Jammu University Celebrates 155th Birth Anniversary of Sri Aurobindo

The Department of Philosophy, University of Jammu, in association with the Sri Aurobindo Gyan Kendra, University of Jammu, celebrated the 155th birth anniversary of Sri Aurobindo by organising an ICPR-sponsored special lecture on the theme “Logical Foundation of Sri Aurobindo’s Philosophy in the Light of Shankar Vedanta.”

Prof. Umesh Rai, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, was the Chief Guest on the occasion. The special lecture was delivered by Prof. (Retd.) S. P. Pandey, former Professor, Department of Philosophy and Religion, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, who provided an insightful exposition of Sri Aurobindo’s philosophical vision and its relationship with Shankar Vedanta.

In his illuminating lecture, Prof. Pandey elaborated upon the multifaceted personality of Sri Aurobindo, highlighting his contributions as a philosopher, spiritual thinker, nationalist, poet, educationist and visionary. He traced the evolution of Sri Aurobindo’s thought from political activism and nationalism towards a profound philosophy of spiritual transformation. He emphasised that these diverse dimensions of Sri Aurobindo’s personality are deeply interconnected and together constitute the foundation of his distinctive philosophical vision.

Prof. Pandey further examined the philosophical relationship and differences between Adi Shankaracharya and Sri Aurobindo, particularly with regard to their conceptions of truth and reality. Using the metaphor of light and darkness, he explained that while Shankara’s philosophy primarily emphasises the removal of ignorance and the realisation of the ultimate truth, Brahman, Sri Aurobindo views truth in terms of the progressive manifestation of consciousness. In Aurobindo’s philosophy, the movement from darkness to light signifies not merely the removal of ignorance but a continuing process of spiritual awakening, evolution and transformation of human consciousness.

Prof. Pandey also highlighted the originality of Sri Aurobindo’s philosophical approach, describing him as the first thinker to introduce the “logic of the infinite.” He underlined Sri Aurobindo’s role as a cultural ambassador of India whose philosophical and spiritual thought continues to provide a significant intellectual contribution to humanity.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Umesh Rai, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, emphasised the contemporary relevance and importance of Sri Aurobindo’s philosophy. He observed that Sri Aurobindo’s thought provides meaningful insights into the challenges of modern life and can help individuals transcend worldly chaos through a deeper understanding of spirituality and human existence. He highlighted the historical significance of Sri Aurobindo’s life and contributions to literature, philosophy, nationalism and spirituality. Prof. Rai encouraged the students to read and understand Sri Aurobindo’s works so that they could cultivate the art of living spiritually while continuing to perform their everyday responsibilities.

Earlier, Prof. Jasbir Singh, Head, Department of Philosophy, welcomed the Chief Guest, the distinguished speaker, faculty members, research scholars and students. In his welcome address, he highlighted the significance of organising such academic and intellectual programmes, particularly for students, as they provide an opportunity to engage with the ideas of great Indian thinkers and explore their contemporary relevance.

The proceedings of the programme were conducted by Dr. Vijay Laxmi Rai, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Vikram Shahi, In-charge, Central Library, University of Jammu.

The programme was attended by a large number of faculty members, research scholars and students from various departments and the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE), University of Jammu. Prominent among those present were Prof. Anupama Vohra, Prof. Anju Sharma, Prof. Arvind Jasrotia, Prof. Vishav Raksha, Prof. Sunita Sharma, Prof. Pankaj Kumar, Prof. Garima Gupta, Prof. Dushyant Rai, Dr. Hema Gandotra, Dr. Tsering, Dr. Panu Sharma, Dr. Ajai Kumar Mishra, Dr. Rishikesh Chauhan, Dr. Ruby Bharti and Dr. Suman Sharma, Dr. Anjum Ara, Mr. Ashwin Khushwaha, Ms. Deepti Padmanabham (AO) besides teachers and students from other departments of the University and affiliated colleges.

The special lecture provided an intellectually stimulating platform for understanding Sri Aurobindo’s philosophical legacy and his vision of the spiritual evolution of humanity. The programme concluded on a thoughtful note, reaffirming the relevance of Indian philosophical traditions and Sri Aurobindo’s transformative vision in contemporary times.