Central University of Punjab organized online National Seminar on ‘National Security, Human Rights, Maharana Pratap and Gita’

Bathinda, : Central University of Punjab, Bathinda (CUPB) under the patronage of Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari organized a national seminar on the theme ‘National Security, Human Rights, Maharana Pratap and Gita’ (Rashtriya Suraksha, Manvadhikar, Maharana Pratap and Gita) on 30 May,2021.

During this programme, eminent academicians enlightened the participants on the seminar theme. On this occasion, Prof. Sushma Yadav, the Vice Chancellor of Bhagat Phool Singh Mahila Vishwavidyalaya, Sonipat (BPSMV, Sonipat), Prof. Rajneesh Kumar Shukla, the Vice Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya, Wardha (MGAHV, Wardha) and Dr. Rajender Pensiya (I.A.S.) graced the programme as the Chief Guest, the Saraswat Guest and the Distinguished Guest respectively. Shri Ram Krishan Goswami, the Founder President of Bhartiya Charitra Nirman Sansthan, Delhi delivered the Prastavik Evam Beej Vaktavya of this programme.

The programme commenced with the Inaugural lecture by Shri Ram Krishan Goswami, Founder President of Bhartiya Charitra Nirman Sansthan. While addressing the participants, Shri Ram Krishan explained the concept of ‘national security’ and ‘human rights’. He stated that ‘Shrimad Bhagavad Gita’ has taught us to follow the path of dharma, meditate for self-realization and live a disciplined life. He highlighted that being inspired by the teachings of holy scripture Gita, Maharana Pratap protected his state from the atrocities of Akbar and worked towards the promotion of human rights. He stressed that we should focus on the need to ensure ‘justice for all’ while formulating any policy to achieve the larger objectives. He emphatically drove the point that human rights should be only for those who respect and tread into the path of humanity.

Distinguished Speaker Dr. Rajender Pensiya (IAS) stated that the story of Maharana Partap’s bravery became a major source of inspiration for Vietnamese to fight against the Americans. He shared that Maharana Pratap was considered as the first freedom fighter in the Indian History who fought against Mughal Empire to protect the human rights of his countrymen and provide national security. He emphasized that the younger generation should take lessons from Maharana Partap’s life.

The Saraswat Guest of the programme, Prof. Rajnish Shukla, Vice Chancellor, MGAHV, Wardha stated that whenever the struggle takes place between Dharma and Adharma, consequently, the question of national security and human rights become very apt to be discussed in the prevailing scenario. In order to resolve these issues, we need to seek guidance of Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. He added that the soul of India lies in our ancient cultural values such as truth, affection, kindness, sacrifice etc. By following these cultural values, the national security and human rights can be ensured at the national level. Prof. Shukla mentioned people will always remember Maharana Pratap for his commitment towards his state.

Chief Guest of the programme, Prof. Shushma Yadav, Vice Chancellor, BPSMV, Sonipat during her lecture focused on the principle of ‘Dharma and Karma’, the broader concept of ‘Human Rights’ and ‘Patriotism’ in Indian cultural context. She underlined that Gita, Ramayana, Rigveda and other holy scriptures have guided us about the qualities of a good human being, following which can ensure protection of basic human rights to all. She stated that national consciousness acts as a base behind patriotism. Fueled with the feeling of national consciousness and patriotism, every soldier in the army of Maharana Pratap fought the Battle of Haldighati (1576) and Battle of Dewair (1582) like a warrior. The selfless service of Maharana Pratap to protect his motherland and humanity will always inspire our future generations, she added.

In his presidential address, Professor Raghvendera P. Tiwari, the Vice-Chancellor of Central University of Punjab, accentuated that India’s core strength lies in its unity in diversity and traditional knowledge system emanating from the Saints, Sages, Ten Gurus, and social reformers which have given us the virtues of Vishwa Bandhutva, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah. He underlined that our cultural traditions, civilizational discourse and ancient scriptures have taught us to respect each other’s right in a dignified manner and live-in harmony with nature. To accomplish the mission of Maharana Pratap in the present-day context, Prof. Tiwari urged upon the younger generation to become aware of India’s rich culture and tradition in various facets of life and derive strength thereby to take our civilization discourse to higher pedestal. He stressed that love and respect for the motherland is pre-requite for ensuring national security and human rights, and ‘Bhagwat Gita’ is undoubtedly the source of Raj Dharma and Nagrik Dharma.

The programme was coordinated by Dr. Bawa Singh, HoD, Department of South and Central Asian Studies. At the start of programme, Dean Incharge Academic Prof. R.K. Wusirika delivered the Welcome address. After this, Dr. Rajender Kumar Sen introduced the invited speakers of the programme. Towards the end, Prof. V.K. Garg, Dean Student Welfare, gave a formal vote of thanks.

The programme was virtually attended by faculty and students of the Central University of Punjab. Faculty, students and social reformers from Haryana, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and states of India also participated in this programme through online mode.