8th International Ramayan Conference Gets Underway at IIT Roorkee
Dehradun, December 18, 2025 – In a remarkable development, the eighth International Ramayan Conference commenced at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee on Thursday. This unique initiative aims to celebrate the nation’s rich cultural and civilizational heritage while reflecting on the revered Hindu scripture, the Ramayana.
Conference Overview
The three-day conference will focus on the relevance of the Ramayana to various contemporary themes, including education, sustainability, and ethical leadership. It will feature participation from scholars, saints, and researchers from both India and abroad, who will engage in discussions about Indian Knowledge Systems.
Research Presentations
Approximately 150 research papers are set to be presented in a blended format, combining both in-person and virtual participation. The proceedings of the conference will be compiled and published in an e-book format, making the insights and discussions accessible to a broader audience.
Significance of the Ramayana
The conference will highlight the enduring relevance of the RamCharit Manas and Indian knowledge traditions in modern contexts. IIT Roorkee Director, Prof. KK Pant, emphasized the importance of the principles derived from the Ramayana, stating that they are invaluable for contemporary society.
Inspiration from the Ramayana
During his address, Prof. Pant noted that the “Kul geet” of IIT Roorkee draws inspiration from the Chaupai of the Ramcharit Manas. He quoted the lines “Parhit Saras Dharma nahi Bhai” from the RamCharit Manas and “Sarjan hit Jeevan nit arpit” from IIT Roorkee’s Kulgeet, underscoring the importance of serving society. He praised the organizers for linking the teachings of the Ramayana with a modern perspective.
Joint Organization
The conference is being jointly organized by IIT Roorkee and Shri Ramcharit Bhavan, USA. This collaboration aims to bring together scholars, saints, and Ramayana enthusiasts from around the world, fostering a rich dialogue on the scripture’s teachings and implications.
Inaugural Session Highlights
The inaugural session was graced by the presence of Mahamandeleswar Swami Hari Chetnanand Ji, who delivered an Ashirvachan (blessing). He spoke about the timeless relevance of the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and other scriptures in fostering character building and inner happiness, especially in an age dominated by mobile phones and material pursuits.
Teachings of the Ramayana
Swami Hari Chetnanand Ji praised the initiative of IIT Roorkee and Shri Ramcharit Bhavan for uniting saints and scholars along the banks of the Ganga. He described the Ramayana as a comprehensive manual of life that teaches essential values such as sacrifice, devotion, guru-bhakti (devotion to the teacher), and social harmony.
Release of Publications
During the inaugural session, there was also the release of the “Gita Shabda Anukramanika,” a publication that adds to the scholarly discourse surrounding the teachings of the Gita and its connection to the Ramayana.
Conclusion
The 8th International Ramayan Conference at IIT Roorkee represents a significant effort to explore and celebrate the teachings of the Ramayana and their application in contemporary society. By bringing together diverse voices from various fields, the conference aims to foster a deeper understanding of Indian culture and its relevance in today’s world.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on details from the 8th International Ramayan Conference held at IIT Roorkee and reflects the ongoing efforts to integrate traditional knowledge with modern educational themes.
