Contributed articles on Intellectual life and Hindu civilization presented at a seminar held in Shimla at 2003.

The overarching principle that once integrated India’s institutions is often described by the word ‘dharma’. The notion of dharma goes well beyond what is known as ‘rule of law’. Rule of law is about publicly disclosed legal codes and processes. Dharma, on the other hand, is the holding principle that encompasses the whole of nature, including human nature. Dharma is much more nuanced and yet, paradoxically, more unambiguous than rule of law. The research presented in Globalizing Indian Thought tells us that India will do well to hark back to its ‘sanatana dharma’. The book decodes and deliberates on a few big ideas with the hope to shape India’s story on the world stage. It would be of interest to anyone who wishes to know how we can bring in ideas that are inherently Indian to broaden the discourse on matters of national and international importance.

Contributed papers presented at the Conference.

The Bhagavad Gita, often known as the Gita, is a 700-verse Hindu scripture. It is a portion of the Mahabharata, a longer Indian epic. The Gita is a highly influential philosophical work in Hinduism that profoundly impacted Indian culture and thought. Its lessons continue to be studied globally and have impacted global philosophy. Philosophical, cultural, and historical elements all converge in the Bhagavad Gita. Its teachings, rooted in antiquated Indian customs, provide ageless guidance on leading a healthy and meaningful life. Giving answers to the age-old concerns of responsibility, ethics, and the meaning of existence, it is still as relevant today as it was when it was first written as a spiritual and philosophical manual. The Gita continues to hold great cultural significance in India, where it is frequently read aloud at religious events, taught in classrooms and brought up in philosophical and ethical debates. Millions of people are still inspired and informed by this live literature, which provides a road map for overcoming the challenges of modern life while staying true to spiritual principles.

This review paper systematically examines the integration of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) into legal education, aiming to decolonize and diversify the legal curriculum in India. The study explores the historical context, theoretical frameworks, benefits, challenges, barriers, and implications of incorporating IKS into legal education. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as JSTOR, Google Scholar, PubMed, and SSRN, resulting in the selection of studies published between 1980 and 2023. The findings reveal significant colonial impacts on Indian legal education, leading to the marginalization of IKS. Empirical studies highlight the cultural relevance, justice promotion, and professional competence benefits of IKS integration, while also identifying challenges such as resource scarcity, lack of documentation, and institutional resistance. Key barriers include inadequate faculty training and limited awareness. Proposed solutions involve comprehensive documentation, specialized training programs, interdisciplinary courses, and awareness campaigns. The integration of IKS in legal education promotes a more inclusive and equitable legal system, enhances cultural sensitivity, and fosters higher ethical standards. Recommendations for future research and policy initiatives include conducting interdisciplinary research, increasing funding, fostering collaborations with indigenous communities, using digital platforms, and implementing pilot programs to facilitate successful integration.

Exploring Indian Knowledge System: Veda and Life Science explores into the profound and ancient wisdom embedded within the IKS, particularly through the lens of the Vedas. The Vedas, ancient sacred texts, are not merely spiritual guides but encompass a vast range of subjects, including life sciences, health, astronomy, psychology, and mathematics. This book aims to uncover the intricate relationships between these ancient concepts and modern scientific understanding, revealing the relevance of Vedic knowledge to contemporary issues like sustainability, human consciousness, and holistic health. The Vedic texts provide insights into the interconnectedness of all life forms, with emphasis on ecological balance, sustainable living, and the intricate web of natural forces governing life. Ayurveda, for instance, is an ancient life science derived from the Vedas, which emphasizes the importance of balance—between body, mind, and environment—long before the advent of modern biology or medical science.