Two-Day International Seminar on “Darśana of Radhakrishnan” at IIAS
The Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Rashtrapati Nivas, Shimla, will organize a two-day international seminar on the theme “Darśana of Radhakrishnan: Eternal and Temporal” on 9–10 March 2026. The seminar aims to encourage scholarly deliberations on the philosophy of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan—one of India’s greatest philosophers, eminent educationists, and former President of India—particularly focusing on his interpretation of the Indian spiritual tradition and its relevance in the contemporary world.
Dr. Radhakrishnan is widely regarded as a profound thinker who established the global recognition of Indian philosophy. By fostering dialogue between Eastern and Western intellectual traditions, he articulated significant ideas on the spiritual unity of humankind, ethical values, and the future of civilization. His philosophical vision reflects a deep interpretation of Vedanta, a strong humanistic outlook, and a comprehensive spiritual understanding of life.
The inaugural session of the seminar will be held on 9 March 2026 at 9:30 AM. Professor Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi, Director, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, will deliver the welcome address, while the keynote address will be delivered by Professor Shrinivasa Varakhedi, Vice-Chancellor of Central Sanskrit University, Delhi. On this occasion, Professor ShashiPrabha Kumar, Hon’ble Chairperson of the Institute, will also deliver the presidential address. The programme will also include the release of a few recent publications brought out by the Institute.
During the two-day international seminar, distinguished scholars from India and abroad will present their research and reflections on various dimensions of Dr. Radhakrishnan’s philosophy. Among the notable participants are Professor Daniel Raveh from Tel Aviv University, Israel; Professor Lavanya Vemsani from Shawnee State University, USA; Professor Balaganapathi Devarakonda from the University of Delhi; Professor Nataraju A. from Jawaharlal Nehru University; and Professor Namita Nimbalkar from the University of Mumbai, along with several other eminent scholars. The academic sessions will deliberate on themes such as Radhakrishnan’s humanism, his interpretation of Vedanta and the doctrine of Maya, his engagement with the Bhagavad Gita, and his contribution to contemporary global philosophical discourse.
On this occasion, a state-of-the-art automated conference hall established at Siddharth Vihar Guest House of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study will also be inaugurated on 9 March 2026. Equipped with modern facilities, this conference hall is expected to further strengthen the Institute’s academic activities, seminars, and international scholarly interactions.
The seminar organized by the Indian Institute of Advanced Study will provide a valuable opportunity to revisit the multifaceted personality and philosophical legacy of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, while also fostering new intellectual engagements between Indian philosophical traditions and global academic discourse.
