International Conference: Akshar-Purushottam Darshan
Philosophy, History and Transmission

A five-day international conference titled ‘Akshar-Purushottam Darshan Philosophy, History and Transmission’ was organized by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, Sarangpur and Shree Somnath Sanskrit University, Veraval, on the occasion of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya Dashabdi Mahotsav (tenth anniversary). Scholars and researchers from all around the world presented research papers and discussed insights about the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan.

Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony took place in the presence of Shri Sukant Kumar Senapatiji, Vice Chancellor of Shree Somnath Sanskrit University, Shri Narendrakumar Pandya, Principal of the college administered by Shree Somnath Sanskrit University and other chief guests, as well as senior and scholar swamis of BAPS. Mahamahopadhyaya Bhadreshdas Swami delivered the keynote address and explained the theme of the conference. During the opening ceremony, the ‘Vachanamrutsangrah’, selected quotations from the Vachanamrut’s Sanskrit translation, was inaugurated. Recorded blessings for the conference from Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj and a message from Dr. Viveksagardas Swami were shown.

Presentation Sessions

During the conference’s fifteen sessions, researchers from India, America, Canada and other countries, presented 46 research papers in Sanskrit, Hindi, Gujarati and English. Under the conference theme, various topics were discussed by analyzing many texts and providing distinct proofs.

The sessions were chaired by scholars from various fields, including:
  • Dr. Narendrakumar Pandya (Principal, Shri Somnath Sanskrit University-affiliated college, Veraval)
  • Dr. Janakisharan Acharya (Assistant Professor, Dean of Darshan Faculty, SSSU, Veraval)
  • Dr. Gajendra Panda (Head of Sanskrit Department, L.D. Arts College, Ahmedabad)
  • Dr. Harishchandra Bhatt (Principal, Shri Narmada Sanskrit Ved Mahavidyalaya, Bharuch)
  • Dr. Devsinh Rathwa (Head of Sanskrit And Bharatiya Vidya Department, HNGU, Patan)
  • Dr. Raghubhaiji Joshi (Principal, Shri Narayan Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, Petlad)
  • Dr. Kamaleshkumar Chokshi (Professor, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad)
  • Dr. Uma Maheshwari and Dr. Ashaben Madhak (Assistant Professor, SSSU, Veraval)
  • Dr. Lalitbhai Patel (Professor (CAS), SSSU, Veraval)
  • Dr. Shri Ravindrakumar Khandawala (Head of Sanskrit-Prakrit Depertment, Shri H.K. Arts College, Ahmedabad)
  • Dr. Shri Amrutlal Bhogayata (Principal, Shri Brahmarshi Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, Nadiad)
  • Dr. Atmatruptdas Swami and Dr. Gnanananddas Swami (scholars from BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha)

At the end of each session, the chairpersons reviewed the papers presented by the researchers, and also shared their views about BAPS Swaminarayan Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya and on Akshar-Purushottam Darshan.

Sukantkumar Senapatiji, the Vice Chancellor of Shree Somnath Sanskrit University:

Akshar-Purushottam is true, it has roots in the Vedas and gives peace in the hard times of Kaliyuga. The outcome of this are the virtuous students who are educated by this college, hence, they are role models for others.

Dr. Shri Ravindrakumar Khandawala (Head of Sanskrit-Prakrit Depertment, Shri H.K. Arts College, Ahmedabad):

The words of Taittiriya Upanishad ‘स्वाध्यायान्मा प्रमदः’ (Svadhyayanma pramadaha) becoming alive here. This philosophy (Akshar-Purushottam Darshan) will show a new path to researchers. The masters degree students are all presenting research papers following the research methodology.

Dr. Uma Maheshwari (Assistant Professor, SSSU, Veraval):

By attending this conference, I got to know many new things about the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan.” Also, she appreciated the BAPS youth and women’s activities.

Dr. Devsinh Rathwa (Head of Sanskrit And Bharatiya Vidya Department, HNGU, Patan):

All the arrangements of this conference was handled in-house by the volunteers of this organization, that is worth appreciating.

Closing Ceremony

In the closing ceremony, Head of AARSH in Gandhinagar, Dr. Shrutiprakashdas Swami delivered the valedictory address, summarizing the essence of the conference. Among the dignitaries present were Principal of Brahmarshi Sanskrit Mahvidyalaya, Nadiad, Dr. Amrutlal Bhogayataji, and Registrar of Somnath Sanskrit University, Veraval, Dr. Dashrath Jadhav. In their speeches, both the guests appreciated the arrangements and the students of the college. Aksharcharandas Swami, a senior BAPS swami, also addressed the conference delegates. Dr. M.M. Trivedi, Vice Chancellor of Maharaja Krishnakumarsinghji Bhavnagar University, sent a letter of appreciation. The video blessings of BAPS Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj and a message from Ishwarcharandas Swami were also shown.

Overall, the conference enabled a deeper understanding of the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan philosophy, history and transmission, and paved new paths for research.

Conference Testimonials

Gallery

Blissful Sarangpur Campus

BAPS Swaminarayan Sanskrit Mahavidyalay, Sarangpur

BAPS Swaminarayan Sanskrit Mahavidyalay, Sarangpur

Dr. Atmatruptdas Swami commencing the Inaugural Session of Conference

Narayanmunidas Swami, Prof. Dr. Shrutiprakashdas Swami and Dr. Gajendra S. Panda inaugurate the conference proceedings

Prof. Sukantakumar Senapati addresses the opening ceremony

Mahamahopadhyay Dr. Bhadreshdas Swami delivering the Keynote Address of the Conference

Ladies Guests and students attend the Inaugural Session

Guests inaugurate the Vachanamrut Sangraha book

Dr. Narendrakumar L. Pandya, Principal of Shree Somnath Sanskrit University College, Veraval commends a participant with a certificate

Prof. Dr. Shrutiprakshdas Swami interrogates a session

A scholar presents his research paper

Dr. Harishchandra Bhatt, Principal, Shri Narmada Sanskrit Ved Pathshala, Bharuch addresses a session

Dr. Nayanbhai Patel presents his paper

Dr. Bharti Patel presents her research paper

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