TWO-DAY NATIONAL SEMINAR ON
ŚRĪ ŚAṄKARĀCĀRYA & THE ONENESS OF INDIA

As part of the ‘जगद्गुरु श्री शंकराचार्य व्याख्यानमाला’, co-organised and sponsored by Bhartiya Bhasha Samiti, Ministry of Education, Govt. of India and organized by Multilingual Discourse Forum (MDF – An IQAC Initiative), N.S.S. College, Pandalam, held on 14 & 15 March, 2024.

Key Highlights:

• Dates: 14th and 15th March 2024
• Venue: N.S.S. College Pandalam
• Participants: Over 250 students and faculty members
• Key Themes: Unity and integrity of India through the teachings of Śrī Śaṅkarācārya

The Multilingual Discourse Forum (MDF) at N.S.S. College, Pandalam, is an IQAC initiative involving the departments of Hindi, English, Malayalam, and Sanskrit. Dedicated to fostering linguistic and cultural integration, MDF organizes seminars, workshops, and conferences that explore the intersections of language, culture, and philosophy. By promoting multilingualism and interdisciplinary dialogue, MDF significantly contributes to the academic and cultural enrichment of the college community. Its activities are particularly relevant in a diverse linguistic landscape like India, helping to bridge cultural gaps and enhance mutual understanding.

14th March, 2024 “Śrī Śaṅkarācārya and the oneness of India”, the 2-day national seminar conducted by the Multilingual Discourse Forum of NSS College Pandalam. Jagadguru Śrī Śaṅkarācārya was a revered philosopher and one of the most influential figures in the Indian ethos. Śrī Śaṅkarācārya’s philosophy emphasizes the unity of all beings and the underlying oneness of reality. This concept of oneness transcends caste, creed, and language, promoting a sense of national integration. The seminar explored the philosophical underpinnings of Śrī Śaṅkarācārya’s teachings and their relevance in fostering unity and integrity in India.

Inaugural Session:

The inaugural session of the seminar started with prayer and Acharya anusmaranam. The coordinator of the event, Dr Anandaraj G welcomed everyone and introduced the aims of the seminar. Following the welcome, Sri Chamu Krishna Shastri, the Chairman of Bhartiya Bhasha Samiti shared his message on the mission of the Samiti and the programme, जगद्गुरु श्री शंकराचार्य व्याख्यानमाला. Our esteemed principal, Prof. Dr M G Sanalkumar sir gave the presidential address in which he expounded on the importance of the teachings of Śrī Śaṅkarācārya. The seminar was inaugurated with the lighting of the lamp followed by the inaugural address by the chief guest, Dr K Ramadevi, Principal, BCTE, Muthukulam & NAAC Peer-team Member, the former principal of NSS training college Pandalam. In her speech, she addressed the need to understand the importance of figures like Śrī Śaṅkarācārya, especially in the context of the new National Education Policy. She also emphasized the need for an in depth understanding of traditional Indian Knowledge Systems. After the inaugural address the IQAC coordinator Dr Jyolsna S and PTA Secretary Dr Ranjith Krishnan K R offered felicitation for the event. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by the coordinator of the seminar, Dr Sree Prasad.

Plenary Session I:

After a short break, we started the irst plenary session (Malayalam - Sanskrit Departments). The session was introduced by Dr Jayalekshmi P A of the Department of Sanskrit.The presidential address was delivered by Dr J. Anjana , head of the English department.

The main lecture titled “Jagadguru Śrī Śaṅkarācārya as an Architect of National Integration and Linguistic Unity” was delivered by the esteemed guest Dr Anil Kumar V V, Assistant Professor of the Department of Sanskrit, Sree Sankara college, Kalady. He elucidated the importance of having a spiritual guru like Śrī Śaṅkarācārya in our life. He also discussed about profound guru-śiṣya relationship, which is part of the teachings of Śrī Śaṅkarācārya. After the lecture, Dr Anil Kumar V V was presented with a token of appreciation by Dr Ranjith Krishnan K R and Dr J Anjana on behalf of MDF. The session ended with a vote of thanks by Dr Hareesh S R of the Department of Malayalam.

Plenary Session II:

The second plenary session (Hindi- English departments) was started in the afternoon. The session was introduced by Dr Jyothy C R of the Department of English. Dr Sheela T Nair of the department of Hindi delivered the presidential address. /

The main lecture of the session titled "India and its Linguistic Diversity in the Philosophy of Jagadguru Śrī Śaṅkarācārya" by the esteemed guest Dr Achutananda Mishra, Assistant Professor of the Department of Hindi, Sree Sankara College, Kalady. He expounded on the relationship between the Indian knowledge system and culture and how Śrī Śaṅkarācārya developed it through his journey from a small town in Kerala like Kalady to the nooks and corners of the country. He also discussed the Advaita philosophy aiding in the unification of different sects of people in our country.

After the lecture, Dr Achutananda Mishra was presented with a token of appreciation by Dr Sheela T Nair and Dr Anandaraj G. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Krishnaveni of the department of Sanskrit.

Report of the Paper Presentations - 15 March 2024

On the second day, paper presentations were conducted in hybrid mode that examined diverse topics ranging from the origin of Advaita Vedanta to the contemporary relevance of Śrī Śaṅkarācārya’s teachings. Faculty and research scholars from different parts of the country actively participated in the discussions. Dr Seetha Vijayakumar, Assistant Professor, Department of English moderated the session. The session started with a research paper titled “शंकराचार्य का दर्शन और हिंदी साहित्य” by Dr Sheela T Nair, HoD, Department of Hindi, N.S.S college Pandalam. She elucidated on the concept of non-dualism of Adi Sankara that asserts that the individual self (Atman) is ultimately identical to the supreme reality (Brahman). Her paper also focused on Śrī Śaṅkarācārya’s influence on Hindi literature, through the dissemination of Advaita Vedanta ideas in various literary works. While he did not directly contribute to Hindi literature, his philosophical concepts have inspired poets, writers, and scholars throughout history, influencing themes of spiritual awakening, self-realization, and the quest for ultimate truth in Hindi literary works.

The next presentation by M R Ramesh, Scientific Assistant, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam elaborated on the profound impact of Jagadguru Śrī Śaṅkarācārya’s philosophical teachings on fostering national integration. His paper delved into Śrī Śaṅkarācārya’s teachings on the underlying unity of all beings, irrespective of cultural or religious differences, as a catalyst for national harmony.

Dr Ambili V S’s paper titled “शंकराचार्य का अद्वैतवाद एवं कबीरदास का रहस्यवाद : तुलनात्मक परिप्रेक्ष्य में” aimed at the comparison between Śrī Śaṅkarācārya’s monism and Saint Kabirdas’s mysticism. Both the philosophers emphasized non-duality and the unity of all. Śrī Śaṅkarācārya’s philosophy flourished within a spiritual and religious atmosphere. But Kabirdas’s philosophy was influenced by Sufism, hath yoga, monism, etc. Kabirdas was well admired for his social commitment than his spiritual, philosophical, and literary achievements when compared with Śrī Śaṅkarācārya which were given prime importance in his life span.

‘Rejection of Ritual- Barrier to National Integration’ by Sridhar Chakravarthi Mulakaluri, Research Scholar, XIM University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha explored the teachings of Śrī Śaṅkarācārya that strengthened the fabric of national integration. By linking the teaching of Śrī Śaṅkarācārya to the barriers to integration, the paper shows how his efforts brought the community together. Pradnya Patil, Assistant Professor, K J Somaiya Institute of Technology Mumbai paper titled ‘The Profound Contributions of Śrī Śaṅkarācārya to Indian Philosophy and Spirituality’ analysed the philosophical vastness of Śrī Śaṅkarācārya in the realm of Indian philosophical thought. Her paper explored the life, works, and contributions of Śrī Śaṅkarācārya, shedding light on his unparalleled influence on Vedanta, Advaita philosophy, and the broader spiritual fabric of India.

In her paper titled ‘सूत्रे मणिगणा इव - The essential wisdom to celebrate diversity’ Dr Jyothirmayi P C, HOD & Associate Professor, Mount Carmel College Autonomous, Bengaluru, highlighted the advantages & positive influences of Sankara’s philosophy. The scope of his Darśana in the cultural advancement of humanity will be presented here. How beautiful it would be, to know the ONENESS beyond all the superficial differences. The paper titled ‘Knowing the Being: Significance of Śrī Śaṅkarācārya and his unique influence in Philosophical Praxis ‘ by Jithesh J Nair, Assistant Professor, NSS College Pandalam, analysed the heritage of Jagadguru Śrī Śaṅkarācārya, a revered Indian philosopher and his Advaita Vedanta philosophy, which emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality. Advaita philosophy posits that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is the only true existence, and the perceived multiplicity of the world is an illusion. The paper also attempted a comparison between Śrī Śaṅkarācārya and Baruch Spinoza.

Dr Anandaraj G, Assistant Professor, Department of Sanskrit, N.S.S college, Pandalam, in a paper titled ‘Śrī Śaṅkara Studies in Kerala’ explored the profound significance of delving into the life and teachings of Śrī Śaṅkarācārya, particularly in the context of Kerala, his birthplace. Moreover, his research paper also highlighted the rich historical legacy of Kerala, which has nurtured a continuous tradition of Sankara studies spanning over 1200 years.

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Key Outcomes and Suggestions:

• Relevance of Śrī Śaṅkarācārya’s Teachings: The seminar highlighted the enduring relevance of Śrī Śaṅkarācārya’s teachings in promoting national integration and linguistic unity.
• Multidisciplinary Approach: Combining perspectives from different disciplines enhanced the understanding of Śrī Śaṅkarācārya’s contributions.
• Engagement with Traditional Knowledge Systems: Emphasized the need to engage deeply with traditional Indian Knowledge Systems as advocated by the new National Education Policy.
• Exploration of Kerala’s Legacy: Papers like “Śrī Śaṅkara Studies in Kerala” underscored the rich historical legacy of Sankara studies in Kerala and the need for further research in this area.

Suggestions:

• Establish dedicated centres for Śaṅkara studies in Kerala to further explore and document the rich Keralite tradition of Śaṅkara’s teachings.
• Encourage multidisciplinary research to integrate traditional knowledge systems with contemporary educational frameworks.
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• Promote seminars and workshops on traditional Indian philosophies to foster a deeper understanding among the youth.