The Centre for Hindu Studies, University of Delhi organised a thought-provoking Seminar on 22nd May 2024 at MOOT Hall, Maharishi Kanad Bhawan, on the topic “हिन्दू धर्म में विज्ञान एवं मनोविज्ञान”. The aim was to provide a platform for experts to engage in insightful discussions on various aspects of Hindu Dharma in relation to “विज्ञान एवं मनोविज्ञान” and their roots in Hindu Dharma.
The session commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, symbolising the dispelling of darkness and the ushering in of knowledge. This was followed by a melodious rendition of the Kulgeet, evoking a sense of pride and reverence among the attendees. The Seminar saw an impressive turnout of two hundred people.
Dr. Prerna Malhotra, Joint Director of Hindu Studies, addressed the honorable guests and welcomed the attendees. She cited examples of science and psychology from the Bhagavad Gita and Mahabharata, explaining how Bhartiya Manovigyan shows no conflict between literature, science, and psychology. She emphasized that being the most ancient Dharma, it continues its relevance in contemporary times and evolves with time. Dr. Malhotra suggested that many present-day problems could be solved if Dharma in it’s real sense is followed. She set the tone for the day’s proceedings with her enlightening insights.
With the objective of fostering a deeper understanding of Hindu philosophy, the Seminar featured two eminent speakers
Chief guest, Prof. B.N. Mishra, Founder and Director of Netaji Subhas University of Technology in Delhi, addressed the audience. He talked about how Science has it’s base in Hindutva. From ancient times there is presence of scientific theories in Vedas, Bhagwat Gita, Upanishads. He threw light upon how Science and technology is deeply rooted in theories given by Indian scholars. He highlighted Hindu as different societies and culture coming together to make unified “Bharat” and called ” Bhartiya” with a goal of “Vasudev Kutumbakam” he relates Vedas with Quantum physics, he finally mentions that from philosophy comes literature and there is no literature without psychology whose words resonated deeply with the audience.
The guest of honour, Prof. Dhananjay Joshi, Vice Chancellor of Delhi Teachers University, addressed the audience with his insightful words and shared knowledge on the relationship between Hindu Dharma and psychology. He stated that “Bhartiya Manovigyan” is based on three aspects: ‘Bhartiya Darshan, Bhartiya literature, and spirituality. “Bhartiya Darshan” emphasizes “unity in diversity” and respecting elders. “Bhartiya literature” gives equal importance to Intelligence Quotient and Emotional Quotient, he highlighted the importance of education with the belief that “education is the way to liberation.”
He also discussed the prevalence of the five tatvas, particularly the significance of atma tatva, the importance of Ashram culture, and the pure relationship between teacher and student. Prof. Joshi provided a glimpse of the differences between Western and Indian psychology, noting that Bhartiya Manovigyan values holistic development and emphasizes that the welfare of society is the primary aim of the human race.
Prof. Prakash Singh, Director of South Campus, University of Delhi, presided over the program and addressed the audience with the question, “Who Am I?” He mentioned Kautilya’s Chanakya Niti, which describes research methodology, and enlightened the audience with the meaning of “Dharma.”
The conference on “हिन्दू धर्म में विज्ञान एवं मनोविज्ञान” served as a platform for scholarly exchange and intellectual discourse, enriching our understanding of Hindu heritage with relevance to “विज्ञान एवं मनोविज्ञान” and fostering a deeper appreciation for its timeless wisdom.
