Padma Bhushan Prof. Kapil Kapoor Delivers Insightful Lecture on ‘What is Indian Knowledge System?’
TNN News : The Department of English, Jamia Millia Islamia, successfully hosted the 17th Ahmed Ali Memorial Lecture, featuring Padma Bhushan Prof. Kapil Kapoor as the distinguished speaker.
The Ahmed Ali Memorial Lecture is instituted in honour of the renowned writer, academic and co-founder of the Progressive Writers’ Movement, Ahmed Ali.
Prof. Kapoor delivered an enlightening lecture on the topic, ‘What is Indian Knowledge System?’, shedding light on the integrated and harmonious nature of Indian intellectual traditions.
In his address, Prof. Kapoor emphasized that Indian tradition is an integrated tradition, where the thinking system does not rest on differentiation but instead embraces the concept of ‘no other outside you.’ He elaborated on how Indian thought systems are based on harmony rather than difference, advocating for a perspective that fosters inclusivity and unity in intellectual discourse.
A key highlight of his lecture was the assertion that every object of knowledge is amenable to endless inquiry, reinforcing the boundless nature of intellectual exploration in Indian traditions. He further remarked that ideas transcend boundaries of religion, color, and caste, asserting that intellectual traditions should remain open and inclusive to all.
Prof. Kapoor also provided a deep dive into seminal texts of the Indian intellectual tradition, citing Bharata Muni’s Natya Shastra, Panini’s Astadhyayi—recognized as the only comprehensive and exhaustive algorithmic grammar of natural human language, Bhartrhari’s Vakyapadiya, and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Discussing yoga, he highlighted its two-fold goal: enabling the mind to acquire speed and developing the capacity to experience something without directly experiencing it.
The lecture provided a thought-provoking exploration of the rich and expansive Indian Knowledge System, offering students and faculty a renewed understanding of India’s philosophical and intellectual heritage.
Earlier, Prof. Mukesh Ranjan, Head of Department, welcomed Prof. Kapil Kapoor on behalf of the Department, faculty, students and the entire Jamia Millia Islamia community and thanked him with deepest gratitude for gracing the university with his presence. Prof. Kapoor’s presence offered an opportunity to delve into profound discussions that resonate across disciplines and cultures, he added. He further observed that Prof. Kapoor’s contributions to the field of linguistics, literary theory and Indian Knowledge systems have been exemplary, and his deep insights into the intersection of language, culture, and philosophy continue to inspire generations of students and scholars alike.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Iqtedar Mohd. Khan, Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Languages, highlighted the strengths of India’s syncretic culture and profusely thanked Prof. Kapoor for his keen and learned insights attesting to the robustness of Indian tradition and culture.
Ms. Abhilasha Bhattacharjee, a student from MA Semester IV, proposed a vote of thanks expressing her admiration for Prof Kapoor’s profound thoughts that bring all Indians together on a common platform to take our legacy of knowledge forward.
The Department of English, Jamia Millia Islamia, remains committed to fostering discussions on diverse intellectual traditions through such lectures and academic engagements.
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Jamia Millia Islamia
