WORLD PHILOSOPHY DAY- 2021
November 20, 2021
PGGCG-11
Chandigarh
In lieu of occasion of World Philosophy Day, The Philosophical Society of PGGCG-11, Chandigarh, held an intellectual yet co-curricular fest, celebrating the contribution of philosophy in human interactions, educational sciences and cultural diversity with a vast spectrum of ideas and encouraging caliber of students via various competitions and events. The event was inaugurated by a welcome address by the presidents of the philosophical society 2021, Sheereen Khan and Tanvi Chauhan who introduced the Philosophical Society and the theme of the event.
The main highlight of the event was the blended mode based extension lecture, on the topic, “Philosophy of Social Sciences”, by the resource person and chief guest for the day, Dr. Navneet Sharma, Assistant Professor, School of Education, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala, Kangra (H.P). He was accompanied by two of his research students, who graced the event with their presence. This Session was Chaired by Ms Sheereen Khan of BA III who kept the spirit high throughout the session and discussion. Dr. Navneet Sharma’s lecture had a multilingual approach and he began his dialogue by firstly explaining the relationship and distinctions between philosophy and social sciences. He gave an elaborated view of the title ‘Philosophy of Social Sciences’ where he explained the significance of the word ‘of’ in the title. He continued by explaining how philosophy can be considered as the mother and/or father subject, considering that it covers almost all the existing subject matters. He drew a conclusion that the basic difference between social science and philosophy is the subject matter and the ability to create a dialogue. To back this conclusion he explained that, when in any matter, class, caste, gender or any such type of category distinction occurs, it becomes a matter of social sciences and philosophy is always a second order enquiry. He emphasized that science cannot state absolute truths as human behavior can never be accurately predicted. In context to this, he very creatively engaged the concept of science and pseudo science. He concluded his dialogue by explaining the concept of reality in context to both social sciences and philosophy and stating that absolute reality is a concept that is very difficult to achieve by both scientific and philosophical methodologies. His lecture was more of an insightful and vision enhancing dialogue which paved way to a broader perspective to ponder upon. His lecture was followed by an open audience discussion, where all the faculty members and students who were present in the Seminar Hall and offline, put forward their questions relating his lecture and issues concerning to religion, humanity, social disparities, the subjective nature of reality and even the concept of mukti and afterlife. These questions were beautifully and patiently answered by Dr. Navneet Sharma in an elaborated manner. He even suggested some books and other texts to read in order to gain insight regarding the topic.
After the lecture, students of B.A II presented a beautiful group song performance, where they performed ‘Heal the World’ by Michael Jackson and lit up the environment with their beautiful voices.
The next event was the intra-college debate competition on the topic ‘Rational Approach to Life Is Better than Emotional Approach’. This competition was moderated by Jahanvi Mittal and Ridam Mahajan of BA III. In this competition, a number of students came forward showing enthusiastic participation, throwing light to some amazing perspectives and ideas, both in favor and against the notion provided to them.
A beautiful dance performance was presented by students hailing from Ladakh that followed the debate competition, which filled the air with waves of diverse cultural refinement.
A solo song competition was followed after the performances to maintain the beautiful melodious aura. Students performed such graceful presentations of culture and exhibited a showcase of talent with their absolutely beautiful voices and representations. The competition was moderated by Chuskit Dolma and Greta Yendrembam of BA III
The final competition of the event was poetry recitation, the topic and language of which was kept abstract to capture the true essence of poetry. Students beautifully presented self-written verse, some dedicated to their loved ones, some explaining perceptions and some highlighted the evils of body shaming. Students also presented a dramatic recitation of the famous works of their favorite excellent poets which left everyone awestruck. The competition was moderated by Varsha and Neetu of BA III
The last performance of the event was a beautiful dance presentation by the Manipuri students, who beautifully showcased their culture and pride in their ethnicity. This performance was truly the best type of finishing such a glorious event could get.
In the end, the results of all the competitions were announced. The facilitations and prize distribution was carried out by our honorable chief guest and respected faculty members Mr. Ajay Sharma, Dean, PGGCG-11, Chandigarh, Prof. Pradeep Singh Walia, Commerce Department, Dr. Naveen Pandhi, Faculty Commerce, Dr. Sukhwant Sidhu, Faculty Department of Sociology and Mrs. Jay Bharti Kashyap, Librarian, PGGCG-11, Chandigarh. For the debate competition, Tanvi (BA-3) secured the first position followed by a close second prize winner Simran (BA-2) and then Ayushi (BA-3) at the third position. Preeti (BCA-2) won the solo song competition, followed by Smriti (BA-2) at a close second and then Tania (BA-2). In Poetry recitation, Hardika (BA-2) bagged the first position, the second position being scored by Tanvi (BA-3), followed by Ayushi (BA-2) at the third position.
The closing of the event was done by a note of gratitude presented to everyone who contributed and attended the event by presidents, Sheereen Khan and Tanvi Chauhan. The Head of the Department of Philosophy Dr. Ambuj Sharma served as a coordinator and Head of the Organization Committee. Without his inspiration and motivating force this event wouldn’t have been possible. He addressed and inspired the audience with his humble and inspiriting words, followed by a token of small dialogues presented by each faculty member. The event was closed by Dr. Ambuj Sharma’s inspiring and motivating token of appreciation and a friendly address to all the participants and attendees. This marked the end of an event celebrating philosophy as a medium of interdisciplinary education and cultural solidarity.
Courtesy: Sheereen Khan BA III
