Gov inaugurates 52nd All India Oriental Conference in Haridwar
Garhwal Post Bureau
Haridwar, 29 Oct: Uttarakhand Governor Dr. D. S. Bisen inaugurated the 52nd All India Oriental Conference at Patanjali University in Haridwar on Thursday. The three-day conference is being attended by eminent scholars, researchers, academicians and students from India and abroad. Addressing the inaugural session, the Governor said that the objective of the Indian knowledge tradition is not merely intellectual development, but also strengthening individual character, social harmony and a spirit of human welfare.
The Governor said that the study of Oriental Studies is not limited to understanding the past. It provides an opportunity to comprehend the evolution of Indian civilisation, the dialogue between different schools of thought, and the intellectual history of human society. He observed that the Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Mahabharata and texts on Indian philosophy contain profound insights into life, ethics, duty and social harmony.
The Governor said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, considerable importance is being accorded to the preservation and promotion of India’s cultural heritage, ancient knowledge traditions and Indian languages. The vision of “Development as well as Heritage” reflects the harmony between modern progress and cultural roots. He added that the National Education Policy 2020 also emphasises Indian knowledge traditions, mother tongues, multidisciplinary education and research.
The Governor stated that efforts are being undertaken through the Gyan Bharatam Mission to survey, preserve and digitise ancient manuscripts. These manuscripts represent an invaluable repository of India’s civilisation and intellectual achievements. He emphasised that preserving these manuscripts and transmitting the knowledge they contain to future generations is a collective responsibility.
The Governor said that young researchers should study the original texts of ancient scriptures, their historical backgrounds and their philosophical ideas. He stressed that the authenticity of sources, transparency of findings and intellectual integrity must be accorded the highest priority in research. On the occasion, the Governor also released various publications of the university.
The Governor observed that India’s ancient traditions have always emphasised connecting knowledge with public welfare. The auspicious invocation, “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah” (May all be happy, may all be free from illness), reminds us that the highest purpose of knowledge is to contribute to the happiness, health and well-being of all humanity. He said that at a time when the world is facing numerous social, environmental and ethical challenges, deliberations of this nature can offer valuable insights through the principles of balance, coexistence and a holistic outlook inherent in the Indian knowledge tradition.
The conference was attended by Swami Ramdev, Chancellor of Patanjali University; Acharya Balkrishna, Vice-Chancellor of Patanjali University; Prof. Srinivasa Varakhedi, Vice-Chancellor of Central Sanskrit University; representatives of the Bharatiya Vidvat Parishad; vice-chancellors of various universities; scholars, acharyas, researchers and students.
