International Ramayana Conference Begins at IIT Roorkee in Uttarakhand
Dehradun, Dec 18 (PTI) – An international Ramayana conference commenced on Thursday at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee in Uttarakhand. This significant event aims to highlight the importance of the Ramayana in education and its relevance in contemporary society.
Overview of the Conference
The three-day conference is jointly organized by IIT Roorkee and Shri Ramcharit Bhavan, USA. It has attracted scholars, seers, and researchers from both India and abroad, who will engage in discussions about the Indian knowledge tradition. Approximately 150 research papers focusing on the Ramayana and related spiritual literature will be presented during the event.
Key Themes and Discussions
During the conference, speakers emphasized the necessity for modern education to not only impart knowledge but also to internalize the values embodied in the Ramayana. They articulated that the ultimate purpose of education transcends merely earning a livelihood; it is also about serving humanity.
Address by IIT Roorkee Director
Professor K K Pant, the Director of IIT Roorkee, addressed the attendees, highlighting the connection between the institute’s anthem and the teachings of the Ramcharitmanas, authored by the revered Hindu poet Goswami Tulsidas. He quoted:
“Parhit saris dharma nahin bhai” (There is no greater religion than serving others).
He further explained that IIT Roorkee’s anthem, “Sarjan hit jeevan nit arpit” (Life is always dedicated to the welfare of creation), reflects a similar ethos of social service. Professor Pant emphasized the invaluable principles of the Indian knowledge tradition and connected the values of the Ramayana—such as duty towards parents, social responsibility, honesty in public life, and the ideal of Ram Rajya—with contemporary issues like sustainable development, health, ethics, and nation-building.
Call to Action for the Youth
In his address, Professor Pant urged the youth to view knowledge not merely as a means to secure a high-paying job but as a tool for serving society and contributing to the vision of a developed India by the year 2047.
Insights from Religious Leaders
Saint Mahamandaleshwar Swami Hari Chetananand also spoke at the conference, emphasizing the significance of the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and other religious texts in character building and achieving inner peace, especially in an age dominated by technology and materialism. He commended the organizers for gathering seers and scholars along the banks of the Ganges, noting that the Ramayana serves as a comprehensive guide to life, imparting values such as sacrifice, devotion, reverence for the guru, and social harmony.
Publication and Awards
During the inaugural session, the “Gita Shabd Anukramanika” (Gita Word Index) was also released, marking an important contribution to the study of the Gita and its teachings.
Additionally, the renowned Sanskrit scholar, Professor Mahavir Agarwal, was posthumously honored with the “Ramayana Ratna” award for his five decades of dedication to teaching, research, and service in Sanskrit literature and Indian knowledge traditions. This recognition underscores the lasting impact of his work on the field.
Conclusion
The International Ramayana Conference at IIT Roorkee serves as a vital platform for discussing the relevance of ancient texts in modern education and society. By bringing together scholars and religious leaders, the conference aims to inspire a deeper understanding of the values enshrined in the Ramayana and their applicability in contemporary life.
Note: This article has been compiled based on information provided by PTI and aims to encapsulate the essence of the conference and its significance in promoting the values of the Ramayana in today’s world.
