There is a great danger to Indian academics from the likes of Dinanath Batra, RSS ideologue, whose actions have only spread mistrust on Indian Philosophy, said Manipal University Centre for Philosophy and Humanities Director Sundar Sarukkai.
While calling upon researchers to explore the depths of Indian history and culture, Mr. Sarukkai said that all theories should be based on historical evidences.
``If people like Batra are allowed to imprint their communal ideology on text books and on literature, it will definitely dilute the serious research being done in Indian Philosophy in universities across India, Europe and the US. No one will take us (Indian academicians ) seriously,’’ Mr. Sarukkai said on the sidelines of the third B. Chandra Sekhar memorial lecture on ``What are the answers for contemporary India?’’ held here on Tuesday.
While a collective action from the academic world could only counter the mindless propaganda, increased salaries have silenced the voice of academic circles, Mr. Sarukkai Sundar said.
Stating that philosophy and the theory of philosophy was extremely relevant to any debate on contemporary society, he observed that societies had been shaped by culture, history and philosophy.
``Contemporary India is a world of diversity in its most varied form. This is a land of contradictions and the India of today continues to reflect these contradictions,’’ he explained.
Indians have been obsessed with newness and variety, he said adding that many events had illustrated the tension between the new and the old. ``In a land which is soon going to be the world’s youngest, it is ironic how strong the hold of the old is!,’’ the professor quipped.
While the general absence of social consciousness has been the greatest problem facing the country, the solution lies in not just cleaning the streets, but cleaning the conscience.
Dr. Sundar further said that a mere public activism was not the only way out and any solution lied in deeper understanding of the problems.
``The problem of individualism, the culture of `me-ness’ and being concerned only about self is a growing problem and perhaps at the root of many problems afflicting our society,’’ Mr. Sundar said adding that an increased public space was needed in political debates.
In the end, Mr. Sundar said Gandhi by his simplicity, Spartan living and engagement with multiple religions, could act as a guide on how people should act and understand the struggle of individual ego in a social world.
Acharya Nagarjuna University former professor of Law A. Subramaniyam presided over the meeting. Former minister Dokka Manikya Vara Prasad was also present.
