Special Lecture on ‘Research and the Resurgence of India’ Held at MLSU

Udaipur: Mohanlal Sukhadia University (MLSU) on Wednesday organised a special lecture on “Research and the Resurgence of India” at Bappa Rawal Seminar Hall, University Guest House. The programme was organised by the Office of the Dean, Postgraduate Studies. The keynote address was delivered by Chandrakant Ji, All India Co-Convener of Pragya Pravah, while the event was chaired by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kailash Daga.

Welcoming the gathering, Dean (Postgraduate Studies) Prof. K.B. Joshi highlighted the importance of research in addressing contemporary challenges and called upon scholars to pursue innovative, solution-oriented research.

In his keynote address, Chandrakant Ji stressed that India’s resurgence requires research rooted in an Indian perspective. He discussed the impact of the Macaulay education system on India's academic and research outlook and argued that colonial narratives had influenced the understanding of Indian history and knowledge traditions. He cited the Aryan Invasion Theory as an example of a historical misconception and urged scholars to critically examine inherited narratives.

He distinguished between the concepts of Dharma and Religion, describing Dharma as a broader ethical and moral framework guiding individual and social life rather than merely a religious identity. He also underlined the need to rebuild national self-confidence by drawing inspiration from India’s rich knowledge tradition while focusing research on present-day challenges with an Indian worldview.

Highlighting differences between Indian and Western social thought, he observed that the family forms the basic social unit in Indian society, whereas the individual occupies that role in the West. He also explained the distinction between Sukh (happiness) and Anand (bliss), noting that Indian philosophy regards Anand as the highest goal of human life.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kailash Daga said the university would explore the possibility of introducing international studies in line with the suggestions made during the lecture. He noted that integrating Indian perspectives with global understanding would create new opportunities for students and researchers.

The programme was attended by deans, directors, faculty members, researchers, invited guests, and students from various faculties of the university.