Philosophical basis of admn, governance discussed at IIAS

The Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Shimla, commenced its two-day national seminar on ‘Governance and Administration in Indian Thought’ today, bringing together scholars, academics, and thinkers to delve into different perspectives on governance, administration, and social structures.

The keynote address was delivered by Padma Bhushan awardee, Prof Kapil Kapoor, who joined virtually. Prof Kapoor, a luminary in Indian intellectual traditions, discussed the philosophical insights and administrative wisdom that Indian thought offers to contemporary governance. His address highlighted the enduring relevance of Indian philosophy in addressing modern challenges.

This was followed by a presidential address from Prof Shashi Prabha Kumar, chairperson of IIAS, who emphasised the significance of intercultural dialogue in understanding governance from an Indian perspective and the role of ancient texts in shaping contemporary thought.

Five recent IIAS publications were also launched at the inaugural session of the conference.

The inaugural session led into three insightful sessions held throughout the day. The first session, titled “Indic perspectives on governance, administration, and its philosophical foundations,” saw contributions from eminent speakers such as Prof Mamta Mokta from HP University and Dr Jayashree Vivekanandan from South Asian University. This session explored the philosophical underpinnings of governance and administration in Indian tradition, examining how ethical and moral principles from ancient texts contribute to contemporary governance practices.

The second session, ‘Art of Governance and Arthashastra,’ focused on the ancient Indian text Arthashastra and its enduring relevance to modern administrative structures. Speakers, including Dr Shwetank Bhardwaj and Dr Ravi R. Shukla, engaged the audience with insights into the practical and strategic applications found in ancient Indian wisdom, discussing how these principles offer valuable lessons for current governance models. The third session, titled ‘Democracy, Leadership, and Cultural Dimensions of Administration – An Indian Perspective,’ featured experts such as Dr Priya Dahiya from Delhi University and Prof S. Victor Babu from BBAU, Lucknow, who presented thought-provoking views on the integration of democratic values within Indian society, highlighting cultural aspects that influence leadership and governance.