The three-day international seminar on ‘Revisiting French Indology through Intercultural Approaches’ concluded at the Malviya Mulya Anushilan Kendra, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) here on Wednesday. The seminar aimed to pay homage to the French resistance fighter and writer, Satprem, on his centenary day. Satprem, disenchanted and deeply broken in soul and body by the Second World War, left France and came to live near Sri Aurobindo and the Mother in India.
The seminar featured presentations of papers by highly esteemed scholars and professors. Some of the highlights included a presentation on the life and works of Clemenceau, the French president who played a significant role in France’s victory in the First World War. The presenter noted that the president was heavily influenced by India, studying its great religious and spiritual works and even undertaking a voyage to India. Despite his illness, he expressed a strong desire to visit Varanasi before his passing.
Another significant presentation delved into the life and works of Satprem by Dr Sragdhra Sharma. The presentation emphasised how Satprem’s works remain relevant, offering a path beyond religious and sectarian ideologies. In times when all other paths seem closed, his writings provide insight into resolving human problems.
Prof Sadashiv Dwivedi, the coordinator of Bharat Adhyan Kendra, served as the chief guest. He highlighted the profound exploration of Indian texts by French writers and the fruitful research collaboration between France and India. This collaboration has fostered friendly relations between the two nations.
In the beginning, Prof Prayaas Chaturvedi welcomed the participants. Prof Sanjay Kumar, the coordinator of Malviya Mulya Anushilan Kendra and chair of the session, observed that the world is facing deep conflicts, and the Western world has come to realise that the solution does not solely lie in technical research.
Prof Akhilesh Kumar, the convenor and Head of the French Studies department, presented the vote of thanks. The seminar also had the presence of Prof S Shoba, Dean of JNU, Prof Kiran Chaudhry, Prof Vineeta Singh, and Prof Mithilesh Singh, the Principal of Agrasen PG College , among others.
The seminar was attended by experts from France, Greece, Vietnam, and Slovenia, as well as professors and researchers from institutions like JNU, Pondicherry University, Amity University, Allahabad University, Auroville, and Extrême-Orient, highlighting the international and interdisciplinary nature of the event.