International Conference Explores Kurukshetra's Rich Heritage
A significant three-day international conference titled 'Kurukshetra: Through the Ages' commenced on Wednesday at Kurukshetra University, marking a pivotal gathering of scholars, historians, and spiritual leaders. The event is dedicated to a comprehensive deliberation on the region's profound historical, cultural, and spiritual legacy, aiming to elevate its global recognition.
Collaborative Effort and Inaugural Insights
The conference is being organized through a collaborative effort involving the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita Study Centre led by RSS ideologue Swami Gyananand, the Swadeshi Research Institute, Jio Gita, and Vision Kurukshetra, with financial backing provided by the ICHR.
During the inaugural session, Swami Gyananand delivered a powerful address, emphasizing that India's global identity is fundamentally rooted in its rich spiritual and cultural traditions. He highlighted the Bhagavad Gita's universal relevance, describing it as a timeless philosophical guide for humanity. Referring to Kurukshetra as the sacred land of the Mahabharata and the birthplace of the Gita's teachings by Lord Krishna, he advocated for the region to receive greater global acknowledgment as a premier spiritual and tourism destination, comparable to the Char Dham pilgrimage sites.
Academic Perspectives on Education and Heritage
Kurukshetra University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Som Nath Sachdeva, articulated that the Bhagavad Gita offers profound solutions to human dilemmas, providing essential guidance on duty, morality, and self-realization. Stressing the critical importance of holistic education, he remarked that while science constitutes the body of knowledge, humanities and social sciences form its soul. He underscored the university's role in nurturing socially conscious and culturally grounded individuals, noting that such conferences serve as vital platforms to showcase Kurukshetra's multidimensional heritage on a global stage.
Padma Shri awardee and ICHR chairperson, Professor Raghuvendra Tanwar, described Kurukshetra as a living symbol of faith, history, and struggle, shaped by intricate social, economic, and geographical forces. He meticulously traced its historical evolution through various epochs:
- References from the Chinese traveler Xuanzang
- The era of Emperor Harshavardhana
- Colonial administrative changes post-1803
- Its crucial role during the Partition in refugee rehabilitation
Professor Tanwar also highlighted the region's strategic geographical location near the Shivalik Hills, the Himalayas, Rajasthan, and the Ganga basin, which historically contributed to its agricultural prosperity and vibrant cultural development. Other speakers at the conference shared additional key perspectives on India's historical and intellectual traditions, enriching the discourse.
Honoring Distinguished Historians
In a notable segment of the conference, Kurukshetra University conferred the 'Kurukshetra University Itihas Ratna Award' upon four eminent historians in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the study of Indian history and culture. The distinguished awardees were:
- Professor Raghuvendra Tanwar
- Professor Ishwar Sharan Vishwakarma
- Professor Kuldeep Chand Agnihotri
- Historian Professor Devendra Handa, recognized for his significant archaeological research, particularly in the documentation of Indian coins
Vice-Chancellor Professor Sachdeva explained that this initiative aims to acknowledge distinguished scholarship and inspire young researchers. He further announced that the university plans to institutionalize the award as an annual recognition to promote and celebrate excellence in historical research, thereby fostering a continued legacy of academic dedication.
The conference continues to facilitate in-depth discussions, reinforcing Kurukshetra's enduring significance as a beacon of historical and spiritual wisdom.
