A three-day National Seminar on the theme “Exploration of Indian Knowledge Tradition in Literature Composed in Punjab” commenced today at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Rashtrapati Niwas, Shimla. The seminar, being organized from 15 to 17 October 2025, aims to explore the philosophical, linguistic, and cultural dimensions of Indian knowledge systems as reflected in literature composed in Hindi, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Urdu, and English across Punjab.
The inaugural session of the seminar was held in the Institute’s Seminar Hall. The session was chaired by Professor Shashiprabha Kumar, Chairperson, Governing Body, IIAS, while Professor Sat Prakash Bansal, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala, graced the event as the Guest of Honour.
The welcome address and thematic presentation were delivered by Dr. Naresh Kumar, Convener of the Seminar and Head, Department of Punjabi and Dogri, Central University of Himachal Pradesh. Delivering the keynote address, Padma Shri Professor Har Mohinder Singh Bedi, Chancellor, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, stated that the soil of Punjab has been the cradle of India’s linguistic and philosophical traditions, producing rich literary contributions that embody the Indian spirit of unity in diversity.
Professor Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi, Director, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, in his inaugural address, remarked:
“The Indian knowledge tradition is not merely a relic of the past but a living continuum of ideas and values that shape our cultural and intellectual consciousness. The literature composed in Punjab represents an extraordinary synthesis of diverse streams of Indian thought. This seminar is a collective attempt to re-examine and celebrate India’s rich intellectual heritage through multidisciplinary engagement.”
In his special remarks, Professor Sat Prakash Bansal emphasized that the seminar would provide an important platform for interdisciplinary dialogue, fostering new insights into the transmission and transformation of Indian philosophical ideas within regional literary traditions.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Mehar Chand Negi, Secretary, IIAS. The event was conducted by Mr. Akhilesh Pathak, Public Relations Officer of the Institute.
A large number of scholars, researchers, and academicians from universities and research institutions across the country participated in the inaugural session. The seminar will continue for three days, featuring multiple technical sessions focusing on diverse aspects of Indian Knowledge Traditions in Punjabi and allied literatures.