3 Day International Conference on ‘Sri Aurobindo and India’s Renaissance’ Begin at IIAS
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Shimla, August 1 – Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla, is organizing a three-day International Conference on ‘Sri Aurobindo and India’s Renaissance’ from 1st to 3rd August 2021, in collaboration with Rashtram School of Public Leadership at IIAS Shimla (Advanced Study) to commemorate 75 years of country’s independence. The conference was inaugurated today by the Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar with lighting the lamp and unveiling of the portrait of Maharishi Aurobindo. On this occasion, he congratulated all the members present on the 150th birth anniversary of Maharishi Aurobindo, 75th year of the country’s independence and 57th entry year of the Institute. He said that the whole life of Maharishi Aurobindo was full of sacrifice. The spirit of sacrifice is very important in life and it should be related to the development and upliftment of the nation. If we do not have the feeling of sacrifice towards the country, then our life is meaningless. Regarding the spirit of the nation, the Governor said that Maharishi Aurobindo’s vision is of great importance in this context and we should take inspiration from his life and take a pledge to do something for the country. While congratulating the organizers and participants of the conference, he expressed hope that a society and a nation would get a new direction from this churning.
The conference started with the national anthem, after which Sanya Tyagi, who came from Goa, presented the invocation. The Director of the Institute, Professor Makrand R. Paranjpe welcomed the Governor and other august gathering and briefly threw light on the history of the Institute and its current relevance.
Professor Sampadanand Mishra of Rashtram School of Public Leadership presented the outline of this conference, which will run in 11 sessions. Professor Madhav Hada, Fellow of the Institute proposed a vote of thanks to the Chief Guest, all the participants and the members present. Director General of Police Dr. Sanjay Kundu, Lieutenant General Raj Shukla from Army Training Command, SDM Urban Manjit Sharma and other dignitaries were also present in the inaugural session. About 31 speakers from across the country and abroad are going to deliver their presentations. After the inaugural session of the seminar, the renovated British era tennis court in the Institute campus was also inaugurated by the Governor.
It is well known that Maharishi Aurobindo was a Yuga Purusha. As a great revolutionary, he fought for the independence of India. He was a leader, who decisively inspired the Indian National Congress towards Purna Swarajya and complete independence from the Britishers. He has also made an important contribution in the field of spiritual development. India and the whole world are entering a new era, the life and works of Maharishi Aurobindo can provide important insights. In this three-day seminar, there will be deep discussions on the thoughts and works of Maharishi Aurobindo in making of New India and the development of human consciousness.
