IIT Roorkee Hosts International Ramayana Conference; ‘Gita Word Index’ Unveiled
Dehradun/Roorkee: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee in Uttarakhand has commenced the 8th International Ramayana Conference, which is set to run for three days. This significant event brings together scholars, saints, and researchers from both India and abroad to delve into the relevance of the Ramayana in contemporary education and society.
Conference Overview
The conference is jointly organized by IIT Roorkee and Shri Ramcharit Bhavan, USA. It aims to highlight the enduring importance of the Ramayana, particularly in the context of education, sustainability, and ethical leadership. During the inaugural session, the ‘Gita Shabd Anukramanika’ or ‘Gita Word Index’ was unveiled, marking a significant contribution to the study of Indian scriptures.
Acknowledgments and Awards
On the first day of the conference, the late Professor Mahavir Agarwal, a renowned Sanskrit scholar, was posthumously honored with the prestigious ‘Ramayana Ratna’ award. This recognition underscores the impact of his scholarly work on the understanding of the Ramayana and its teachings.
Key Themes and Discussions
As part of the conference, approximately 150 research papers will be presented, focusing on various aspects of the Ramayana and related spiritual literature. Speakers emphasized the necessity of integrating the values of the Ramayana into modern educational frameworks. They argued that education should not solely be about earning a livelihood but should also encompass the broader goal of serving humanity.
Insights from IIT Roorkee Director
Professor KK Pant, the director of IIT Roorkee, addressed the attendees, drawing connections between the institute’s values and the teachings of the Ramayana. He stated, “Our institute’s anthem is inspired by a verse from Goswami Tulsidas’s Ramcharitmanas. The line ‘Parhit saris dharma nahin bhai’ (There is no greater dharma than serving others) resonates with our anthem, ‘Sarjan hit jeevan nit arpit’ (Life is always dedicated to the welfare of creation). Both emphasize the importance of social service.”
Connecting Tradition with Modern Challenges
Professor Pant highlighted the invaluable principles of the Indian knowledge tradition, linking the values of the Ramayana—such as duty towards parents, social responsibility, and honesty in public life—to contemporary issues. He discussed the ideal of ‘Ram Rajya’ and its relevance to sustainable development, health, ethics, and nation-building. He urged the youth to view knowledge not merely as a pathway to high salaries but as a means to contribute to society and help build a ‘Developed India by 2047.’
Character Building through Scriptures
Saint Mahamandaleshwar Swami Hari Chetananand also spoke at the conference, emphasizing the importance of the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and other scriptures for character building and inner peace. In today’s fast-paced world, where material possessions and technology often dominate, he advocated for a return to the values espoused in these ancient texts.
Research Contributions
Om Prakash Gupta, founder of Shri Ramcharit Bhavan and a professor at the University of Houston-Downtown, noted the extensive research being shared at the conference. He mentioned that around 150 research papers will provide insights into the Ramayana and its teachings, further enriching the discourse around Indian spiritual literature.
Conclusion
The International Ramayana Conference at IIT Roorkee serves as a vital platform for scholars and practitioners to explore the relevance of ancient Indian texts in modern education and social contexts. By fostering discussions around the values of the Ramayana, the conference aims to inspire a generation that is not only academically proficient but also socially responsible and ethically grounded.
Note: The insights and discussions from this conference will contribute significantly to the ongoing dialogue about the role of traditional knowledge in contemporary society.
