Indic studies seminar

feb 23rd, 2010

well, generally if i see 'agnivesh' as a participant, i run for the hills, because the fellow is a vicious useful idiot (we have been hearing all about his best pal and fellow prolix-drivel-writer valson thampu's latest cruel deeds recently).

but i have a fair amount of respect for madhu kishwar, hence i am forwarding this.

the center for the blah blah is also a kkkangress nest of vipers, so far as i can tell. 

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: K.V. 

Dear Friends,

This is to invite you to at participate in an International Seminar on "Hindu Organizations in Education, Health and Development Work" being held on 2nd, 3rd, 4th, March 2010. The seminar is being organized by the Indic Studies Project, Centre for the Study of Developing Societies in collaboration with Nehru Memorial Museum and Library at Teen Murti House.

This is perhaps the first of its kind seminar. In addition to academic papers, we have also invited a select group of faith practitioners and spiritual leaders, many of whom are scholars in their own right, to speak about the inspirational philosophy of their respective organizations and faith traditions. We hope that this experiment at creating a space for dialogue between scholars and faith leaders will lead to a fresh approach to study of our faith traditions.

Shankracharya designate, Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati of Jyotirmath will deliver the inaugural address.

The term "Hindu" is being used in its broadest sense and we include spiritual teaching in the term "education."  Many of the practitioners speaking in the conference do not identify themselves as "Hindu" but prefer terms like Sanatan Dharma.

Among the scholar practitioners scheduled to make presentations are:

• Srivatas Goswami of Radha Raman Ashram, Vrindavan,
• Kripa Prasad Singh of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram,
• Nandita Pathak of Deendyal Research Institute and Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalya,
• Swami Agnivesh of Arya Samaj,
• Rajiv Vora of Swaraj Vidyapeeth,
• Shraddhalu Ranade of Sri Aurobindo Ashram at Auroville,
• Rajendra Singh of Tarun Bharat Sangh and Ganga Yamuna Satyagraha.
• Kiran Walia and Rajiv Khosla, followers of Ma Nirmala Devi's Sahajyog.
• Shivamurthy Swamiji of Taralbalu Math, Karnataka.

Academic papers include the following:

• Gurus and Education: Hindu monastery (matha)-run schools in Karnataka" : Aya Ikegama.
• The Ashram as Utopia: The Fate of Tagore's Santiniketan: by Sanjeeb Mukherjee;
• Engaging Faith for Work: The Role of Nivedita Girls' School and Matri Bhavan of Sri Sarada Math and Ramakrishna-Sarada Mission : Subrata Bagchi;
• Annam Bahu Kurvita:The Indian Discipline of Growing and Sharing Food in Plenty: JK Bajaj.
• Pravritti & Nivritti: An Anthropological Account of Religious and Cultural Ways in the Care of the Elderly: Meenakshie Verma;
• Cultural Assimilation and Development: Study of Gahira Guru Cult among the Tribes of Chhattisgarh: Govind Chandra Rath;
• Hinduizing India through Colonial Education: by Vikas Gupta
• Under the Sign of Secular: Religion and Faith at Work: Deepa Reddy.
• Engaging the Practitioner: Boundary Politics in the Academic Study of Hinduism: Maya Warrier

Those presenting academic papers as well as scholar- practitioners have been requested to address the following set of questions:

• What is the self identification of the institution? What are the theological, core beliefs behind the founding of that particular institution?

• Reasons why the institution accepts or refuses to adopt the label "Hindu"? What is the distinctive religious/ spiritual, worldview that influences that particular institution?
• How do the religious beliefs, traditions and structures of the particular institution relate to the social, educational and developmental work that is being undertaken?
• Is its outreach limited to any particular group or sects? How is the institution different from "secular" educational and social work institutions?
• How are the spiritual values of that particular faith tradition represented in the teaching material used by the organization?
• To what extent are the services delivered perceived as religious in nature?
• What patterns emerge out of the mix of religious beliefs and educational and development activities?
• What is the financial support base of the organization?

We have kept adequate time for discussions after each presentation. The final schedule will reach you by the 25^th of February.

We hope you will find time to join in the deliberations on all three days.

Yours sincerely,

 
Madhu Purnima Kishwar,

Director, Indic Studies Project,
Centre for the Study of Developing Societies
29 Rajpur Road
Delhi 110054
Phone: 011-23978851

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Madhu Purnima Kishwar
Editor, Manushi Journal,
Founder, Manushi Sangathan
Tel: 011 23978851, 23916437.
Visit Manushi www.manushi.in
Madhu Kishwar blog at www.madhukishwar.in