1. Introduction and Objective
A three-day National Seminar on “Nationalism in India and the Vision of Swami Vivekananda” was successfully organized by the Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Muzaffarpur, in collaboration with B.R.A. Bihar University, Muzaffarpur, from October 24 to October 26, 2025. The core objective of the seminar was to explore and deliberate on the philosophical underpinnings of Indian nationalism as envisioned by Swami Vivekananda, emphasizing his views on universal tolerance and cultural assimilation.
2. Inaugural Session (24 October, 2025)
The seminar was formally inaugurated on October 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM in the Prayer Hall/Shrine.
Dignitaries on the Dais
The session was graced by several distinguished personalities:
- Chief Guest: Shri Arif Mohammad Khan, Honourable Governor of Bihar
- Guest of Honour: Prof. Rakesh Sinha, Delhi University and former Rajya Sabha member
- Special Guests:
- Dr. D.N. Gautam IPS, former DGP, Bihar
- Prof. R.C. Sinha, former chairman, ICPR, New Delhi and National Fellow, IIAS, Shimla
- Prof. Dinesh Chandra Rai, Vice Chancellor, B.R.A. Bihar University, Muzaffarpur
Proceedings
- The inauguration commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp.
- The Honourable Governor released a souvenir titled ‘Nationalism in India and the Vision of Swami Vivekananda’.
- Swami Bhavatmananda felicitated the dignitaries and delivered the welcome address.
- Prof. Rakesh Sinha presented the Keynote Address, setting the academic tone for the seminar.
- The Honourable Governor, in his special address, highlighted Swami Vivekananda’s profound views on universal tolerance and the immense, assimilating strength inherent in Indian culture and Hinduism. Other dias persons also addressed the participants.
3. Academic Sessions and Paper Presentations
The seminar consisted of fourteen rigorous academic sessions spread across the three days, running daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Research and Plenary Lectures
In total, 64 research scholars presented their papers. These scholars represented a wide range of national universities and institutions, including:
- B.R. Ambedkar Bihar University, Muzaffarpur
- J.P. University, Chapra
- Veer Kameswar Singh University, Arrah
- Central University, Motihari
- Nagaland University
- Kalinga University, Orrissa
- Purnea University, Purnea
- Delhi University, Delhi
- Patna University, Patna
- B.H.U., Varanasi
- L.N. Mithila University, Darbhanga
- Allahabad University, Allahabad
- Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, Shimla
- J.S. University, Shikohabad
Plenary Lectures were delivered by reputed scholars such as Prof. R.C. Sinha, Prof. Awadhesh Pradhan, Dr. D.N. Gautam, Sri Dinesh Nayak, Dr. Zahira Khatun, and Prof. Muneshwar Yadav, among others.
Special Evening Sessions
Two special sessions were conducted in the evening (7:00 PM to 9:00 PM) on October 24th and 25th, 2025, which were highly commended for their interactive nature:
- Open Discussion: ‘Nationalism and the Issue of Identity’
- Panel Discussion: ‘Major Issues and Challenges in Indian Nationalism’
These sessions were noted for being very lively, interactive, and concluding in the formulation of shared goals and democratic values.
4. Seminar Publication and Participation
Souvenir
The released souvenir on ‘Nationalism in India and the Vision of Swami Vivekananda’ was a comprehensive publication of 208 pages, featuring 35 full papers and 45 abstract papers in both Hindi and English. It included contributions from various research scholars and inter-disciplinary academicians.
Attendance
The program was attended by a total of 218 participants, including more than 15 University teachers.
5. Organization and Conclusion
The entire program was meticulously conducted by:
- Prof. S.N.P. Singh (Retired HoD, Zoology, B.R.A.B.U.), Muzaffarpur
- Prof. Sangeeta Sinha (HoD, Physics, B.R.A.B.U.), Muzaffarpur
- Prof. Bharati Sehta (Dept of Pol. Science, B.R.A. Bihar University), Muzaffarpur
They were supported by a dedicated team of moderators and chairpersons for each session. The logistical and organizational support was provided by Sri Devendra Pandey, Prof. Punam Sinha, Rajnarayan Singh, and other members of the Vivekananda Study Circle, under the guidance of Swami Lilamayananda.
The National Seminar was a resounding success, achieving its academic objectives and fostering vibrant discussion among scholars and participants. The event received significant appreciation and was highlighted in various newspapers.
