KU’s CCAS holds seminar on ‘Abhinavagupt’s Shaiva Philosophy’ at it’s Hazratbal campus

Srinagar|: Kashmir University’s Centre of Central Asian Studies (CCAS) on Tuesday organised a one-day seminar on the theme “A Discourse on Abhinavagupt’s Shaiva Philosophy” on the eve of World Philosophy Day 2021.
The seminar was sponsored by Indian Council of Historical Research, New Delhi.
In his welcome address, Prof Tareak A Rather, Director, CCAS deliberated on the relevance of understanding philosophy in its holistic approach. In his inaugural address later, he focused on the need and importance of holding such events at the CCAS.
In her presidential address, Prof Nilofer Khan, acting Vice-Chancellor congratulated CCAS for organizing the seminar on Abhinvagupt’s philosophy. She discussed the contribution of Kashmiri scholars and Abhinavagupt’s love for Kashmir and emphasised on the philosophical attitude of Abhinavagupta by assimilating nature and creations on earth.
Known as the ‘Man of Millennium’, she said that Abhinavagupt’s Philosophy needs to be taught as an academic discipline in Kashmir.
KU Registrar Dr Nisar A Mir delivered a special address and highlighted the contribution of different scholars by assimilating the teachings of different religions. He congratulated the CCAS for bridging the gap between different disciplines by organising such seminars.
Noted poet and linguist Prof Shafi Shauq was a keynote speaker. While discussing self realisation by relating different philosophies, he focused on the times of Abhinavgupta and relevance of his teachings in current times. Prof Shauq also highlighted the western attitude in universalising ancient Indian philosophies in general and Kashmir in particular.
Prof Anil Kumar Tewari from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University Jammu delivered the introductory remarks. He deliberated extensively on the topic by focusing on how to teach and disseminate the Abhinavagupt’s philosophy. He focused on the role of Shavite Philosophy and how it influenced the whole Indian sub-continent in early medieval times.
Dr Wahid Nasru, seminar coordinator, elaborated on the theme of Abhinavagupt’s Philosophy by focusing on the life events of his times.
During the inaugural function, souvenir of the seminar and a book in Kashmiri titled “Kehn Kasher Masnavi te farsi Adab” (Kashmiri Masnavi and Persian Literature) written by Dr Mohammad Shafi, Research Scholar, CCAS was also released by Prof Nilofer Khan and Dr Nisar A Mir along with other dignitaries.
The event was attended by different faculty members of the University of Kashmir and other dignitaries including Prof Gulshan Majeed and Dr Satish Vimal. The faculty members of the CCAS and scholars were also present.
The seminar proceedings were conducted by Dr Mumtaz A Yatoo, Assistant Professor, CCAS.