International Seminar on Darśana of Radhakrishnan: Eternal and Temporal Concludes at IIAS
The two-day international seminar on “Darśana of Radhakrishnan: Eternal and Temporal” organized at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Rashtrapati Nivas, Shimla, concluded successfully today. The seminar brought together several eminent philosophers, scholars, researchers, and members of the academic community from India and abroad who engaged in extensive deliberations on the philosophy of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, his intellectual contributions, and their relevance in the contemporary global context.
During the various academic sessions of the seminar, research papers were presented on different dimensions of Dr. Radhakrishnan’s philosophy—particularly his humanism, his interpretation of Vedanta, his views on the Bhagavad Gita, the global articulation of the Indian knowledge tradition, his educational philosophy, and his reflections on the future of civilization. Scholars from universities and research institutions across the country, along with international participants, actively contributed to the discussions, thereby fostering a meaningful dialogue between the Indian philosophical tradition and contemporary global intellectual thought.
The valedictory session of the seminar commenced with a welcome address by Professor Muktikant Mohanty, Fellow, IIAS. This was followed by a detailed seminar report presented by Dr. S. Ranganath, Fellow, IIAS and Convener of the seminar, who highlighted the key discussions and intellectual contributions that emerged during the two days of deliberations.
On the occasion, Professor Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi, Director of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, in his address remarked that Dr. Radhakrishnan’s philosophy represents a unique synthesis of the profound spirituality of the Indian knowledge tradition and a modern intellectual outlook. He observed that such international seminars not only underline the global relevance of Indian philosophical thought but also promote meaningful dialogue among diverse intellectual traditions.
The valedictory lecture was delivered by Professor Paneer Selvam, former Chairperson of the Department of Philosophy, University of Madras and Director of the Radhakrishnan Chair. In his address, he described Dr. Radhakrishnan’s philosophical thought as an important bridge between Indian and global intellectual traditions and emphasized that his ideas continue to remain highly relevant for discussions on ethics, spirituality, and cultural dialogue in the modern world. Prior to his lecture, he was felicitated with a traditional Himachali shawl and cap by Professor Shashi Prabha Kumar, Chairperson of IIAS.
Presiding over the session, Professor Shashi Prabha Kumar, Chairperson of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, in her presidential address observed that Dr. Radhakrishnan’s thought embodies the universal vision of Indian philosophy and strengthens the ideals of spiritual unity, ethical values, and cultural coexistence for humanity. She further noted that academic events of this nature help bring renewed vitality to Indian philosophical traditions within the broader framework of global intellectual discourse.
In the concluding part of the session, Dr. Rajeev Kumar Mishra, Librarian and ARO, IIAS, delivered the vote of thanks. The valedictory session was moderated by Dr. Akhilesh Pathak, Sales and Public Relations Officer, IIAS. The seminar concluded with the singing of Vande Mataram followed by the National Anthem.
