Indian Institute of Advanced Study organizing workshop on Nyāya and the World

Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) is organizing an Interdisciplinary International Workshop on “Nyāya and the World” from 09-13 July 2023 as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. The inaugural session of the workshop took place in the Seminar Hall of the Institute on Sunday.

Prof. Shailendra Raj Mehta, Vice-Chairman of IIAS Governing Body and convener of the workshop informed that Nyāya Philosophy has deeply impacted India and the World. In India, Nyāya/Vaiśeṣika is considered to be a foundational discipline along with Pāṇinī, essential to comprehending everything from Mathematics, Aesthetics, Ayurveda, and Law, and as such, was part of the repertoire of every educated Indian. Nor was it confined to the Hindu tradition alone. Jains and Buddhists developed their versions of Nyāya so that it became all-pervading.

After the lamp lighting ceremony Prof. Nageshwar Rao, Director, IIAS, delivered the opening address and welcomed all the speakers and participants on behalf of the Institute. He also gave highlight to the topic of the workshop and its importance in the present era.

Then the session was inaugurated by Chief Guest of the event, Hon’ble Justice P.S. Narasimha, Judge of Supreme court of India (through online mode). Then he delivered the address on the “Nyaya and the Law”. Keynote Address in the session was delivered by Professor Arindam Chakrabarti, Professor of Philosophy, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA and Visiting Professor, Ashoka University, on “Seeking Truth —Not Power— through ‘Vāda’: Alternative Epistemologies of Error”.

In the post lunch session Prof. Shrinivasa Varakhedi, Vice Chancellor, Central Sanskrit University, delivered the address on “Nyaya and Language” (through online mode). Prof. Sacchidananda Mishra, Member Secretary, Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR) talked about “Nyaya and Vedanta”.

Prof. ShashiPrabha Kumar, Chairperson, IIAS Governing Body also graced the occasion and gave her enlightening remarks in the discussion and Q&A time. During these five days International Workshop renowned scholars, philosophers and the participants of the event will deliver the lectures, discuss and share their views. This workshop aims to bridge this gap between Nyāya and the World.