Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi today organized a two-tiered program to pay homage to the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Coupled with it was a homage to another great intellectual and visionary, Rabindranath Tagore.
Shri Vishanath Prasad Tiwari, well-known critic and man of letters who is also the Vice-Chairman of the national Sahitya Akademi, delivered an extremely lucid and well-informed talk on "Gandhian Philosophy in Contemporary Times". This was followed by another scintillating and impassioned discourse on "The Environmental Philosophy of Tagore" by Mina Surjit Singh, Emeritus Fellow at the Dept of English, Panjab University. Chairing the event was Prof Anirudh Joshi, eminent professor and critic who is well-versed in Sanskrit literature as well as Indian literary traditions.
Shri Tiwari set the tone of his talk with a comparison between Gandhi and Christ. Then he referred to Gandhian philosophy vis a vis Karl Marx, focusing on the fact that Gandhian thought is unique because it is characterized by non-violence, compassion and truth. Gandhi became popular because he drew his beliefs from tradition and from mass culture, adapting them to his political agenda. This is the reason why his philosophy spread through the world, crossing all boundaries of time and space. Tiwari discussed in detail Gandhi's ideas on civilization as distinct from progress and the manner in which he upheld the axiom of simple living, high thinking.
Mina Surjit Singh discussed the work of Tagore as a mystic, transcendentalist and romantic, highlighting the areas which overlapped with Gandhian thought. She referred to the clash of the two giants on divergent views and explored the connecction between science and spirituality. Tagore was able to see the interconnectedness in all spheres of life and this is what made him the great thinker that he is acclaimed to be.
Drawing upon the main points presented by the two speakers, Prof Anirudh Joshi further elaborated upon the connection between the phinking of the Mahatma and the poet.The three speakers of the day held forth on the subject and held the audience mesmerized. Madhav Kaushik, Secretary of CSA, comered the event and Manju Jaidka, Chairperson, in her vote of thanks informed the audience of upcoming events, urging greater participation of the people of Chandigarh.
Over the last three years the CSA has been working diligently, offering interesting and intellectually stimulating fare to the city and its activities are eagerly awaited, as may be judged by the enthusiastic crowd that regularly attends all events.
Among the on-going activities is the Grants-in-Aid that will be announced shortly, a Quiz that will be held at the Carnival in November, and the 3rd Chandigarh Festival of Letters in February 2012.
Indeed, a lot of interesting happenings to look out for!
Photographs of today's events may be downloaded from this link:
Chairperson
Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi
