The Centre for Sri Sathya Sai Studies under the auspices of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), hosted a three-day International Conference on Bhāratiya Thought for Modern Times from 6th to 8th October 2025.
The conference sought to re-examine India’s timeless knowledge traditions and their relevance in addressing contemporary global challenges. Scholars, researchers, and practitioners from across the country and abroad gathered to deliberate on how the wisdom of ancient Bhāratīya disciplines—ranging from Āyurveda and Yoga to Dhārmic frameworks, ecological ethics, Indian aesthetics, and scientific inquiry—can offer holistic, sustainable, and value-based approaches for modern life.
Embodying Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s message that “Science and spirituality are not contradictory but complementary,” the conference fostered rich discussions through keynote addresses, scholarly paper presentations, and expert panel sessions.
Over 300 participants, including students, faculty, and IKS practitioners, took part in this intellectual endeavour, marking a confluence of tradition and innovation.
The International Conference drew to an inspiring close this evening with its valedictory proceedings held in the Sai Kulwant Hall, in the divine atmosphere of Prasanthi Nilayam. The session commenced with an enlightening address by Prof B Mahadevan, from the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, who offered a profound exposition on the Nāsadīya Sūkta—the first hymn of the Rig Veda—reflecting on the timeless inquiry into the origins of creation. Drawing parallels between ancient wisdom and modern intellectual pursuit, he emphasised that every architecture in India is a living legend rooted in the Indian Knowledge System, echoing the scientific and spiritual depth of the civilisation.
Citing remarkable examples such as the Kailāsanātha Temple, a monolithic marvel, and another South Indian Granite Temple with its 48 pillars, Prof Mahadevan celebrated India’s engineering prowess as a reflection of its spiritual consciousness. He reminded the audience of the 2000-year-old Kallanai dam built by Karikāla Cholā that revolutionised architecture and the oral transmission of profound insights that sustained the continuity of Indian knowledge across millennia. “The only heritage that stands sound and eternal is the Vedās,” he affirmed, noting that UNESCO itself has recognised the Vedās as the world’s only surviving oral heritage. For him, ‘Indian’ refers to Akhanḍa Bhārata, and ‘Knowledge’ refers to the insights of the thinking man, born of contemplation and transmitted through the sacred guru–śiṣya tradition.
As the conference drew to a close, all the learned scholars and presenters who had contributed their research and reflections over the three days were felicitated with Certificates of Appreciation in the divine presence, marking a fitting conclusion to this confluence of intellect and inspiration.
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