Report on ICPR, New Delhi Sponsored Indian Philosopher’s Day

October 09, 2021

The Department of Philosophy and the Department of Sanskrit, Post Graduate Govt.
College, Sector-46, Chandigarh organized “Indian Philosopher‟s Day” on 9th October,
2021 on the theme “Indian Ethics”. Prof. (Dr.) Abha Sudarshan, the Principal of Post
Graduate Govt. College, Sector-46, Chandigarh gave a floral welcome to the guests and
introduced the distinguished speakers and told that the Indian Philosopher‟s Day is
celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Adi Shankaracharya on Panchami
tithi of Vaishakh Shukla Paksha. The invitees included Prof. Lakhvir Singh (Head,
Department of Sanskrit, Post Graduate Govt. College for Girls, Sector-42, Chandigarh),
Mr. Lallan Singh Baghel (Chairman, Department of Philosophy, Panjab University,
Chandigarh), Dr. Shivani Sharma (Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy,
Panjab University, Chandigarh) and Dr. Ashutosh Angiras (Associate Professor,
Department of Sanskrit, Sanatan Dharma College, Ambala Cantt.(Haryana).
In the first lecture, Prof. Lakhvir Singh, Head, Department of Sanskrit, Post Graduate
Govt. College for Girls, Sector-42, Chandigarh delivered a talk on “Shrimadbhagvadgita:
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A Wonderful Book of Art of Living”. He discussed the relevance of the ethics of Gita in
the modern times. According to him, today we are very much focused on materialistic
pleasures of life and we can see the decline in the social values and morality in this
digital age. He said Lord Krishna is a source of inspiration even today as he stated the
purpose of life for everyone. He also emphasized that one should focus on karma, not on
its result. A balanced mind can only be achieved through the end of all desires. A healthy
diet and a proper schedule are important factors in achieving success along with physical
and mental well-being. Yuktahara (Right Food and other inputs) advocates appropriate
food and food habits for a healthy living. However, practice of Dhyana (Meditation)
helping in self-realization leading to transcendence is considered as the esssence of Yoga
Sadhana (The Practice of Yoga). He also stressed upon the purity of soul, high morality
and good deeds. He concluded that ancient scriptures are still relevant in the
contemporary age.
In the second lecture, Mr. Lallan S. Bhagel, Chairperson, Department of Philosophy,
Panjab University Chandigarh made a presentation on the theme “Deconstructing the idea
of „Compassion and Empathy‟ in Buddhist Ethics: Some Philosophical Narratives from
Ambedkar‟s Normative Vision”. He discussed Dr. B. R. Ambedkar‟s approach to
Buddhism in detail and reflected upon its basic characteristics. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
recognizes three most important elements in Buddhism: Compassion, Empathy and
Friendship i.e. he believed that “mukti” cannot be achieved unless the suffering of the
others end. The concept of compassion and empathy are found in Mahayana Buddhism.
He also discussed about caste system in India and showed the relevance of compassion,
empathy and friendship for Indian social system. Sant Kabir in the 15th century was also a
vocal opponent of the caste system around 500 years before Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Untouchablity has been rooted in the Indian social structure from centuries and a lack of
compassion and empathy has been considered as one of the major factors in its growth.
The concept of fraternity, popularized by French revolution has also been recognized by
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, as one of the most crucial concepts in Buddhism. Compassion,
empathy and friendship are crucial in bridging the gap in the contemporary world.
Comparing Buddhism with Hinduism, Ambedkar writes, “Hinduism is a religion which is
not founded on morality. Morality is a separate force which is sustained by social
necessities and not by injunction of Hindu religion. The religion of Buddha is morality. It
is imbedded in religion. It is true that in Buddhism there is no God. In place of God there
is morality. What God is to other religions, morality is to Buddhism.”

Ambedkar then differentiates between „Dharma‟ (Hinduism) and „Dhamma‟ (Buddhism).

“The Vedic meaning of the word ”Dharma” did not connote morality in any sense of the
word. The Dharma as enunciated by the Brahmins meant nothing more than the
performances of certain karmas or observances, i.e. Yagans, Yagas and sacrifices to
Gods. The word Dhamma, as used by the Buddha, had nothing to do with ritual or
observances. In place of Karma, Buddha substituted morality as the essence of
Dhamma.”

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In the third lecture Dr. Ashutosh Angiras, Associate Professor, Department of Sanskrit,
Sanatan Dharma College, Amabala Cantt. (Haryana) delivered his talk on “Critique of
Form & Essence of Yogic Philosophy in 21st Century”. He discussed the philosophy of
Mahrishi Patanjali with its basic characteristics and reflected upon relevance of Yoga
ethics in modern times. He said that yoga practice has many benefits in behavioural
transformation of a man. It upgrades his/her mental strength. It also helps us to manage
our time well and helps us to control the flow of emotions and reactions and helps us to
take decision well. The importance of yoga in modern life is abundant. Yoga teaches us
the knowledge of how to lead a healthy life. It improves our concentration, creativity and
sharpens our memory. Another importance of yoga in modern life can be that yoga
improves our muscle strength, stamina and brings immune and mental stability.
In the fourth lecture Dr. Shivani Sharma, Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy,
Panjab University, Chandigarh delivered her talk on “Being Virtuous: Exploring the
Domain of Value-System”. She explored the value-system of ancient Indian culture and
religion. She also compared both Indian and western value systems. She emphasized on
the encouragement of the practice of questioning and the learning process of the
methodology of questioning in Indian tradition. The purpose of life is happiness.
However, rationality is the mean to achieve happiness. Both Western and Indian schools
of thought reason that knowledge is the light that leads us away from darkness of
irrationality and ignorance. Indian culture plays an important role in inculcating values.
There are four main values of life that have been highlighted from Vedic periods that
have been considered as basic values. They are Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth),
Kama (enjoyment) and Moksa (salvation or liberation).
This programme had an interactive session in the end and students discussed various
concepts related to the lectures such as Indian ethics, Gita, Purusarthas, Buddhist ethics
and yoga ethics and got clarification from the esteemed speakers. These lectures were
related to students‟ graduation syllabus and they enjoyed and reflected what they learnt
from the scholars.
All the lectures were highly participative and the interaction between the delegates and
speakers yielded a fruitful discussion. Dr. Ramandeep Kaur, Convener of the event,
proposed Vote of thanks and pointed out that the present lectures are a significant step to
teach and acquaint students with basic themes of the subject through the experts. Dr.
Rajesh Kumar (Dean), Dr. Simmi Arora (Vice-Principal) and more than 100 faculty
members, and students from college and various institutions of Chandigarh participated
in the event. Dr. Desh Raj Sirswal, Head, Department of Philosophy coordinated the
event.

Dr. Desh Raj Sirswal