Our Academic Programs

The All India Oriental Conference (AIOC), established in 1919 in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, owes its inception to the tireless efforts of Sir R. G. Bhandarkar. This prestigious conference represents over a century of dedication to preserving and advancing Indian language and literature studies.

Since its foundation, AIOC has made significant contributions to Indian language and literature scholarship. With a rich history of organizing 50 successful sessions, it has produced numerous publications and conference proceedings that have greatly enriched the literary world and academic discourse in Oriental studies.

This year, AIOC proudly hosts its 51st session, continuing its legacy of bringing together scholars, researchers, and academicians from across India and beyond to discuss, debate, and deliberate on various aspects of Oriental studies, including Sanskrit literature, Indian philosophy, ancient history, and traditional knowledge systems.

The "Dispassionate Churning of Indology" conference, held in Udupi in January 2019, brought together over 300 participants and featured 180 papers across three days. Organized by Bharatiya Vidvat Parishad and Tattvasamshodhana Samsat with the support of ICPR and Indic Academy, this groundbreaking event aimed to critically and respectfully examine Indian knowledge systems, texts, and cultural traditions.

Much like the sagar manthan of the puranas, the conference produced both nectar and poison to be analyzed dispassionately. A recurring theme was the call to replace the Western term "Indology" with "Bharatiya Vidya" for a more holistic and authentic study of India's traditions, avoiding fragmented or distorted portrayals.

Several speakers highlighted the risks of misrepresentation when Indian texts are studied without cultural context, stressing the importance of engaging directly with original manuscripts instead of relying on translations. The conference also introduced the concept of "Westology" - encouraging Indians to study Western culture through Indian lenses, balancing the academic gaze.

Topics explored ranged from the dating of ancient texts like the Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upaniṣad (estimated at ~2600 BCE) and manuscript preservation, to the intersection of Sanskrit and science, demonstrating the impact of mantra chanting on health and cognition.

India, a land of diverse cultures and rich heritage, owes much of its strength and resilience to the unwavering spirit of its women. From ancient warrior queens to contemporary pioneers, Indian women have consistently been the custodians of tradition, the drivers of progress, and the embodiments of strength.

While the term Nārī is used to refer to woman, Indian women, who have consistently been the custodians of tradition, the drivers of progress, and the embodiments of strength have transcended from being just Nārī (woman - the silent force) to Nārāyanī (the divine feminine - Strategic Force).

The conference titled "Bhāratī - Nārī to Nārāyanī" organised by Bharatiya Vidvat Parishat, aims to be a landmark event bringing together more than 1000 women – Nārāyanī's, from across India representing myriad facets of their contributions and celebrating their often-unsung legacies.