Asian Philosophy Congress: Some Reflections (6- 9 March, 2010)

Ambuj Sharma of the Philosophical society and Critique Ferozepur Chapter participated and presented a research paper on “Re-reading Hind Swaraj in the Times of War, Democracy and Globalization, in the Philosophy and Politics in Asia Session of First Asian Philosophy Congress organized by Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR) on 6th – 9th March, 2010 at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi.
There were around more than 400 Delegates from India and Abroad who participated in the congress.
According to Ambuj, “the event was more kind of a Fete ‘Mela’ where people were gathered to meet each other. Though, there were some important round table, panel and sectional meetings and discussions but on the whole it was not a strong academic exchange exercise. The time limit given to each participant was too short to bring their ideas and work to the other participants. The papers of the participants were not circulated unlike other seminars. Although hospitality, accommodation, transport and food provided by the organizers was good but the organizers could not seriously worked upon the time and presentation management in the sectional meetings”.
While giving an account of a note of appreciation for the staff of the ICPR who were on their toes to make the congress go smooth and successful, Ambuj, said that “the presentation given by Dr. Asanga Tilakarante from Shri Lanka, Merietta(Moscow), Prof. S.P. Gautam, VC Rohailkhand University (UP), Prof. Manoranjan Mohanty, Patricia Uberoi, Prof. R. C. Pradhan (Hyderabad), Dr. Bhagat Oinam, Prasenjit Biswas, Ghazala Irfan(Pakistan). Prof. Luca Scrantino (Itly), Prof. Bhuvan Chandel (New Delhi), Lallan Singh Baghel (Panjab University), was indeed very fruitful. Questions raised by Junaid, Muzzafar, Jigmit and Moon Star from Panjab University brought the discussion to the social and political arena of philosophy. They actively catch hold of each and every presenter with their instant relevant questions and made the sessions more live and analytical.
During stay at Vishya Yuva Kendra, the conversations with Dr.Ithamar Theodor(Hon Kong), Mr. Sasaki Kazunori (Japan), Dr. Koniko (Japan) , Dr. Lara Mitias (Cairo) were extremely beneficial in understanding their culture and their interest in the Indian Philosophy and philosophy of mind.”
Escaping one session Ambuj and lallan Singh went to attend a meeting of the Peoples Union of Democratic Rights (PUDR), a committed group of Delhi University teachers and studens which are working since 80es to bring social justice by raising voices for people’s rights and Justice.
Escaping another session Ambuj and his friends got the opportunity to attend the round table discussion of renowned Political theorist and scholar Parth Chattergee who was there to address the questions prepared by the students of the Centre for Political Studies at JNU. Ambuj also intervened by asking a response of Parth Chattergee on operation green hunt, which was ignored by the speaker with humility but with another scholars intervention, he said that “there could be another session for the Question”. The speaker very effectively responded to the question raised to him.
After the session was over, in an informal passing remark, Prof. Gopal Guru, Chairman, Centre for Political Studies and Prof. Anupma Roy from the same centre, encouraged the youngsters to take the discourse of critical rationality in understanding political and social issues.
Needless to mention Anita M. Phil, Research Scholar from Centre for Philosophy, JNU took great pains in showing the Campus to the scholars from Punjab University and Ferozepur. The most memorable time was Tea at ‘Ganga Dhabha’ and a small discussion at the Stadium.
On the whole this note is left for other friends to give their feed backs and critical suggestions if any.