Three-day National Seminar on “Impact of Indian Philosophy on Poetics” Begins at AMU’s Sanskrit Department
TNN News : A three-day National Seminar on “Impact of Indian Philosophy on Poetics” commenced at the Department of Sanskrit, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), in collaboration with the Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR), New Delhi.
Addressing the inaugural session, AMU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Naima Khatoon highlighted the global relevance of the Indian knowledge tradition in the modern era, especially when the world is seeking new directions in knowledge, technology, and values. She emphasized that the National Education Policy (NEP) places significant focus on integrating Indian traditions into mainstream education.
Referring to the profound reasoning, language, emotions, and intellect embedded in ancient Indian texts, Professor Khatoon remarked that these elements continue to inspire research and innovation even in the age of artificial intelligence and modern technology.
She also lauded the Department of Sanskrit as one of the oldest and most prestigious departments of AMU, which not only upholds India’s classical traditions but also exemplifies the university’s inclusive spirit and linguistic diversity. She appreciated the department’s collaborative work with departments of Persian, Arabic, and other Indian languages in preserving AMU’s shared heritage.
The Chief Guest, Professor Mazhar Asif, Vice Chancellor, Jamia Millia Islamia, underscored the enduring spirit of Indian philosophy as a custodian of civilization. Drawing from the imagery of Lord Shiva’s family, he illustrated India’s resilience through time and emphasized its embodiment of unity in diversity, as echoed in the poetry of Allama Iqbal.
The seminar opened with an inaugural address by Professor C. Rajendran from the University of Calicut, who explored the connections between language and philosophy, presenting insights on Platonic, Aristotelian, and Wordsworthian thought in relation to Indian philosophy, with a special focus on Vedantic traditions. He praised AMU as a conducive space for dialogue on literature and philosophy.
Professor Ved Prakash Dindoria from the University of Delhi, in his keynote address, discussed the deep links between Indian philosophy and poetics, and how philosophical thought has shaped literary expression across ages. He shed light on how concepts like empathy and peace have been moulded by philosophical ideas within Indian poetics and elaborated on the complexities and evolution of poetic creation within the Indian philosophical framework.
Guest of Honour, Professor Sachchidanand Mishra, member Secretary, ICPR, New Delhi, spoke about the spirit of poetics and the significance of tradition and culture in shaping poetry across ages. Referring to the poets like Iqbal and Mir Taqi Mir, he reflected on the essence of poetry and how it transforms across languages through translation.
Dean of the Faculty of Arts, AMU, Professor T.N. Satheesan addressed the contemporary status of Sanskrit, reminding the audience of its glorious legacy. He also noted how Sanskrit influenced the philosophical landscape in India in the early 20th century and played a critical role in the development of Indian poetics.
Earlier, reflecting the inclusive spirit of the seminar, Professor Sarika Varshney, Chairperson, Department of Sanskrit and Seminar Convener, delivered the welcome address and outlined the three-day program. She said that 90 delegates from across India, including states like Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, West Bengal, Kerala, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand are attending the seminar.
Dr. Shivangini Tandon conducted the program, while Dr. Hembala proposed the vote of thanks.
The organizing team included Dr. Nazish Begum, Dr. Qamar Alam, Dr. Ghulam Farid Sabri, Dr. Deepshikha, Dr. Aftab Alam, Dr. Sadaf Farid, Bodhendra Kumar, Dr. Zafar Iftekhar, and Dr. Shagufta, among others.
Public Relations Office
Aligarh Muslim University
