Mysuru: A three-day international academic conference titled ‘Ekatma Manava Darshan – Bharat’s Worldview’ commenced at the Convocation Hall of Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), Muktagangotri campus, despite a state government order cancelling the event.
Row over government directive
The conference, organised by Prajna Pravah (Karnataka unit) and Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation, had become a subject of political and administrative controversy earlier this week.
The issue was raised in the Karnataka Legislative Council by Ramesh Babu, following which Higher Education Minister M C Sudhakar stated that the government would not permit KSOU to host the lecture series.
Subsequently, KSOU Vice-Chancellor Sharanappa V Halase was issued a showcause notice. Although he submitted a reply, the Higher Education Department, through Deputy Secretary N Kumar, later issued an आदेश cancelling the event, citing dissatisfaction with the explanation.
Sessions proceed as scheduled
Despite the cancellation order, organisers confirmed that the conference began as planned on Wednesday. According to organising committee member Hanumanthachar Joshi, sessions, paper presentations and related activities are being conducted as per schedule.
A special exhibition showcasing India’s heritage and achievements was also inaugurated by noted sculptor Arun Yogiraj earlier in the day.
Governor to inaugurate conference
The formal inauguration is scheduled for 5 pm, with Thawar Chand Gehlot, who is also the Chancellor of State Universities, expected to preside over the event.
As per organisers, the Governor will arrive in Mysuru in the afternoon and visit the Chamundeshwari Temple before attending the conference, after which he will return to Bengaluru.
Focus on Integral Humanism
The conference marks 60 years of Deendayal Upadhyaya’s philosophy of Integral Humanism (Ekatma Manavvad). According to organisers, the concept emphasises harmony between individuals, society and nature, rooted in Indian philosophical traditions.
The event is expected to bring together vice-chancellors, academicians, research scholars and policy experts from across the country to deliberate on themes related to Indian knowledge systems, sociology and governance.
Dignitaries and key speakers
Several prominent personalities are slated to participate in the inaugural session, including Shivarathri Deshikendra Swami, Registrar S K Naveen Kumar, Prajna Pravah convenor Pradeep Bharadwaja, and foundation director Binay Kumar Singh.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is scheduled to deliver a special lecture on March 26. The valedictory function on March 27 will feature Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit as the chief guest.
Conclusion
The continuation of the conference despite a formal cancellation order has added a new dimension to the ongoing debate over academic autonomy and government oversight. The developments in the coming days are likely to draw further attention from both academic and political circles.