ganga below by making arrows, then it will be Trident shaped, that is, what has been said in the Puranas is geographically absolutely accurate. He told that about all the ancient heritage of India,
Professor Vinayachandra BK of Chanakya University, Bangalore said that Indias ancient knowledge tradition is rich in all fields including music, dance, literature, art, Ayurveda, psychology, linguistics. Underlining the origin of linguistics, he said that Paninis Ashtadhyayi is considered to be its origin. Today this creation is at the center of all Western linguistic discussion. Appreciating the positive psychology of India, he said that all the dimensions of a healthy lifestyle have been mentioned in Indian knowledge since centuries ago.
In the international conference, Bishop of Varanasi Eugne Joseph, terming the Indian knowledge tradition as inclusive, said that ethics, spirituality and sense of respect have been an integral part of this eternal tradition. He described knowledge as a process of self-evaluation. Professor Badrinarayan, Director, GB Pant Institute of Social Sciences, Ahmedabad Indian knowledge tradition is not just theory or philosophy but it is a beautiful form of art of living.
Guest of Honour, Prof. Badri Narayan, Director, G B Pant Social Science Institute, Allahabad addressing the audiences in the Inaugural Session of the International Conference on Indian Knowledge Systems for Sustainable Well-Being @ SMS, Varanasi.He said that Indian knowledge tradition is not just theory or philosophy but it is a beautiful form of art of living life. He told that public interest, public concern, public creation means "public" is at the center of this knowledge tradition.
Guest of Honour, Shri. C.M. Singh, Former Member Public Service Commission Uttar Pradesh addressing the audiences in the Inaugural Session of the International Conference on “Indian Knowledge Systems for Sustainable Well-Being” @ SMS Varanasi.Mr. C.M. Singh said that it is necessary to look at modern science from the perspective of Vedic knowledge. Actually the translation of Vedas has been seen only in relation to religious activities. Two great theories emerged in the twentieth century, the theory of relativity and the quantum mechanism, both of which have a deep connection with space and time. The same mystery of interweaving of space and time is also found in the Vedic texts, in which the origin of the universe has been discussed.
As a special guest, former Head & Dean of Delhi School of Economics, Professor B.P. Singh said that the existence of humanity cannot be imagined without culture. Explaining the ancient Indian knowledge stream in the interest of the world, Professor Singh said that the concepts of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramaya make Indian knowledge global. He said that the global outlook of knowledge has been the reason for the survival of this ancient civilization even today.
Prof. D.S.Chauhan, who was present as the chief guest at the inaugural session of the international conference, said that the ancient Sanatan Vedic tradition has always focused on the transmission of knowledge conducive to the environmental system. There are many examples of encouraging the protection of the environment in the Vedic mantras. Underlining the references of public interest contained in the ancient Indian tradition of knowledge.
A souvenir based on the Indian Knowledge Systems for Sustainable Well-Being was also released on the occasion. The inaugural session was conducted by Dr. Abhay Singh Chauhan and the vote of thanks was given by Prof. Avinash Chandra Supkar. Three different technical sessions were also organized on the first day of the two-day international conference, in which about 200 participants from India and abroad presented research papers. On this occasion, Dr. M.P. Singh, Executive Secretary of SMS, Varanasi, Registrar Mr. Sanjay Gupta, Conference Coordinator Prof. Avinash Chandra Supkar, Prof. Sandeep Singh, Prof. Rajkumar Singh and all the teachers and staff were present.
