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India's Evolutionary March

Seminars/ Workshops/ Camps

Seminars/ Workshops/ Camps

Study Camp

2nd to 7th April 2025

The Soul of a Nation: Art, Nationalism,
& the Evolution of Consciousness

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Concept Note:

This workshop will explore the profound and often overlooked connection between art and nationalism in the writings of Sri Aurobindo, a prominent Indian philosopher, poet, and revolutionary and others who have written upon these issues.

Sri Aurobindo, while a staunch advocate for Indian independence, transcended narrow nationalist sentiments. He envisioned a nationalism rooted in the spiritual and cultural unity of India, a nation that would not merely assert its own identity but contribute to the evolution of human consciousness.

Based on this premise the present workshop intends to explore a few key concepts from Indian Knowledge System and other key writers of contemporary India.

This workshop will delve into the following key aspects:

  • Examine how Sri Aurobindo viewed art as an expression of the collective soul of a nation.
  • Analyze his ideas on how art reflects the unique cultural ethos, spiritual aspirations, and historical experiences of a people.
  • Explore how he saw art as a means of awakening national consciousness and fostering a sense of shared identity.
  • Examine how Sri Aurobindo viewed art as an expression of the collective soul of a nation.
  • Analyze his ideas on how art reflects the unique cultural ethos, spiritual aspirations, and historical experiences of a people.
  • Explore how he saw art as a means of awakening national consciousness and fostering a sense of shared identity.
  • Investigate how Sri Aurobindo critiqued the limitations of a purely political or territorial nationalism.
  • Explore his vision of a “universalized nationalism” that transcends geographical boundaries and embraces the unity of humanity.
  • Analyze how art can play a crucial role in fostering a sense of global interconnectedness and promoting a harmonious coexistence between nations.
  • Examine Sri Aurobindo’s ideas on the importance of a cultural renaissance in India.
  • Analyze how he saw art as a key instrument in reviving and revitalizing India’s ancient cultural heritage.
  • Explore his vision of a new Indian art that would synthesize traditional forms with modern sensibilities and contribute to the global discourse of art.
  • Investigate Sri Aurobindo’s unique perspective on the spiritual dimension of nationalism.
  • Explore how he saw the evolution of national consciousness as a step towards the evolution of human consciousness.
  • Analyze how art can contribute to the spiritual and moral upliftment of individuals and society.

This workshop will utilise primary sources such as Sri Aurobindo’s writings (essays, poems, plays), as well as secondary sources from scholars of Indian philosophy, art history, and cultural studies. It will contribute to a deeper understanding of Sri Aurobindo’s thought and its relevance to contemporary debates on nationalism, cultural identity, and the role of art in society.

Attendance in all the sessions is Mandatory.

Facilitator: Prof. Bharat Gupt

Prof. Bharat Gupt is an Indian classicist, theatre theorist, sitar and surbahar player, musicologist, cultural analyst and newspaper columnist. He is also a retired Professor in English, who taught at the College of Vocational Studies of the University of Delhi.

Eligibility:

All who are interested to study intensely with our speaker is welcome.

Registration
Form

Fee for Registration
Rs. 7000

Venue,
Study and Stay

Workshop

21,22,23 August 2025

Sri Aurobindo’s Savitri: A Whole Universe in Verse

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Sri Aurobindo Centre for Advanced Research (SACAR), Puducherry & Dept of History, Pondicherry University

Important Dates

15th February 2025:
Submission of Abstract and title of the paper

15th April 2025:
Submission of the full paper

Attendance in all the sessions during the workshop is mandatory

  • All the papers should be original and written for the purpose of this workshop.
  • Any help from AI will not be accepted as the editors may interview the scholars anytime to verify the authenticity of the research done and to check the understanding of the scholar.
  • All papers will be run through plagiarism software.

Submit a research paper of 2500-3000 words

1.5 spacing

Use Times New Roman, size 12 font

Documentation – MLA style 8th Edition

Themes for the papers on Savitri

The Scholars can add other themes also

  • The present human condition
  • The Divine Play
  • A complete system of Integral Yoga
  • The future of humanity
  • The Divine Mother
  • The power of Love

  • The struggle between Light and Darkness
  • The evolution of consciousness
  • Savitri as the spiritual autobiography of Sri Aurobindo

  • The Divine descent
  • Savitri in the context of world literature

All scholars will be required to present their papers for 10min during the workshop 20 best papers will be published in a dedicated volume after the workshop gets over The right to select the papers lies with the editors. Any lobbying or pleading with the editors will lead to the disqualification of the paper.

Format of the Workshop

Dedicated Talks on Savitri
Group Discussions
Panel Discussions
Meditations on Savitri

Registration Details

  • Registration Fee (Non-refundable): For PhD research scholars. Rs. 500
  • For Assistant Professors and other Academicians:
    Rs. 1000
  • Publication fee: if your paper is selected: Rs. 1500
    (you will be informed about it after the workshop is over)

Travel, Lodging and Boarding Details

  • All travel expenses to be borne by the participants
  • Organizers will arrange for the stay of the participants
  • Rooms will be shared between 2 or 3 participants
  • Food arrangements will be made by the organisers at the venue

Organisers
Dr. V. Ananda Reddy (Director, SACAR)
Prof. N. Chandramouli (HOD History, PU)

Coordinator
Dr. Shruti Bidwaikar (Trustee, SACAR)
9994190403, sacarevents@gmail.com

Link for the
registration form

Venue of the event and stay
Sri Aurobindo Centre for Advanced Research (SACAR)
39, Vanniar Street,
Puducherry 605001

https://maps.app.goo.gl/pi1t7qgxxKiAnwLz6