SHILLONG: The Joint Conference of the 18th International Congress of Social Philosophy (ICSP) and the 12th International Congress of Yoga and Spiritual Science (ICYS) commenced at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, on Wednesday, bringing together scholars and practitioners to deliberate on the role of philosophy and yoga in promoting national integration and global peace.
The inaugural session, held at the university auditorium, began with a ceremonial welcome and felicitation of distinguished guests. A symbolic plantation of indigenous saplings representing the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo Hills marked the formal opening, highlighting the conference’s emphasis on ecological awareness and cultural rootedness.
In her welcome address, Convenor Dr. S. Maya underscored the conference as an important academic platform addressing both internal and external conflicts through philosophical and spiritual engagement. Speakers throughout the session stressed the urgent need for unity in a world increasingly affected by war, social fragmentation, and ethical challenges.
Chairing the session, Prof. X. P. Mao spoke on the significance of national integration during times of global unrest, noting that while religion can sometimes divide, disciplines like yoga and social philosophy have the potential to foster unity. Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sumarbin Umdor echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing peace as a philosophical and practical necessity in today’s world.
Delivering the inaugural lecture, Prof. Aditya Kumar Mohanty presented yoga as an integrative discipline combining philosophy, science, and technology. He highlighted its relevance not only for personal well-being but also for achieving collective harmony, stressing that true knowledge must be accompanied by practice.
A special lecture on the “Philosophy of Communication” further emphasized ethical dialogue as a cornerstone of social cohesion. The speaker noted that in an age of digital media and shrinking attention spans, responsible communication rooted in truth, clarity, and empathy is essential for maintaining harmony.
The afternoon session featured Endowment Lectures focusing on philosophical pathways to global peace. Dr. Nandini Mishra explored the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizing concepts such as dharma (duty) and nishkama karma (selfless action) as foundations for ethical living and social harmony.
In another lecture, Dr. P. Raghavendra addressed the concept of unity through Advaita philosophy, critiquing social divisions such as caste and advocating for equality rooted in the understanding of oneness. He highlighted that ignorance and discrimination remain key barriers to peace and social integration.
Overall, the inaugural session and Day 1 lectures established a strong intellectual foundation for the conference, emphasizing that global peace requires a synthesis of ethical insight, spiritual discipline, and responsible communication.
The event is expected to continue with further discussions and scholarly exchanges in the coming days.
