Akhilesh Pathak
SPRO
Shimla: Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla organized a Two day National Seminar entitled ‘Rethinking History of Punjab : The Indian Civilizational Context’ On 5th & 6th March 2024.
In the inaugural session, Director Prof. Nageshwar Rao welcomed the delegates, speakers, participants and audience. Convenor of the seminar Prof. Ravinder Singh introduced the theme by mentioning the difference between History and Itihas; Also, the need to rethink the methodology for studying and interpreting it in the Traditional manner. He stated that History divides and Itihas unites.
He critically pointed out the disintegration of Punjab and Bharat on the basis of language, which led to the disintegration of the whole Tradition from its roots. He elaborated on the actual identity of Punjab as Sapt-Sindhu being based on Gyaan. Prof. Singh while introducing the objective of the seminar suggested that we are limited in tunnel vision as when we discuss the history of Punjab limited to its social and political aspect. The need is to rethink the History of Punjab in the civilizational context. After the introduction, Former Vice-Chancellor of Central University of Himachal Pradesh (CUH), Dharmshala, Prof. Kuldip Chand Agnihotri in his Keynote address gave an elaborate lecture about Sapt-Sindhu in its sociology and geography and its continuity till today.
He raised a few questions regarding the Continuity of Vedic period with the Pre-Vedic times, Aryan invasion theory and if the civilization got destroyed leading just to physical discontinuity or the biological discontinuity as well. He critically analyzed the European/Western Empire’s impact on the Indian mindset and intellect prevailing till the contemporary times. He clarified that European idea rejects Tradition and pre-existing ideas, thus encouraging discontinuity. He stated that Indian tradition is Sanatan as Gyaan prevails in every generation and malpractices disappear in the continuity, in its true sense.
Prof. Agnihotri categorized the history of Punjab as Pre-Vedic, Vedic, Buddist period and finally the period of Arab, Turkish, Mughal attacks. In the end of his lecture, he pointed out the significance of Guru Nanak till Guru Gobind Singh in the continuity of this traditional history as he stated the Guru Tradition is re-enlightening the whole territory of Sapt-Sindhu. Prof. Harpal Singh presided the inaugural session and concluded the discussion by mentioning the works of JPS Oberoi in the study of Indian history in the civilizational context.
He also mentioned the contribution of Prof. Kapil Kapoor in creating awareness and preaching of this idea. In the end inaugural session, Secretary of the Institute Mehar Chand Negi presented the Vote of Thanks. In the whole two days’ seminar, Professors, Associate Professors, Scholars were present (online and offline) from different Colleges, Universities for their respective participation.