Indian Knowledge Tradition Gave a New Vision to the World: Prof. Upasana Joshi

Two-Day International Seminar on “Hindi Literature of Jammu and Kashmir in the Light of Indian Knowledge Tradition and Culture” Begins

Jammu, 24 February 2025: A two-day international seminar on “Hindi Literature of Jammu and Kashmir in the Light of Indian Knowledge Tradition and Culture” commenced today at the Central University of Jammu. The event, organized by the Department of Hindi and Other Indian Languages, CU Jammu in collaboration with the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), North-West Regional Centre, Punjab University, Chandigarh, is being held under the guidance of the Vice Chancellor of Central University of Jammu, Prof. Sanjeev Jain.

The inaugural session of the seminar was graced by the presence of Prof. Upasana Joshi, Director of ICSSR, as the chief guest, with Sh. Pramod Kumar, President of Punjabi Sabha, Moscow, Russia, serving as the special guest. Prof. Vandana Sharma, Dean, School of Languages, CU Jammu, presided over the event. Prof. Bharat Bhushan, Head of the Department of Hindi and Other Indian Languages, CU Jammu, extended a warm welcome to all dignitaries, and the session began with a Saraswati Vandana presented by the researchers of the Hindi department.

In her inaugural address, Prof. Vandana Sharma highlighted the unique significance of Hindi literature in the context of Jammu and Kashmir’s tradition and culture, emphasizing the collective responsibility to preserve and promote this literary tradition.

Prof. Upasana Joshi, chief guest of the seminar praised the richness of India’s language and culture, stressing that the Indian knowledge tradition has imparted a new vision to the world. She underscored the invaluable contribution of Indian sages to the enrichment of this tradition and shared the ICSSR’s ongoing efforts to promote and preserve Indian knowledge systems.

Special guest Sh. Pramod Kumar spoke passionately about the importance of remembering and honoring one’s land, language, and culture, especially while serving the nation abroad. He also shared his experiences of promoting Indian culture internationally.

Keynote speaker, Prof. Rajendra Kumar, Head of the Hindi Department at the Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, discussed the vast and composite nature of Indian culture, emphasizing the ongoing encouragement of multilingualism in India. He highlighted the transformative role of Vedic knowledge in shaping global perspectives.

The inaugural program was conducted by Dr. Vandana Sharma, Assistant Professor in the Department of Hindi and Other Indian Languages, with the vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Sahashikant Mishra, Convener of the seminar.

The second session of the seminar was conducted by Dr. Vinay Kumar Shukla, Assistant Professor in the Department, and was presided over by Prof. Chandrakant Singh, Hindi Department, Central University Himachal Pradesh. Researchers and scholars from various institutions presented their papers during this session, including Dr. Vivek Sharma from the Department of Buddhist Studies, University of Jammu, Dr. Vivek from Delhi University, and researchers from Jamia Millia Islamia University, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, and GDC Mad, among others.

This seminar serves as a platform for scholars and researchers to explore and discuss the interconnections between Hindi literature, Indian knowledge traditions, and cultural heritage, providing valuable insights into the rich literary history of Jammu and Kashmir.