Articles

Patachitra Painting of the Ramayana - Building the Bridge

Avant Propos: Constructing – Deconstructionism

Of late the debate on standards in public life, of probity in public life and of the use and abuse of power in a democratic framework has been occupying the centre stage. While the debate has often developed to no-holds barred level it is nevertheless heartening to see that it is taking place and that too with full gusto and participation from the people and their representatives. Democracy is all about discussion and the freer, more vocal and varied the discussion the more resilient is the texture of democracy.

Asokan pillar as it stands at Lumbini today

Though he often lamented the extent and depth of Indian influence on Chinese civilisation in the past, Ambassador Hu Shih (1891-1962) scholar-formidable of China’s cultural renaissance nevertheless conceded India’s immense contribution to his country’s cultural and civilisational development in a paper entitled ‘East and West: The Indianization of China: A Case Study in Cultural Borrowing’ presented at the Harvard Tercenary Conference of Arts and Science.

Avant Propos

Writing a foreword to noted social historian and political philosopher Dharampal’s (1922-2006) book ‘Civil Disobedience in Indian Tradition’ [1971] legendary Indian mass leader and socialist thinker Jayaprakash Narayan (1902-1979) made certain poignant observations on the Indian tradition of the relationship between the ruler and the ruled and more importantly on the role and legitimacy of public movements within a democratic framework.

Most of the British and European nationals who came to India in the 18^th and 19^thcenturies were simply dismayed at its vast geographical dimensions, it’s cultural diversity and religious plurality. They could not believe that all thee could co-exist within one nation. It was not their fault. In its entire history Europe has witnessed, repeatedly, wars for the division of landmass and for redrawing of the boundaries defining nations on the basis of racial purity, religious considerations, cultural identity, language, petty political aspirations, and so on.

Hindu Temple of Prambanan dedicated to the Trimurti, Central Java

[The story of India’s two thousand years old association with the Southeast Asian region remains a unique and unparalleled saga in the history of civilisations. It is a fascinating story that continues to retain its vibrancy and appeal. Indian culture found ready acceptance in this region, penetrated it peacefully and percolated deep into the region’s collective life and manifested itself through its various forms of expressions. That civilisational tie remains alive and vibrant even today.

Introduction:

Nalanda

The great Nalanda University of yore is being sought to be revived and the ongoing effort since 2007 has been widely projected and discussed. It is but natural that the state of Bihar has been selected as the venue for recreating what was once undoubtedly, one of the leading knowledge-lighthouses of the world. While the thought needs national acclaim and the effort national support, certain uncomfortable questions remain hinting at a certain degree of confusion or lack of foresight in evolving the support system that shall eventually see the project through.

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International Seminar at VIF

Keynote Address delivered by
Professor B. B. Lal
(Former Director General, Archaeological Survey of India)
For quite some time a series of postulates have been distorting our vision of India's past. Some of these are:
1. The Vedas are no older than 1200 BCE and the Vedic people were nomads.
2. The authors of the Harappan Civilization, ascribable to the 3rd millennium BCE, were a Dravidian-speaking people.
This civilization was destroyed by Aryan invaders and thereby became extinct.

Islam encompasses all the nobilities that every other religion has, compassion, love, justice, brotherhood, equality etc. but it also poses several dilemmas.
The dilemmas arise, as the values instilled by Islam were those needed for bringing order to a desert tribal society of the 6th century. The doctrines laid down for reforms prevent Islamic values from keeping pace with the evolving parameters of the rest of the world.