Department of Philosophy, University of Allahabad

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Department of Philosophy, University of Allahabad

This unoffcial page updates about the Century old Department of Philosophy, University of Allahabad, P.S. Burrell (the founding Head), Prof. H. N. Randle, Prof. A. E.

Permanently closed.

About the Department
Established in 1922, the Department of Philosophy, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, is not only one of the oldest philosophy departments in the country, but also arguably one of the biggest departments with 18 (10 regular and several guest-faculty) faculty members and more than 3000 students on roll, including 50 research scholars. Over the nine decades, the department has set some very significant philosophical trends in publishing around 70 books and 600 research papers and producing numbers of teachers, bureaucrats and intellectuals, spreading all over the country. Some of the outstanding philosophers who are associated with the long history of the department include, Prof. Gough, Prof. George Thibaut, Prof. J. G. Jennings, Prof. R.D. Ranade, Prof. A.C. Mukerjee, Prof. R. Kaul, Prof. S. Dutta, Prof. V. Narvane, Prof. S.C. Biswas, Prof. Roy, Prof. L. Pandey, Prof. S.K. Seth, Prof. J.S. Srivastava, Prof. D.N. Dwivedi, Prof. R.L. Singh, Prof. R.S. Bhatnagar. The department has been chosen as a Centre for Advanced Study in Philosophy (CAS) by the University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi. Mission and Objectives
The department was once the center of learning in philosophy and scholars used to come to the department for research from the different parts of the country. The department would like to revive its past glory and make it once again a center of excellence. We want to upgrade the department as a center of excellence in terms of offering specializations in all fields of philosophy. We want to revive the publication of the journals such as Review of Darshan, and strengthen the regular publication of Samdarshana.

21/08/2026

Where Mind Meets Meaning

Research Circle, Department of Philosophy, University of Allahabad, hosted a guest lecture by Dr. Sanjit Chakraborty, NISER, Bhubaneswar on “Can Meaning Be There Without Language?” on 21 August 2026.

Dr. Chakraborty explored whether meaningful thought can exist independently of language, engaging the internalism–externalism debate and the relation between mind, meaning and world. Prof. Gopal Sahu, Head of the Department, presided over the session and situated the theme in relation to Quine’s three indeterminacies and the rise of Large Language Models. Dr. Ramesh anchored the discussion, and Dr. Manash Deka proposed the vote of thanks. Dr. Rajib Lochan Behera from BHU, Varanasi also attended the lecture.

Faculty members and research scholars participated actively, making the session a stimulating academic dialogue.

15/08/2026

Human Environmental Responsibility ( HER)

A Research Circle lecture on “Socio-Ethical Concerns of Environmental Value” was delivered by Prof. D. N. Yadav, Former Professor and Head, Department of Philosophy, D.D.U. University, Gorakhpur, at Department of Philosophy, University of Allahabad on 14 August 2026.

Prof. Yadav examined environmental ethics as an extension of moral thought beyond the human community to include animals, nature, the biosphere, and future generations. It also highlighted the socio-ethical dimensions of environmental concerns, particularly questions of responsibility, justice, development, and the need for a holistic understanding of the relationship between human beings and the natural environment.

The session was presided over by Prof. Gopal Sahu, Head, Department of Philosophy, University of Allahabad. In his presiding remarks, he emphasised that environmental problems are not merely ecological or technological issues but also fundamental philosophical questions concerning value, responsibility, justice, and our moral relationship with nature.

The lecture was followed by an academic interaction with faculty members and research scholars.

24/07/2026

Indian Philosophers’ Day–2026

The Department observed ICPR-sponsored Indian Philosophers’ Day–2026 on 24 July 2026 on the theme “Philosophical Contributions of Prof. R. D. Ranade and Prof. A. C. Mukherjee.”

Introducing the theme, Prof. Gopal Sahu, Head of the Department, highlighted Prof. R. D. Ranade’s philosophy of spiritual realization and Prof. A. C. Mukherjee’s contributions to idealism, self-consciousness and metaphysical analysis, noting that both philosophers played a pivotal role in the development and consolidation of modern Indian philosophy.

The programme featured lectures by Prof. Vineet Sahu (IIT Kanpur) on “Living Philosophy: From Known Questions to Unknown Answers”, Prof. Jata Shankar on “A. C. Mukherjee on the Problem of the Ego-centric Paradox”, and Prof. Rishi Kant Pandey on “Crypto-Buddhism: A Critical Analysis.”

The programme was anchored by Dr. Bhima Kumar, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Ramesh Dheeravath, Organising Secretary. Faculty members, research scholars and students attended the programme.

09/06/2026

Prof. Shyam Kishore Seth (1930–2026): In Memoriam

The Department of Philosophy, University of Allahabad, mourns the passing of Prof. SK Seth at the age of 96, one of its most respected teachers and scholars.

Prof. Seth joined the Department in 1954 and served it with distinction until his retirement in 1990 and a decade after retirement. A specialist in Symbolic Logic, he made significant contributions to several areas of philosophy and authored widely used textbooks on Logic, Epistemology, and Ethics.

Fondly remembered by generations of students as “Gurudev,” he combined intellectual excellence with simplicity, humility, and grace. An inspiring teacher and a deeply respected member of the Allahabad philosophical tradition, he left an indelible mark on the Department and the wider academic community.

His passing is a great loss to the Department, his students, colleagues, and admirers.

The Department of Philosophy pays its heartfelt tribute to the departed soul and extends its deepest condolences to his family. (Photo courtesy: Prof Neelima Mishra)

21/04/2026

Farewell Meets Welcome

On April 16, 2026, the MA Semester II and IV students jointly organised a programme titled “Farewell-cum-Welcome.” What appeared, at first glance, to be a curious combination, brought together two contrasting emotions—bidding farewell and extending a welcome—without allowing either to overshadow the other. It was neither less (कम/cum) a farewell nor merely a welcome; rather, it was a thoughtful blending of both.

Notably, what began as a welcome for students became equally, if not more, a welcome for the faculty. A beautiful programme that gently reminded everyone: every farewell quietly meets a welcome.

20/09/2025

Lecture Sessions

The Department of Philosophy, University of Allahabad, hosted two thought-provoking lectures on September 19, 2025. First, Prof. Chapla Verma (Department of Philosophy and Religion, American Public University, USA) spoke under the Research Circle on “Lotus in the Desert: Mahapajapati – A Theravada Nunnery in California”, exploring how a community of nuns in California is reviving a lineage that lay dormant for centuries. Secondly, Prof. S. P. Pandey (BHU, Varanasi) delivered a lecture under the Study Circle Program, sponsored by ICPR, New Delhi, on “Shri Aurobindo Darshan Ki Vikashvadi Abadhrana”, offering a fresh perspective on Aurobindo’s vision of spiritual progress.

15/08/2025

An Eventful Week

The Department of Philosophy, University of Allahabad hosted four back-to-back intellectually and socially engaging events in the last eight days.

1️⃣ 08/08/2025 – ICPR Study Circle Series Talk: Prof. Gopal Sahu (Head, Department of Philosophy) delivered an incisive lecture on “Philosophical Counselling: Neither Philosophical nor Counselling”, critically examining the conceptual boundaries between philosophy and counselling.

2️⃣ 11/08/2025 – Inauguration of Pre-PhD Course Work: Prof. Manmohan Krishna graced the occasion, setting an inspiring tone for the academic journey ahead.

3️⃣ 14/08/2025 – Special Lecture: Acharya Divyachetananda Abdhuta (Ananda Marga Pracharak Sangha) spoke on “P.R. Sarkar’s Contributions to Humanism and Neo-Humanism”, offering deep insights into transformative social philosophy.

4️⃣ 15/08/2025 – Independence Day Green Initiative: A plantation drive under the theme “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” celebrated freedom with an ecological pledge.

From philosophical debates to environmental responsibility, the week was a testament to the Department’s commitment to thought, action, and community engagemen

06/06/2025

Memorial Lecture on Gurudev Ranade

On the 68th death anniversary of Gurudev R.D. Ranade, the Department of Philosophy, University of Allahabad organized a memorial lecture titled “Prof. R.D. Ranade: Personality and Contribution”. The lecture was delivered by Prof. Rabindra Shankar Joshi, an eminent thinker and national coordinator of Kutumb Prabodhan. Prof. Gopal Sahu, Head of the Department, delivered the presidential address reflecting on Ranade’s philosophical legacy. Dr. Shailendra Singh conducted the programme and Dr. Manash Deka extended the vote of thanks. Dr. Uttam Sing and many research scholars attended the Lecture.

28/05/2025

Team Spirit in NAAC Preparation

With smiles on our faces and teamwork at its best, our department is all geared up for the ongoing NAAC Peer Team visit! From faculty and research scholars to our ever-supportive office staff, everyone pitched in with energy, laughter, and dedication. File work, last-minute touch-ups, and a few fun moments in between made the preparation a truly memorable experience.

Address

Allahabad

Website

http://www.allduniv.ac.in/faculties/philosophy

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