National Seminar on “Kabir in Modernity”
On the occasion of Hindi Diwas, the Department of Languages, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, in collaboration with Sant Kabir Academy, Department of Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh, organized a one-day national seminar on the theme “Kabir in Modernity.”
The program commenced with an introduction by Mr. Atul Dwivedi (Director, Sant Kabir Academy) who emphasized that revisiting and analyzing the thoughts of Saint Kabir on Hindi Diwas serves as a vital medium to connect the younger generation with cultural consciousness.
Prof. Usha Kiran, Former Head, Department of Fine Arts, Meerut College, in her address, highlighted that Kabir’s poetic tradition is a powerful tool for eliminating social evils. His words are simple, accessible, and universal, fostering equality and brotherhood in society.
Mr. Somdatt Sharma, Former Deputy Director, Directorate General of All India Radio, New Delhi, remarked that Kabir’s philosophy is not merely a literary heritage but an inseparable part of the collective consciousness of Indian society. The use of Kabir’s verses in mass communication contributes to unity and harmony.
The keynote speaker, Prof. Anil Rai, Dean, International Relations, and Senior Professor, Department of Hindi, University of Delhi, stated that Kabir’s vision was deeply rational and realistic. His couplets and sayings are as relevant today as they were in his time. He emphasized that Kabir’s words guide society towards wisdom, equality, and human sensitivity while confronting the challenges of modernity.
During the seminar, research scholars and students, including Dr. Nishi Raghav, Dr. Swati Sharma, Dr. Ashish, Vidhi Goswami, Prachi, Shalini, and Bhumi, presented their papers. The presentations collectively reflected that Kabir’s literature continues to play a guiding role in today’s social, cultural, and political contexts.
The program was anchored by Prajna. Dr. Seema Sharma, Convener and Head of the Department of Languages, delivered the vote of thanks, noting that Kabir’s writings are truly literature of humanity and are extremely valuable for understanding the complexities of the modern age.
The seminar concluded that Kabir is not merely a medieval poet but a timeless thinker whose teachings remain equally significant and practical in contemporary times. His words continue to provide moral vision, social harmony, and human values amidst the challenges of modernity.
The event was graced by Prof. (Dr.) Sudhir Tyagi, Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, along with Dr. Rajeshwar Pal, Dr. Rafat Khanam, Dr. Manisha Luthra, Dr. Yashpal, Dr. Swati Sharma, Dr. Nishi Raghav, Dr. Preeti Sharma, Dr. Ranveer, Dr. Ashish Deepankar, Soni Chauhan, Bhavna Joshi, Pragya Dixit, Shruti Sharma, Abhijit Sharma, as well as teachers, research scholars, and students from various faculties.
