Date/Time
Date(s) - 07/11/2024 - 08/11/2024
10:00 am - 6:30 pm
Location
Seminar Hall
Categories
Two Days National Seminar
On
“Governance and Administration in Indian Thought”
At
Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla
Date: 7th- 8th November 2024
The term governance is not a new phenomenon; it is as old as human civilization. The notion of governance and administration in the Indian thought has been intricately woven
into the fabric of its culture and civilization for centuries. With its ancient scriptures and texts, diverse philosophical traditions, historical experiences and observations, India has
produced a treasure trove of knowledge on governance and administration that has evolved over thousands of years. The ancient texts like Vedas, Manu Smriti, Puranas, Epics such
as Ramayana, Mahabharata, Buddhist texts, Kautilya’s Arthashastra, Tirukkural and Sukranitisara, medieval political treatises and various other philosophical and literary works
provided a rich repository in different domains of knowledge, namely governance, economics, ethics, leadership and administration.
History of India is marked by a wide array of kingdoms, dynasties, and empires, each with its unique approach to governance and administration. It has seen tremendous changes,
transforming from ancient empires and princely states to the Mughal and British eras and ultimately to a democratic republic, wherein principles of secularism, pluralism, and social
justice are incorporated. The rulers of the medieval Mughal and Turkish era had drawn their governance ideas from existing Islamic concepts from central Asia or Persia. This transition
brings with it a wealth of contemporary opportunities and challenges in the governance and administration. India, world’s largest democracy, is facing several complex issues such as
social inequality, economic disparity, corruption, environmental sustainability, and sustainable governance. Therefore, by exploring ancient Indian philosophical thought, we
can derive valuable insights and draw connections between the past and the present, leading to more comprehensive and effective approaches to governance and administration.
Moreover, principles, ideals and philosophy expounded in the ancient texts may also be used for solving global problems. Concepts like Dharma and Raj Dharma (righteous
governance) can offer solutions to combat corruption by emphasizing ethical behavior, accountability and transparency in administration.
Given this background, we are proud to present this two days National Seminar on Concept Note “Governance and Administration in Indian Thought”. The seminar endeavours to enrich
the scholars from various fields (Political science, public administration, economics, management etc.) with the deeper understanding of historical & philosophical foundations,
traditions and practices of governance and administration rooted in rich Indian texts and enhance their academic and professional capabilities in terms of Indian knowledge system.
The seminar is intended to provide a platform to researchers and academicians to deliberate and discuss the multifaceted aspects of governance and administration in Indian thought
and exploring its relevance in today’s world. It is expected that the deliberations in the seminar would bring out multi-dimensional outcomes and prospects in light of ongoing
discussions on governance reforms, ethical leadership, and effective public administration.
The key objective of the seminar is to bring experts from different areas including Political Science, Economics, Public Administration, Philosophy, Defence and Management,etc. to
delve into the rich tapestry of Indian thought regarding governance and administration ingrained in ancient Indian texts and to explore its relevance in the 21st century.
More specifically the seminar aims to address the following objectives:
• To provide a comprehensive overview of the historical evolution of governance and administration in India, from ancient times to the modern era.
• To explore the foundations of governance in Indian thought, considering concepts such as dharma, justice, and ethics etc.
• To examine the historical governance models.
• To analyze the influence of key historical texts, philosophers, and thinkers on modern governance and administration, both in India and on a global scale.
• To discuss the contemporary challenges and opportunities in Indian governance and administration in the context of globalization, digitalization, and socio-political changes.
• To discuss the implications of Indian governance and administration on ethical and sustainable leadership.
• To encourage interdisciplinary discussions among scholars from different fields.
Sub-themes for the Seminar
Some of the suggestive themes are as follows:
1. Philosophical Foundations of Governance
2. Indic Perspectives on Governance
3. Democracy and India
Objectives of the Seminar4. Administrative Structures in Indian Tradition
5. Welfare State Concept in India
6. Dharma and Governance and administration
7. Arthasastra – A Treatise on State Craft
8. Art of Government and Good Governance
9. Political Economy in Indian Thought
10. Cultural Dimensions of Administration
11. Indic perspective on Economics, Commerce and management
12. Local Governance in India: The Indigenous roots
13. Social Justice and Inclusivity in Indian roots
14. Challenges, Opportunities and Solutions for Contemporary Governance
15. Indigenous knowledge System and Sustainability
16. Indian Knowledge Systems and its Contemporary Relevance
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