Mysuru: Karnataka Governor and Chancellor of Universities Thaawarchand Gehlot on Wednesday inaugurated the three-day international academic conference titled ‘Ekatma Manava Darshan – Bharat’s Worldview’ at the Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) campus in Mysuru.
The conference is being organised by the Karnataka unit of Prajna Pravah in collaboration with the Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation. The event focuses on the philosophy of Integral Humanism propounded by Deendayal Upadhyaya.
Dignitaries and participation
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan addressed the gathering virtually, while Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is scheduled to deliver a special lecture on Thursday.
The conference has drawn participation from across the academic spectrum, including Vice-Chancellors, registrars, professors, research scholars, and policy experts from Karnataka and other parts of India. Organisers said that 640 delegates had registered for the event, with 423 attending on the first day. A total of 118 experts are presenting research papers during the sessions.
Renowned sculptor Arun Yogiraj inaugurated a special exhibition showcasing India’s heritage and achievements as part of the conference proceedings.
Event held despite government order
The conference has attracted attention due to a controversy surrounding its organisation. Earlier this week, the issue was raised in the Karnataka Legislative Council by Congress MLC Ramesh Babu, following which Higher Education Minister M. C. Sudhakar stated that the State government would not permit KSOU to host the lecture series.
Subsequently, KSOU Vice-Chancellor Sharanappa V Halase was served a show-cause notice. After reviewing his response, the Higher Education Department, through Deputy Secretary N Kumar, issued an order cancelling the event.
Despite this directive, several components of the conference, including the exhibition and academic sessions, proceeded as scheduled on Wednesday.
Spiritual and academic significance
Prior to the inaugural ceremony, Governor Gehlot visited the Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hills and offered prayers.
Organisers explained that ‘Ekatma Manava Darshan’ is rooted in Indian philosophical traditions, aiming to establish harmony between individuals, society, and nature. The conference marks 60 years of the Integral Humanism philosophy and seeks to explore its relevance in contemporary socio-political discourse.
Prominent figures, including Shivarathri Deshikendra Swami of Suttur Mutt and Prajna Pravah Karnataka South convener Pradeep Bharadwaja, were also present at the inaugural session.
Valedictory ceremony on March 27
The three-day conference will conclude on March 27 with a valedictory ceremony featuring Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University, as the chief guest.
Conclusion
The inauguration of the ‘Ekatma Manava Darshan’ conference at KSOU has brought together academic and intellectual communities while also sparking debate over administrative and political oversight in university events. As the conference progresses, it continues to draw attention for both its scholarly discussions and the circumstances surrounding its conduct.