Banasthali hosts National Seminar on Revisiting Indian History through the Lens of Art Architecture and Aesthetics

The study of history is indeed worthwhile and necessary for the education of effective citizens and worthy human beings. Historical knowledge is no more and no less than carefully and critically constructed collective memory. As such it can both make us wiser in our public choices and more richly human in our private lives. History is also a bridge to other disciplines. In order to understand the other humanities and the sciences, one needs an historical overview. History is magister vitae, "teacher of life." History prepares us to live more humanely in the present and to meet the challenges of the future because it provides us with understanding of the human condition. It also trains its students to read intelligently, think critically, and write effectively.

Although a firm grasp on the past does not guarantee avoidance of its failures and mistakes, understanding the past and its patterns enhances one's ability to analyze the present and the future. Few human activities are devoid of historical analysis. Doctors cannot make a good diagnosis without first taking a medical history. Coaches cannot develop "game plans" without analyzing the tendencies (i.e., historical behavior) of their opponents. Judges and lawyers cannot draft a judgment or write a brief without grasping precedent. CEOs cannot reposition their companies without understanding market and sales history. Banks cannot loan to borrowers without taking credit history, and college admission officers cannot make a decision on an application until they feel comfortable that a student's academic performance history predicts a trajectory of good future performance.

Considering the above, the Department of History and Indian Culture Banasthali organized a National seminar sponsored by Indian Council of Historical Research New Delhi on Revisiting Indian History through the Lens of Art Architecture and Aesthetics during 30 – 31 March 2019. Delegates from various parts of India were present thus making it a truly National Seminar.

The grand inauguration of same took place on 30 Mar 2019 at the elegant Gyan Mandir auditorium of Banasthali on 30 Mar 2019. After lamp lighting by dignitaries, Prof Preeti Sharma Dean for Faculty of Social Sciences gave the welcome address. Prof Badri Narayan Tiwari from GB Pant Social Science Institute Prayagraj (UP) gave the key note address on Understanding Folk Aesthetics – A Debate between Deshaj and Margis. Prof HS Shivaprakash from JNU New Delhi gave a thought provoking Presidential address on the seminar theme. Prof Balaganapathi Devarakonda Head of Philosophy Department, University of Delhi gave the vote of thanks. The inaugural session was ably anchored by PhD Scholar Vijaya Tripathi.

Various panel discussions covered Philosophy of Art and Aesthetics; Alternative Tropes of Historicizing the Aesthetics; Religious Architecture and history; Power Patronage and Art; Approaches to Art History and Literary Traditions and Aesthetics. Various parallel sessions covered Culture, Creativity and Popular Genre; Art, Religion and Region; Art, Architecture and Region; and Costume, Design and Beauty. The cultural program on the evening of first day saw a truly mesmerizing performance by various Banasthali students resulting in loud repeated rounds of applause. The book release function for the book authored by Dr Veerendra Kumar Mishra of Banasthali was indeed an icing on the cake.

The lecture by Prof Vijaya Ramaswamy from Centre for Historical Studies, JNU New Delhi on Crafting Beauty, Crafting Gods: Vishwakarma and their Art of Living was indeed a special one. The talk by Prof BR Natarajan from Chemical Engineering Department Banasthali on History of South India through Temple Architecture indeed brought the Feel Good Factor in the proceedings.

The valedictory session anchored by Ankita Pandey on 31 Mar 2019 included a report reflection summarizing the proceedings by Dr Shilpi Gupta organizing Secretary for the National seminar. Prof L Sreenivasa Murthy Visiting Professor of Centre for Philosophy JNU New Delhi gave a talk on Revisiting Tantra as Foundation of Art Creation and appreciation. Prof Bhagat Oinam from Centre of Philosophy JNu New Delhi who was the Guest of Honour gave a talk on Some Reflections on Indigenous Aesthetics. Prof Siddhartha Shastri Vice President Banasthali in his inimitable style gave the presidential speech and congratulated the organizers for the seminar. Prof Preeti Sharma Dean from Banasthali who was the Convener for the National Seminar presented the vote of thanks.

The delegates who came from all over India for the seminar at Banasthali left with beaming faces and pride that they had indeed visited an institution which is a jewel in the crown among the women’s universities not only in India today but across the globe.

For more details about Banasthali see http://www.banasthali.org/

About Banasthali: Established in 1935, the Institution which is also the largest fully residential women’s university in the world has played a big role in revolutionizing women’s education and empowerment in India for the last eight decades. Banasthali has scripted numerous success stories in a wide range of fields, and stands tall among the citadels of learning in India today. Proud to be Banasthali alumni who call themselves as Banasthalites can be found in all latitudes, longitudes and altitudes in all walks of life across the globe. Banasthali has the pride of being chosen as a Faculty Development Centre under the MHRD Govt of India Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya National Mission on Teachers and Teaching (PMMMNMTT) as well as for hosting Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) by NITI Aayog Apart from various National Rankings which include India Today #2, FICCI University of the year 2015, NAAC A grade, MHRD NIRF 29, in recent past, Banasthali has been in national and international media attention for getting Quacquarelli Symonds QS Asia University Ranking, QS BRICS Ranking, Diamond status under QS i-Gauge Indian University Rating and the overall Four Star Ranking in - QS Stars Rated for Excellence with 5 Stars for each for Teaching, Employability, Facilities, Arts & Culture and Inclusiveness.

Banasthali Vidyapith
Banasthali Rajasthan – 304022
Phone 91 1438 228456 / 228341
Email: info@banasthali.ac.in
Website: http://www.banasthali.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Banasthali.org

This release was published on openPR.