New Delhi। Indian history and knowledge heritage have long been presented through a distorted foreign perspective, and the time has come to reassess India’s intellectual legacy on the basis of original manuscripts, archaeological evidence and cultural contexts, said Dr. Balmukund, National Organising Secretary of the Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojana.
He was addressing the inaugural session as the chief guest at a two-day international conference on “Various Dimensions of the Indian Knowledge Tradition”, jointly organised by P.G.D.A.V. College (Evening), University of Delhi; the Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi; the Department of Art, Culture and Languages, Government of Delhi; Delhi Sanskrit Academy; and Vaishvik Sanskrit Manch (Delhi Province).
Dr. Balmukund emphasised the need to revisit India’s rich intellectual heritage through authentic sources and foster a sense of pride in the younger generation.
Prof. Balram Pani, Dean of Colleges, University of Delhi, attended the conference as the guest of honour. Highlighting the significance of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, he said the policy offers a historic opportunity to promote interdisciplinary research integrating the Indian knowledge tradition with modern science.
Prof. Murali Manohar Pathak, Vice-Chancellor of Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the universal relevance of Indian knowledge traditions and their philosophical foundations.
Presiding over the inaugural session, Brigadier (Retd.) A.K. Adlakha, Treasurer of the DAV College Managing Committee, said Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati’s call to “Return to the Vedas” aimed at building a society grounded in scientific thinking, ethical values and strong character. He added that integrating modern technology with ancient values could help India emerge as a global knowledge leader.
Prof. Harpreet Kaur, Principal of Mata Sundri College for Women, spoke about the importance of human sensitivity in education, women’s empowerment and motherhood. Prof. Mare Sri Putri Purnamawati from Indonesia and Prof. Sanchita Guha from Bangladesh also joined the conference online.
Earlier, Prof. Harindri Chaudhary, Principal of P.G.D.A.V. College (Evening), welcomed the dignitaries and said the conference would encourage students to remain connected with their roots while developing a global outlook.
The inaugural ceremony began with Vedic chants, lighting of the ceremonial lamp, Saraswati Vandana and the DAV anthem. A commemorative volume containing abstracts of research papers submitted by scholars and faculty members was also released.
The college library organised an exhibition featuring more than 500 books. Librarian Dr. Maithani and his team played a key role in arranging the exhibition.
The conference was coordinated by Convener Dr. Yogesh Sharma, Co-convener Dr. Tarun Kumar Deep, Dr. Kuldeep and members of the organising committee, with support from Vaishvik Sanskrit Manch and Delhi Sanskrit Academy. Special mention was made of the guidance and contribution of Dr. Rajesh Kumar Mishra, General Secretary of Vaishvik Sanskrit Manch, in the successful organisation of the event.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Kalpana Sharma, General Secretary of the Manch, followed by the national anthem.
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