Amity Institute of Behavioural & Allied Sciences (AIBAS), in collaboration with the Amity Centre for Positivism & Happiness, successfully organized a national workshop on “Exploring the Philosophical Dimensions of the Valmiki Ramayan: Ethical, Metaphysical & Spiritual Insights for Contemporary Discourse.” The event was proudly sponsored by the Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR), New Delhi. The workshop aimed to revisit the timeless wisdom embedded in the Valmiki Ramayan and explore its relevance to contemporary ethical, spiritual, and metaphysical discourse.
The event commenced with the presidential address of Prof. (Dr.) Amit Jain reflected on the relevance of the Valmiki Ramayan in shaping moral consciousness, leadership values, and resilience in the modern world. The welcome address was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) G.K. Aseri, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Amity University Rajasthan emphasizing the significance of revisiting ancient texts like the Valmiki Ramayan in contemporary times. Prof. (Dr.) Mani Sachdev, Coordinator, AIBAS, set the tone for the deliberations with her brief overview on “Exploring the Landscape of Maharishi Valmiki’s Ramayan.” Sharing the profound insights, Dr. Sacchidananda Mishra, Member Secretary, ICPR, emphasized the enduring philosophical relevance of the Valmiki Ramayan, noting that its ethical and spiritual teachings transcend time and offer valuable guidance for contemporary society, while appreciating Amity University Rajasthan for fostering a space where tradition meets modern scholarship. Delivering the Keynote Address, Prof. (Dr.) Niranjan P. Patel, Vice Chancellor, Sardar Patel University, reflected on the metaphysical dimensions of the epic, underlining its lessons on moral responsibility, leadership, and resilience that remain vital in present-day contexts. Offering his words of wisdom, Shri Somkant Sharma, Secretary, Rajasthan Hindu Spiritual and Service Institute, described the Ramayan as a living tradition that inspires spiritual strength, compassion, and social harmony.
In his Chief Guest’s Address, Shri Gunwant Singh ji Kothari, National Coordinator, Hindu Spiritual and Service Institute, highlighted the Ramayan as a treasure of ethical wisdom and spiritual insight, guiding generations toward truth, discipline, and service to humanity, while commending the seminar’s effort to blend scholarship with cultural expression. The seven-day workshop featured Prof. Shrinivasa Varakhedi, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Central Sanskrit University, Delhi, Shri. Somkant Sharma, Secretary, Rajasthan Hindu Spiritual and Service Institute, Shri. Gunwant Singh ji Kothari, National Coordinator, Hindu Spiritual and Service Institute, Prof. Nirmalya Narayan Chakraborty, Vice Chancellor, Presidency University, Kolkata, Prof. P. N. Mishra Director, UGC’s Centre of Excellence in e-Management at Devi Ahilya University, Indore, Prof. (Dr.) Jatashankar Tiwari, Former Professor & Head Department of Philosophy, Allahabad University, Prof. (Dr.) Ambika Dutt Sharma Former Professor of Philosophy in the Dr. H.S. Gour Central University, Sagar (MP). The session concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks by Dr. Monika Gwalani, followed by the National Anthem, which brought the gathering to a dignified close. As part of the plantation drive in collaboration with NSS, a sacred Sindoor plant was planted, symbolizing growth, sustainability, and the nurturing of cultural and ecological values. The highlight of the workshop was the Kathakali Performance – Ravan Vadh, sponsored by Jawahar Kala Kendra (JKK), Jaipur, adding a cultural vibrancy to the workshop. The performance was preceded by a welcome address from the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor and a contextual introduction by Prof. (Dr.) Mani Sachdev. Felicitations were extended to Mr. Chhavi Joshi, Festival Coordinator, JKK, and to the Kathakali artists by dignitaries from AUR and JKK.
