The School of Philosophy and Culture (SoPC) at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) Katra, celebrated Indian Philosopher’s Day commemorating the Birth Anniversary of Adi Shankaracharya on 17th May 2021. The coordinator of the event, Dr. M.M. Chaturvedi welcomed all participants and distinguished speaker Prof. Vishwanath Mishra, Department of Political Science, Arya Mahila PG College, Varanasi. Dr. Anil Tewari (Head, SoPC) gave a brief introduction of the School highlighting its recent ventures and achievements including the two new academic programs Integrated BA (Hons.) and MA Philosophy, and MA in Sanskrit (Vedic Studies) launched from the academic session 2021-22.
In his inaugural address, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) R.K. Sinha (Padma Shri) observed that art, culture, and philosophy are the actual parameters of human development. He too wished that the BA (Hons.) and MA Philosophy integrated program along with the PG program in Vedic Studies attract bright students from the whole country.
The program began with a beautiful recitation of Mangalacharan by Dr. Dhananjay Mishra from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Gurukul, Charan Paduka, Katra. Prof. Vishwanath Mishra delivered his lecture on the topic “The Concept of Nation: Ravindra Nath Tagore, Maharshi Aurobindo and Mahatma Gandhi”. He differentiated between the notion of western nationalism vis-à-vis Indian nationalism with an in-depth analysis.Shri N.S. Jamwal (Registrar, SMVDU) expressed his satisfaction for organizing such an online event and pledged for more such events in the coming days in offline mode (depending upon pandemic situation and government protocols). Prof. V.K. Bhat (Dean, FoHSS) explicated the importance of this event and congratulated the School for holding the special lecture on the occasion.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Sumanta Sarathi Sharma (AP, SoPC). This event was a part of Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav celebration at SMVDU. More than 300 participants registered and attended the event including alumni, students, faculty members, staff members, and delegates from all over the country.