SPPIS, Haryana: Book Release Function

Celebration of World Philosophy Day-2025

A One-Day National Seminar on “Indian Wisdom on Neeti and Nyaya (Ethics and Justice)” was successfully organised by the Department of Philosophy in collaboration with the Department of Political Science and the Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC), Post Graduate Government College, Sector-46, Chandigarh, on January 30, 2026. The seminar was sponsored by the Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR), New Delhi, and held at the college to mark World Philosophy Day-2025.

During the inaugural session, Prof. (Dr.) Nisha Aggarwal, Principal of the college, extended a warm welcome to all the guests and introduced the seminar’s theme. In her address, she highlighted that the annual celebration of World Philosophy Day reaffirms the timeless significance of philosophy—its role in advancing human thought, enriching diverse cultures, and shaping the intellectual growth of every individual. This session presided over by Prof. Prof. R.C. Sinha, National-Fellow, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Rashtrapati Nivas, Shimla.

Professor Shivani Sharma from the Department of Philosophy at Panjab University, Chandigarh, delivered the keynote address, offering profound insights into the relevance of Indian philosophical traditions in understanding ethics and justice in contemporary society. She underscored the significance of principles such as moral duty, fairness, and social responsibility when addressing modern ethical dilemmas. Additionally, she illuminated how ancient Indian texts, including the Vedas, Bhagavad Gita, and Mahabharata, provide valuable frameworks for conflict resolution and the promotion of social harmony.

The first issue of “Metaphilosophy: Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences” and a book on Philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi written by Ms. Deepalee Rout released by the guests. This book covers the syllabus of our Philosophy Value Added Course introduced in BA 3rd Semester of Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) of Panjab University, Chandigarh. Dr. G.C. Sethi, HoD (Political Science) and delivered his vote of thanks.

Several eminent scholars from different disciplines enriched the seminar through their scholarly deliberations The academic sessions were Chaired by Prof. Ashutosh Kumar, Department of Political Science, Panjab University, Chandigarh, Prof. R.K. Deswal, Incharge, Shrimad Bhagwad Geeta Adhyayan Kendra, Department of A.I.H, Culture & Archaeology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Dr. Ashutosh Angiras, Former Associate Professor, Department of Sanskrit, Sanatan Dharma College (Lahore), Ambala Cantt. (Haryana), Mr. Lallan Singh Baghel, Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, Panjab University, Chandigarh, Dr. Mona Arora, Assistant Professor & HoD, Department of Sociology, Goswami Ganesh Dutta Sanatan Dharma College (GGDSD), Sector-32, Chandigarh and Dr. Ambuj Sharma, Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, Post Graduate Govt. College for Girls, Sector-11, Chandigarh. Total 24 Research papers were presented during the four sessions from research scholars and teachers from different institutions:

Academic Session-I & III (Physical Mode)

1. Ms. Yamini Bhutani, Research Scholar (Philosophy), Panjab University, Chandigarh

2. Mr. Hanglem Mohon Singh, Research Scholar (Philosophy), Panjab University, Chandigarh

3. Ms. Shyama Devi, Research Scholar (Political Science), Panjab University, Chandigarh

4. Ms. Sumedha Seth, PGT (Political Science), KBDAV Sr. Secondary School, Chandigarh

5. Ms. Kirti Bhatia, Research Scholar, Political Science Deptt., Panjab University, Chandigarh

6. Dr. Devdas Saket, Guest Faculty, Avadesh Partap Singh University, Riva (MP).

7. Ms. Kavita Rani, Assistant Professor in Political Science, Government College Ropar.

8. Dr. Gobinda Chandra Sethi, Associate Professor (Political Science), PGGC-46, Chandigarh: Kautilya’s View Point on Welfare State: An Analysis

9. Mr. Praveen Choubey, Associate Professor (History), PGGC-46, Chandigarh: Moral/Human Value and Contemporary Society

10.Dr. Gaurav Kumar, Assistant Professor (Philosophy0, S.D. College, Sector-32, Chandigarh: Philosophical Foundation so Vasudeva Kutumkam: Advaita Vedanta and the Idea of Classless Society

11.Ms. Jyoti, Assistant Professor (Political Science), PGGC-46, Chandigarh: Concept of Justice in Indian Knowledge System

12.Dr. Desh Raj Sirswal, Assistant Professor (Philosophy), Post Graduate Govt. College, Sector-46, Chandigarh: Ethical Philosophy of Mahrishi Valmiki

Academic Session- II & IV (Online):

1. Dr. Amit Kumar, Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, Govt. College Bundelkhand (UP).

2. Dr. Poonama Verma, Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, COE-GC Sanjauli, Shimla (HP)

3. Dr. Ghanshyam Singh Soni, Assistant Professor (Philosophy) Govt. College, Solan (HP)

4. Dr. K. Vengadachalam , Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, Madras Christian College (Autonomous), Chennai (TN).

5. Dr. Pramod Kumar Dash, Head, Department of Philosophy, Nayagarh Autonomous College, Nayagarh, Odisha.

6. Mr. Willibald Vishal Francis, Research Scholar, Department of Philosophy, University of Delhi.

7. Ms. Ashu, PhD Scholar, Indian Institute of Heritage, Noida: Puruṣārtha in Stone: Dharma, Artha, Kāma, and Mokṣa as Reflected in Hindu Gods and Goddesses Sculpture in Indian Art

8. Mr. Gurjot Singh, Research Scholar (Philosophy), Panjab University, Chandigarh

9. Ms. Manisha, Assistant Professor (Mathematics), PGGC-46, Chandigarh: Vedic Mathematics: Nature and its Relevance in Indian Knowledge System

10.Ms. Harnoor Kaur, Student, GGDSD College, Sector-32, Chandigarh: Indian Knowledge System on Neeti and Nyaya

11.Dr. O.P.Parameswaran, Associate Professor (Fine Arts), PGGC-46, Chandigarh: Pictorial Representation of Compassion and Sacrifice: A study of the Mahakapi Jataka on the Torana of the Great Stupa at Sanchi

12.Dr. Gaurav Kumar, Assistant Professor (Philosophy), Chandigarh University, Mohali (PB): Yantra' in Indian Darshan and modern Technological Determinism: Exploring 'techno-being' in the context of Indian Neeti and Nyaya

Their presentations highlighted ethical dimensions of Neeti and Nyaya from philosophical, political, sociological and cultural perspectives. It witnessed active participation from faculty members, research scholars, and students, leading to meaningful discussions and academic exchange.

In the Valedictory Session, Prof. Sneh Hrshinder Sharma (Dean) distributed the certificates to the paper presentations and congratulated them for their fruitful presentations. The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Desh Raj Sirswal (Convener of the seminar) acknowledging the valuable contributions of the speakers, organizers and participants.

The seminar was organised under the guidance of Prof. (Dr) Nisha Aggarwal (Principal), Prof. (Dr) Sneh Harshinder Sharma (Dean), and Dr Rajesh Kumar (Vice-Principal). The event successfully achieved its objective of promoting philosophical inquiry into Indian ethical traditions and their relevance in addressing contemporary issues of justice. About 120 faculty and students participated in this seminar.