Department of Philosophy, University of Allahabad

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Research Circle Lecture

Dr. Dabee Rajendrakumar, School of Indological Studies, Mahatma Gandhi Institute, Mauritius, delivered a lecture on “Ancient Wisdom for a Modern World,” at Department of Philosophy, University of Allahabad on February 8, 2025. In his lecture, Dr Rajendrakumar addressed the challenges of the 21st century, particularly the crisis of humanism exacerbated by Technology 5.0. He explored how Advaita Vedanta offers metaphysical and ethical frameworks to navigate these challenges, emphasizing self-awareness and consciousness in relation to AI and Quantum Mechanics and Virtual Reality. He advocated for Neo Vedanta as a bridge between science and spirituality, suggesting that ancient insights can inform modern technological dilemmas and enhance humanistic values.

Online Discussion on AI Ethics

In his presentation titled “Is Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ethics an Applied Ethics?” Prof. Rajakishore Nath from IIT Bombay explores the unique nature of AI ethics compared to traditional applied ethics, such as animal ethics or land ethics, which focus on protecting specific entities. He argues that AI ethics is fundamentally different as it is an embedded ethics that possesses the capacity for intentionality. This characteristic allows AI systems to address normative ethical issues like objectivity, fairness, transparency, and autonomy while engaging with ethical dilemmas. Prof. Nath concludes that AI ethics is not merely about applying existing ethical frameworks but is generative in nature, evolving alongside technological advancements. He posits that Large Language Models (LLMs) exemplify the realization of AI ethics, demonstrating their potential to navigate complex ethical landscapes and contribute to a more ethical interaction with technology.

The presentation was chaired by Prof. and Head, Gopal Sahu, compered by Dr. K Bhima Kumar, vote of thanks given by Dr. SK Maharana and hosted by Dr. Abhishek Kumar. All faculty members participated in the seminar actively.

Vivekananda’s Birth Anniversary

The Department celebrated the National Youth Day, 2025 today to mark the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda by organising a Webinar, focusing on Vivekananda’s messages and teachings for empowering Youths, with Prof. Gopal Sahu, Head as the Chairperson and Prof. Rishikant Pandey, Dr. K. Bhima Kumar and Dr. Shailendra Kumar Singh as the Speakers. All other faculty members were also present and contributed towards the success of the Webinar. It was conducted by Ms. Anjali and a vote of thanks was extended by Mr. Ashish, both students of MA 4th Semester.

Ranade’s Chair: Honouring a Legacy

The Department of Philosophy, University of Allahabad is proud to announce the installation of the original chair used by the esteemed Saint-Philosopher, Ramachandra Dattatreya Ranade (1886-1957). Renowned as the "Socrates of the Allahabad School of Philosophy" in the Oxford of the East, Ranade was the first Indian philosopher to head the department and served as its longest-tenured head from 1928 to 1946. This installation marks a significant memorial legacy, celebrating his profound contributions to philosophy and his enduring influence on generations of thinkers.