Bhubaneswar: The World Philosophy Day, an UNESCO event, was celebrated at IIT Bhubaneswar on 26th Feb, 2021 . The event was graced by Prof. Ramesh Chandra Sinha, Chairman, Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR), New Delhi as the Chief Guest and presided over by Prof.R.V. Raja Kumar, Director, IIT Bhubaneswar.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof.R.V. Raja Kumar, Director, IIT Bhubaneswar said that World Philosophy Day is celebrated to promote an international culture of philosophical debate that respect for human dignity and diversity. He stressed the fact that philosophy being an important subject is discussed across the world. IIT Bhubaneswar being one of the premier institutes of higher learning endeavors to promote the study of philosophy to make our students maintain the connect to the philosophy and the related sensitivities. He emphasized the need to teach philosophy at all levels, especially to the students of science and technology as has been done at IIT Bhubaneswar. He opined that it is needed more for the youngsters today. He also presented an overview of the various courses being offered at School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Management (SHSSM) at IIT Bhubaneswar.
Prof. Ramesh Chandra Sinha, Chairman, Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR), New Delhi and the Chief Guest of the event said that, for centuries, in every culture, philosophy has given birth to concepts, ideas, and analyses, and through this has laid the foundation for critical, independent and creative thought. He said that World philosophy day celebrates the importance of philosophical reflection, and encourages people all over the world to share their philosophical heritage with each other. He added that philosophy should not be restricted to eminent scholars but it should be used for the upliftment of the downtrodden, the marginalized, paving the path for building a better society of tomorrow. In his address, he also gave an insight into to the various activities of ICPR, strengthening philosophy at the mass level
The program also included a thought provoking session addressed by Prof. P.K. Mukhopadhyay, Former Professor, Dept. of Philosophy, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, Prof. Raghuram Raju, Professor, Dept of Philosophy, IIT Tirupati, SHSS, Andhra Pradesh. It was chaired by Prof. Jatin. K. Nayak, Former Professor, Dept. of English, Utkal University in the morning. The afternoon session too featured some equally interesting lectures by Dr. Ranjan Mukhopadhyay, Visva Bharati University, Shantiniketan, West Bengal, Prof. Bijoy Hati Boruah, Visiting Professor, SHSS, IIT Ropar, Punjab. Prof. G.P. Das, Former Professor, Dept. of Philosophy, Utkal University, chaired this session.
The event was coordinated by Prof. Godabarisha Mishra, Visiting Professor, SHSSM, IIT Bhubaneswar. Also present at the event were Dr. P.R. Sahu, Dean Academics, Col ( Dr.) Subodh Kumar, Registrar and Dr. Bibhuti Bhushan Sahoo, Deputy Librarian, IIT Bhubaneswar, other dignitaries from around the country participated in the event along with faculty, officers, staff and students. The event ended with a vote of thanks.
