Bhagavad Gita Utsav concludes at PU

Chandigarh, December 21, 2018: “Gita uplifts the human spirit by instilling the belief that we are all potentially divine’’ said Shri A.P.N.Pankajji, a great scholar of Upanishads and Puranas, in his key note address at a National Seminar on Bhagwad Gita for Human Excellence sponsored by Kurukshetra Development Board (KDB) organised at Panjab University, here today, in collaboration withInterdisciplinary Center for Swami Vivekananda Studies, Department of Psychology, USOL and Department of Philosophy, USOL.

He further said that Gita takes cognizance of the humanness of man, who in the midst of a turbulent environment is bewildered and is anxious and dejected. It is for us to realise our potential which we can do only if we connect with our inner self. He said Gita makes us aware about our choices and options.

Swami Satyeshanandaji, Secretary,Ramakrishna Mission Ashram, Chandigarh, in his presidential address referred to various shlokas of Gita which deal with Bhakti, Karma and Gyana yoga, all of which are the various paths to reach the supreme state. Prof RoshanLal while concluding the session, expressed his gratitude for the valuable inputs given by the eminent speakers.

Prof. Shankar jiJha,Dean of University Instruction (DUI) and officiating Vice Chancellor, Panjab University, in his address highlighted that Gita hastranscended the boundaries of space and time and found application in all walks of life. He said Gita is a dialogue between two great intellectuals who are in the battlefield and has been interpreted by great scholars in different times, according to their context and understanding.

Prof Nandita Singh, Coordinator, Interdisciplinary Centre for Swami Vivekananda Studies, P.U. while presenting the theme of the seminar said that Bhagwat Gita, the Brahma Vidya is a profound discourse on the philosophy of life, along with practical application of those spiritual precepts in the form of Yog. It equips the common man with the methodologies for the application of spiritual knowledge to practical life. Thus Gita does not belong to any religion but it is dedicated to help humanity at large to overcome mental dilemmas in moments of crisis. It extols that the right duty performed diligently, with purity of thought, equanimity of mind and with a sense of devotion leadsto self-knowledge or Gyan.

In the next session, Prof. R P Misra, head of department of Sanskrit Kurukshetra University, took the audience through the spiritual journey by highlighting main points of each chapter in Gita and gave the essence of Gita in relation to leading a good life.

Prof Dinesh Gupta, an expert on management and leadership, former DUI, gave examples from the corporate world where the principles of Gita have been applied with remarkable results. He said whether you believe in Gita, the philosophy of Gita has been all pervading and guiding humanity.

Prof VikramViveki, talked about how Gita helps in controlling and purifying our thoughts ultimately leading to the development of equanimity of mind.

Anil Vashishthji talked about his journey and how Gita helped him as a source of inspiration.

Dr KuldeepDhiman stressed on the essence of being dutiful, detached and performing excellence in work as per the Karma yoga principles of Gita, Professor Navrattan highlighted the importance of an integrated personality where head, heart and hand are in consonance.

Two parallel sessions were devoted to 25 presentations by University faculty and research scholars which was chaired by Prof Latika Sharma co chaired by Dr Sheojee and Other parallel session was chaired by Prof AnuradhaBhandari and co chaired by Dr.Richa.

In the valedictory session, Dr Chawla spoke about Self Management pertaining especially to the dietary habits of the new generation and the guidance that we receive on the subject through Gita. The valedictory session was concluded by an address by Prof YojanaRawat.