Posted on 26 July 2026:
National Seminar: Celebrating 125 Years of Pandit Dharmadhar Mahasthavir & the Scope of Pali Language and Literature in Indian Knowledge Systems
On Monday, 27th July 2026, the Senate Hall of the University of Calcutta will resonate with timeless wisdom and scholarly reflection. The occasion marks the 125th Birth Anniversary of Pandit Dharmadhar Mahasthavir, a revered figure whose contributions continue to illuminate the path of Buddhist thought and Pali studies.
The National Seminar on “Scope of Pali Language and Literature in the Indian Knowledge System” organised in collaboration with the department of Pali, University of Calcutta and Dharmadhar Welfare Society, unfolds as a confluence of erudition and reverence. From 12:00 P.M, onwards, distinguished academicians, spiritual leaders, and cultural thinkers will gather to honor a legacy that bridges tradition with modern intellectual inquiry.
Inaugural Session Highlights
- Inaugurator: Prof. (Dr.) Ashutosh Ghosh, Honourable Vice Chancellor, University of Calcutta
- Guest of Honour: Prof. (Dr.) Debasis Das, Registrar, University of Calcutta
- Chief Guest: Prof. (Dr.) Ayan Bhattacharya, Honourable Vice Chancellor, The Sanskrit College and University
- Guest of Honour: Dr. Anirban Ganguly, Chairman & Trustee, Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation
- Special Guest: Prof. (Dr.) Bela Bhattacharyya, Emeritus Professor, Department of Pali, University of Calcutta
- Keynote Speaker: Ven. Buddharakkhita Mahathero Bhikkhu, Meditation Acharya & President, Vidarshan Siksha Kendra (Pottery Road Buddhist Monastery)
This seminar is not merely an academic gathering—it is a living tribute to Pandit Dharmadhar Mahasthavir’s vision, where the Pali language emerges as a vital thread in India’s knowledge tapestry. The event promises to inspire dialogue on heritage, philosophy, and the enduring relevance of classical wisdom in contemporary thought.
At 12:00 noon, the dignitaries will gather to light the ceremonial lamp, a radiant symbol of wisdom and reverence. The sacred Mangala Charan will follow, led by Dr. Sumanpal Bhikkhu and fellow scholars, invoking blessings for the day.
The Welcome Address will be gracefully delivered by Prof. Saswati Mutsuddy, Head of the Department of Pali, University of Calcutta, opening the path for the Inaugural Session Speeches. The moment of gratitude will arrive with the Vote of Thanks by Dr. Sujit Kumar Barua, General Secretary of the Pandit Dharmadhar Welfare Society, Kolkata.
Academic Resonance
The Keynote Address will be presented by Prof. (Dr.) Rajsekhar Basu, Dean of Arts, University of Calcutta. The Special Lectures, chaired by Prof. Ananya Baruya, Former Dean, Faculty of Art, Jadavpur University will weave insights from diverse disciplines—Prof. Arindam Bhattacharyya (Zoology, CU), Prof. Arun Kumar Yadav (Pali & Buddhist Studies, BHU), and Dr. Aniket Mahapatra ( Dept. of Bengali, New Alipore College).
The First Academic Session, chaired by Prof. (Dr.) Aiswarya Biswas, Department of Buddhist Studies, CU, will explore the modern relevance of the Pali Canon, enriched by voices such as Dr. Arindam Bhattacharyya, OSD, Presidency University; Sri Satyakam Sen, Tanay Sengupta, Dr. Suresh Kumar (Head , Department of Buddhist Tourism Management, NNM), and Dr. Kallol Dasgupta, Guest Teacher, Department of Pali, CU.
The Second Academic Session, under the chairmanship of Dr. Suresh Kumar, Head , Department of Buddhist Tourism Management, NNM will delve into Buddhist Psychology, Medicine, and Textual Studies, extending the dialogue into realms where philosophy meets practice.
The Third Academic Session will open with reflections on Buddhist History, Archaeology, Heritage, and Institutional Legacy, chaired by Prof. (Dr.) Arun Kumar Yadav, Head of the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, BHU. This session promises to weave together the threads of past and present, tracing the enduring legacy of Buddhist institutions and cultural heritage.
The day will conclude with the Valedictory Session –a graceful closure to the seminar’s intellectual journey.
The Valedictory Speech will be delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Mahua Mukherjee, Former Dean, Department of Dance, Rabindra Bharati University—her words expected to resonate with artistry and depth.
Honoring the occasion, the Guests of Honour include Prof. Ananya Baruya, Former Dean, Faculty of Art, Jadavpur University; Prof. (Dr.) Aiswarya Biswas, Department of Buddhist Studies, University of Calcutta; and Dr. Arindam Bhattacharyya, OSD, Presidency University.
The final note of gratitude will be expressed through the Vote of Thanks by Dr. Chittaranjan Patra, Guest Teacher, Department of Pali, University of Calcutta.
The National Seminar shall shine as a luminous tribute to Pandit Dharmadhar Mahasthavir –illuminating heritage and scholarship.
