“Breaking through the darkness, light flows across the land of Pragjyotisha, illuminating the banks of the Brahmaputra with the flame of knowledge.” Reflecting on these lines from the University Anthem, Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta, Vice Chancellor, opened his address at the Foundation Day Lecture organised by the Department of Disabilities Studies.
“These verses beautifully encapsulate the essence of Indian knowledge systems,” Prof. Mahanta remarked. “The imagery of breaking darkness with light symbolises the transformative power of knowledge. In Indian philosophy, Jñāna is not just about intellectual understanding but about dispelling ignorance and fostering collective enlightenment.”
The Indian concept of Jñāna extends beyond the accumulation of information; it encompasses experiential understanding and the pursuit of deeper consciousness,” stated Sri Diganta Biswa Sarma,Adjunct Professor in the Department of Sanskrit and Professor of Practice at Dibrugarh University. Sarma elaborated on the multifaceted nature of Jñāna. “Knowledge, in its truest sense, is transformative. It is about cultivating discernment and aligning one’s life with universal truths,” he explained.
Prof. Kaberi Saha, Head of the Department of Disabilities Studies, said, “Exploring Jñāna helps bridge ancient wisdom with contemporary knowledge systems, fostering a more integrated approach to learning.” She added, “We hope this lecture inspires further research into India’s intellectual traditions.”
The lecture provided attendees with a nuanced exploration of how traditional Indian concepts of knowledge continue to influence modern thought, emphasising the enduring relevance of cultural philosophy.
