Prof. Radhakrishnan’s birth anniversary celebrated at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study

On the occasion of the Prof. Sarvepalli Radhakrishan’s birth anniversary, a program was conducted at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) Shimla on Tuesday. The IIAS was founded by Prof. Radhakrishnan and dedicated for the advanced research in Humanities and Social Sciences. The Programe was conducted by the IUC Associates in memory of the founder of IIAS. Prof. Shankar Sharan, National Fellow delivered the keynote address on the occasion. The program was a combination of the lecture and discussions by the participants. Prof. Sankar Sharan while delivering the lectured mentioned that Dr. Radhakrishnan was the Chairperson of the 1948 University Education Commission 1948 and invoked many unique thoughts regarding higher education in India. He considered the universities as a space to create leadership in Politics, Industry and commerce and adventure in academics. He wanted the students and teachers to have compulsory physical education and voluntary social service and NCC training. He also aspired for the religious spirituality to be a subject of discussion in colleges and universities. It was his vision to develop higher order of thinking especially in humanities and social sciences to have a better society along with the development of science and technology. It was with this vision he instituted Advance Study Centre for Humanities and Social Science in Shimla. It was important to note that it was done at a time we were not a strong economy as today. Further stressed that the academicians/teachers must take forward legacy. The program was started with a welcome addressed by Dr. Ramesh B., IUC Associate. Prof. Harpal Singh, Dr. Sidharth Sathpati, Prof. Anand Kumar, Prof. Alok Kumar Gupta, Prof. Jairam Singh also shared that the IIAS is carrying his legacy, further the speakers also stressed that his vision was a great contribution to the nation building. The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr.Swathi. Prof. Nageshwar Rao, Director, IIAS, and Shri Mehar Chand Negi, Secretary, IIAS, appreciated the efforts of IUC Associates in conducting the Birth Anniversary of the Institute Founder. All the Fellows, Tagore Fellows and other the officials of the Institute were part of this event and made it a grand success.