Historical and Civilisational Studies
Publications
Routes of Exchange, Roots of Connectivity-The Archaeology of Ancient India’s Trade Networks by Dr. Marike van Aerde

On 19th January 2022 Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) hosted Dr. Marike van Aerde for a talk on ancient trade connectivity and the integral role played by the Indian Subcontinent in these exchanges. The Director, Dr. Arvind Gupta’s opening remarks gave a brief introduction to Dr. Marike van Aerde and stressed the importance of archaeological knowledge to gather the facts about ancient India.

‘Gītā for the Millennia’ by Swami Mitrananda

On 6th January 2022, Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) hosted ‘Gītā for the Millennia’; an online talk series based on Śrīmad Bhagavad Gītā by Swami Mitrananda, Chinmaya Mission. In his introductory remarks during the event, Dr. Arvind Gupta, Director – VIF informed that this monthly lecture series comprising 18 sessions, one on each chapter of Śrīmad Bhagavad Gītā aims at seeking guidance from the scripture to continuously inspire us for enlightenment and to foster original thinking among us to rebuild a narrative for India and the world in the contemporary global scenario.

“The Hindus: An Alternative History” by Wendy Doniger: A Twisted Tale

Writing this review, makes me feel how David might have felt facing Goliath. How can one, a layman, have the gumption to take on a world renowned scholar, an accepted expert of her field? But then, perhaps like David, I know I am right, so here goes (by the way I am also tickled by the interesting reversal of appropriation of religious narratives here).

Shared Buddhist Heritage between India and Russia

Speakers from Russian side: Prof.

International Yoga Day

Vivekananda International Foundation organized a panel discussion on June 21, 2021, to commemorate International Yoga Day. The eminent speakers in the panel were Swami Atmalokananda, President, Ramakrishna Society Vedanta Centre and Dr Arpita Mitra, Assistant Professor, Kazi Nazrul University, India. Additionally, Professor Shashi Prabha Kumar, Dean, Sri Sankaracharya Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, was invited for her intellectual inputs. The lecture began with the opening remarks by Dr. Arvind Gupta, Director, VIF India.

Swami Vivekananda and National Development

Vivekananda International Foundation organised a panel discussion on Jan 11, 2021 to commemorate the 158th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. The eminent speakers invited to the panel were Swami Shuddhidananda, Adhyaksha, Advaita Ashrama (branch of Ramkrishna Math and Vision), Kum. Nivedita Bhide, All India Vice President, Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, Dr R Balasubramaniam, Founder, Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement & Grassroots Research And Advocacy Movement. The panel discussion began with the opening remarks from Dr Arvind Gupta, Director, VIF India.

Buddha in Gandhara by Sunita Dwivedi; Rupa Publications India Pvt Ltd, New Delhi, 2020, 295pp.

‘Buddha in Gandhara’ is the fourth book by Sunita Dwivedi. She is a Silk Road traveller and has a keen interest in uncovering Buddhist heritage across India Subcontinent. This book presents an account of the ancient Buddhist cities of Gandhara—a region that stretched from the north-western region of Pakistan to eastern and north-eastern Afghanistan. In her book, the author narrates the stories of cities that once dotted the high road connecting India with Central Asia and north-western China.

Introduction to Nyaya and Vaisesika Philosophy

Vivekananda International Foundation organised a talk on April 09, 2021, on Introduction to Nyaya and Vaisesika Philosophy by eminent speaker, Professor Shashi Prabha Kumar, Dean, Sri Sankaracharya Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan. This lecture is a part of the VIF lecture series 'Philosophy for Beginners'. The webinar began with the opening remarks by Dr Arvind Gupta, Director, VIF. Nyaya Philosophy

Introduction to Samkhya and Yoga Philosophy

Vivekananda International Foundation organised a talk on 31 May 2021 on Introduction to Samkhya and Yoga Philosophy by eminent speaker, Prof. Shashi Prabha Kumar, Dean, Sri Sankaracharya Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan. This lecture is a part of the VIF lecture series ‘Philosophy for Beginners’. The webinar began with the opening remarks by Dr. Arvind Gupta, Director, VIF.

Introduction to Bauddha and Jaina Philosophy

Vivekananda International Foundation organised a talk on March 1, 2021, on Introduction to Bauddha and Jaina Philosophy by eminent speaker, Professor Shashi Prabha Kumar, Dean, Sri Sankaracharya Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan. This lecture is a part of the VIF lecture series 'Philosophy for Beginners'. The webinar began with the opening remarks by Dr Arvind Gupta, Director, VIF. Bauddha Philosophy

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