BBK DAV College for Women, Amritsar, organised an ICSSR-sponsored International Conference on “Krinvanto Vishwamaryam: Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Ji’s Philosophy and Values in the Contemporary Context” to commemorate the 201st birth anniversary of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Ji, the visionary reformer and founder of Arya Samaj. Padma Shree Professor (Dr.) Harmohinder Singh Bedi, Chancellor, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, was the Chief Guest for the inaugural ceremony.
In her welcome address, Principal Dr. Pushpinder Walia paid a rich tribute to the visionary leadership of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati ji. Dr. Walia emphasized the profound impact of Maharishi ji on shaping millions of lives, influencing both our present and future. She expressed her deep gratitude to Maharishi ji for pioneering women’s education and empowering them with dignity and respect in society. She further added that Arya Samaj, founded by Maharishi Dayanand, is not merely a movement but a beacon of knowledge, rationality, and universal brotherhood. His teachings continue to inspire individuals to embrace truth, self-discipline, and service to humanity, making his philosophy a guiding force for a just and enlightened society.
In his keynote address, Professor Dr. Harmohinder Singh Bedi dwelled upon the profound ideology of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati ji, emphasizing the timeless relevance of his teachings. He stated that Maharishi Dayanand ji‘s vision was not confined to a particular era; but rather, has a universal significance. Prof. Dr. Bedi highlighted Maharishi Dayanand’s mission to revive faith in the Vedas, strengthen Indian languages, and build a progressive India deeply rooted in the traditions and values of the Rigveda and Indian culture. He applauded Maharishi Dayanand ji‘s relentless efforts toward social reforms, particularly in eradicating superstitions and advocating for women’s education and empowerment.
The inaugural ceremony was followed by the first technical session. Dr. Taunalyn Rutherford, Historian and Academician, Brigham Young University, Utah, USA, Dr. Mridul Kirti, Vedic Scholar & Recipient of Vishwa Hindi Samman, Mrs. Sunita Pahuja, Former Diplomat, High Commissioner of India, Trinidad & Tobago and Mauritius, were the resource persons for the first technical session. All the resource persons explored various aspects of Maharishi Dayanand’s life and teachings. Advocate Sh. Sudarshan Kapoor, Chairman, Local Committee gave a vote of thanks to the present dignitaries at the conclusion of the session. Second technical session was chaired by Dr. Taunalyn Rutherford while Dr. Koenraad Elst, Belgian Orientalist, Visiting Professor, Chanakya University, Bengaluru, was the resource person for the session.
An exhibition ‘Rishi Tejas’, inspired by the life and ideals of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati, was organized to showcase the vibrant artistic creations of the various PG and UG Departments in the college, namely Fashion, Design, Interiors, Gemology, Home Science, Applied Arts, and Fine Arts.
This international conference brought together eminent scholars, researchers, and academicians from across the globe to deliberate on the ethical, spiritual, and social dimensions of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati’s philosophy. Eminent members of Arya Samaj, namely Sh. Inderpal Arya, Sh. Inderjit Thukral, Sh. Sandeep Ahuja, Sh. Atul Mehra, Smt. Vijay Wadhawan, Col. Ved Mitter, Sh. Anil Vinayak, Sh. Vimal Kapoor, Smt. Neha Mahajan and Smt. Neena Kapoor, along with the staff and students of the college, attended the event.
