Indian Knowledge System would prevent cultural alienation: Diganta Biswa Sarma

The Indian educated class and particularly our very elite is alienated from Indian culture. Somehow, they are hypnotized by colonialism and Europe and disconnected from their roots. This was the observation of Diganta Biswa Sarma, Sahitya Akademi Award winner and Professor of Practice, Dibrugarh University. Shri Sarma was delivering Madhab Chandra Bora (MCB) Memorial Oration organised by the Department of Business Administration, Tezpur University on 29 November, 2024.

Prof Madhab Chandra Bora was the first Dean of School of Management Sciences, Tezpur University. Since 2005 the high point of this day is an Oration by eminent personality who is invited to deliberate on a theme of contemporary relevance. Theme of this edition of MCB Oration was “The Contemporary and Universal Relevance of Indian Knowledge System (IKS)”.

Sarma’s insightful presentation delved into the richness of India’s ancient wisdom and its significance in shaping modern India. Speaking on the occasion, Sarma said that Sankardeva, in his writings, has mentioned Bharatabarsha 43 times and clearly indicated that an individual is fortunate having born in Bharata. His disciple Madhavdev also echoed the same sentiment. “Spirituality, vitality, and intellectuality are three major components of India. Whenever there is a decline in any of these three, India has fallen into darkness”, Sarma explained. Knowledge is not mere thinking. True knowledge is called Pragya – wisdom, he further added. Taking a dig at the Indian educated elite class, Sarma said that they see knowledge in West and weaknesses in India. Appreciating University Grants Commission, he said that the introduction of IKS would prevent cultural alienation.

Earlier, Dr Tridib R Sarma, Head, Department of Business Administration recalled the works of Prof Bora and described him as a man of diverse qualities. During the event, winners of the quiz organised in memory of the late Bora were awarded. Prof Shambhu Nath Singh lauded the Department for organising the memorial lecture since 2005.