Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. JAMMU: The Central University of Jammu, under the dynamic leadership of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. Sanjeev Jain, organized a special seminar on “Sage Agastya: The Mantra Drashtaa” highlighting the academic contributions of Rishi Agastya in the ancient Indian knowledge systems which are still relevant in the modern times. The seminar was organised under the banner of Kashi Tamil Sangamam intended for national integration and bridging the modern science and ancient Indian wisdom as envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
“Sage Agastya has profound influence on Indian knowledge traditions and made pioneering contributions to linguistics, Vedic scriptures, Siddha medicine, and ancient sciences,” said Prof. Manoj Kumar Patairiya, a renowned scientist and academician while delivering the keynote address. Dr. Patairiya, who has been Director of CSIR-NIS
CAIR (now NIScPR) and Head of National Council for Science & Technology Communication (NCSTC), DST, New Delhi, shared several anecdotes related to Rishi Agastya which find relevance in today’s world. Sage Agastya contributed immensely to the Vedic knowledge, especially the Rigveda. Sage Agastyais also known as the pioneer of Tamil grammar. He travelled widely across the country and had a special connection with Kashi.
Drawing parallels between modern times and the sage’s contributions and writings of ancient times, he highlighted the connections between modern science and ancient Indian wisdom. Dr. Patairiya emphasised that academicians and scholars should explore the contributions of ancient Indian sages including Rishi Agastya and their relevance in modern times through scientific validation.
While speaking on the occasion, Prof. Ritu Bakshi, Dean Students’ Welfare at CU Jammu, introduced the audience to the Kashi Tamil Sangamam initiative. She emphasised on the role of the oneness of the ancient Indian knowledge systems and their importance in national integration in the modern times. Prof. Bakshi further stressed that popularising Rishi Agastya’s life and contributions can strengthen national ethos while bridging the north-south divide.
She informed the audience that this special seminar is part of the university’s ongoing initiatives to explore and promote India’s rich intellectual traditions, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages holistic learning through the integration of ancient and modern knowledge systems. She thanked Prof. Sanjeev Jain, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, for this encouragement and support for organising such events.
While speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shashikanta Mishra, Associate Professor, Department Of Hindi and Other Regional Languages, provided an overview of India's ancient knowledge traditions, shedding light on the contributions of various sages, with a special focus on Sage Agastya’s legacy in literature, medicine, and spiritual thoughts.
Dr. Abhay SD Rajput, HoD, Mass Communication and New Media, introduced the keynote speaker Dr. Patairiya while highlighting his contributions in the fields of science and technology communication and the integration of ancient Indian wisdom and modern science and technology. He also delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the participation of dignitaries and attendees. He also thanked the Office of the Dean Students’ Welfare for organising such events which add value to students’ learning. The seminar was attended by several Deans and Heads, faculty members, PhD scholars and students of CU Jammu.
