Hindu Academicians’ Conference by World Association of Hindu Academicians

Faridabad, Haryana. Two-day Hindu Academicians’ Conference has been organized by World Association of Hindu Academicians. The focus of the conference has been on four important themes. These are –
Interpretation of the Terms “Hindu”, “Hinduism”, and “Hindutva”: There is significant confusion on these terms, and convenient interpretations of the same have been made by persons with vested interests to advance narrow, divisive, and Hinduphobic, which portray Hindus in uncharitable light. It has been brought out in the Conference that while the terms “Hinduism” was invented during the Colonial Raj by the British, the term “Hindu” is very ancient, indigenous in origin, respectful, and has been used as common term to refer to people living in Bharat who subscribe to Bharat’s indigenous spiritual traditions. It is primarily in this sense that people of past, both Bharatiya and foreigners have employed the term “Hindu”. Finally, the term “Hindutva” refers to the essence of being a Hindu, just as the term “Christianity” is a referent to the core essence of the Christian faith. There has been a consensus amongst the attendee academician community that such understanding of terms “Hindu”, “Hinduism”, and “Hindutva” is anchored in strong evidence, and sound logic.
Narratives about Hindus and Hindu Civilization: The Conferees also focused on the nature of contemporary narratives related to Hindus and Hindu Civilization, which dominate the public discourse. Much of this discourse is negative, distorted, and most importantly grounded in falsehood. The underlying primary cause is related to nature of curricula which was designed earlier by the Britishers, and later by proponents of un-Indian ideologies. The consequence of their efforts has been that facts and objective truths have been replaced by false narratives reinforced over several decades by ideologues masquerading as “academicians”. Thus, there is a need for a significant review of curricula at all levels (school, college, and university) and in all areas of knowledge (social sciences, liberal arts, science and technology) and the removal of any “theory” which is not based on robust evidence. Our approach is consistent with Bharat’s official motto, and the phrase from Mundaka Upanishad: “सत्यमेव जयते” i.e. Truth Alone Wins.
Bharatiya Languages and NEP: The New Education Policy has strongly emphasised the need to strengthen use of Bharatiya Languages in all ways possible. At the ongoing Conference, we are also discussing ways as to how it can be done in practical and effective ways. Another related focus is to enhance the presence of Bharatiya scripts and sounds and digital media and official documents.
Bharatiya Knowledge and Present Relevance: Finally, significant discussion is also being conducted at the Conference to explore areas where Bharatiya Knowledge System can be used to address present problems of Bharat and the world.
Global Conference in 2024: The attendees have also decided to conduct a global conference in January 2024.