“Millennium celebrations of world renowned scholar underway”
Abhinavgupt’s philosophy has total relevance in present world: DyCM
Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh today said that the main objective of the present coalition Government is to promote cultural diversity in the State. Dr Singh, who was the chief guest at a function heralding the inauguration of ongoing, global celebrations of Acharya Abhinavgupt a world renowned scholar here this evening, said the J&K was a mini India in which people of all faiths, since long have lived in harmony. Maintaining that it was important to understand the cultural essence of Acharya Abhinavgupt and the monistic Shavite philosophy in the present context, he said it represents the apex of Indian and world philosophical systems. It was the matter of great pride that one of the greatest scholars of the world like Acharya Abhinavgupt was born in our State and Government will at all levels help to promote the studies in Shiva philosophy and the teachings of Abhinavgupt, he added. He said the teachings and philosophy of Acharya Abhinavgupt have relevance in present world when human beings have become thirsty of each others blood. He said Kashmir has been crown of India from times immemorial and we all feel proud that such great personalities have born on this soil. Responding to the demand of the Committee regarding setting up of an Acharya Abhinavgupt Centre, Dr Singh said that he would take the matter with the concerned so that it comes up as a State of Art Centre for Research and higher studies. Prof Moti Lal a world renowned scholar of Kashmir Shavism was the main speaker of the function. He while describing Kashmiri Shavism with reference to Abhinavgupt said that as per Shavism there are three basics to know truth i. e reason, scripture and experience. Maintaining that the personality of Abhinavgupt was uncomprehensive, he regretted that he has not been given the due place which this world renowned scholar deserved and was left in oblivion. He however complimented former J&K Prime Minister, Bakshi Ghulam Mohammed for constructing the Abhinav Theatre during his tenure in memory of this great Acharya at Jammu. Justice (retd) G D Sharma while proposing the vote of thanks on behalf of the Millennium Celebration Committee demanded that Abhinav Bairo Gufa at Berau Budgam be declared as national heritage. Principal of Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, Prof Ramanajun Devnunathan while lauding the efforts of propagating the studies of Abhinavgupt and celebrating his one thousand years said that it was imperative that a sustained effort was needed to promote studies into the Shaiva doctrine while Prof Mulraj Shastri a renowned scholar from Jammu highlighted the Abhinavgupt’s and other Kashmiri scholars contributions to Indian aesthetics. Two books on Abhinavgupt titled Abhinavgupt the Light of India by Pardeep Kaul and another titled Abhinavgupt by Padam Shri Jawahar Lal Kaul were released on the occasion. President of the State level Celebration Committee Acharya Shiv Prasad Raina read the welcome address while Pardeep Kaul managed the stage.
