Genome to OM

On October 16, 2024, an enlightening event titled “GENOME to OM: Unveiling Philosophy and Science” was held at the prestigious Prof. Barlingay Seminar Hall, Department of Philosophy, Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU). The session was jointly organized by the Department of Philosophy, SPPU, and the Bhaktivedanta Research Center, Pune.

This unique convergence of philosophy and science brought together eminent scholars and intellectuals to explore the intricate relationship between modern genomic science and ancient philosophical concepts like OM. The event was attended by academicians, students, and researchers from diverse disciplines, creating a platform for thought-provoking discussions.


Key Speakers and Dignitaries

The session was spearheaded by Prof. Bhushan Patwardhan, National Research Professor at AYUSH and a Distinguished Professor at the Interdisciplinary School of Health Science, SPPU. Renowned for his groundbreaking research and contributions to integrative health sciences, Prof. Patwardhan shared his profound insights into how ancient Indian philosophical traditions align with modern scientific discoveries in genomics.

The event was chaired by Prof. Sharad Deshpande, the former Head of the Department of Philosophy at SPPU. Prof. Deshpande emphasized the importance of fostering interdisciplinary dialogues to address contemporary challenges and bridge the gap between science and philosophy.

The Chief Guest for the event was Prof. Suresh Gosavi, the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of SPPU. In his keynote address, he lauded the organizers for initiating such a novel event and stressed the need for cross-disciplinary collaborations in academia.


Highlights of the Event:

  1. Opening Remarks: The event began with a warm welcome address that set the stage for the dialogue between philosophy and science, particularly focusing on the mysteries of life and existence.
  2. Keynote Address by Prof. Bhushan Patwardhan: Prof. Patwardhan delved into the philosophical dimensions of genomics and the concept of OM. He emphasized how ancient Indian scriptures and the modern understanding of life sciences share common threads, particularly in their quest to decode the origins and essence of life.
  3. Philosophical Insights by Prof. Sharad Deshpande: Prof. Deshpande’s thought-provoking address highlighted the need for philosophy to keep pace with scientific advancements. He explained how the interpretation of OM, a sacred syllable in Indian philosophy, resonates with modern scientific inquiries into the universe’s fundamental nature.
  4. Vice-Chancellor’s Address: Prof. Suresh Gosavi shared his reflections on the role of universities in promoting interdisciplinary research. He stressed the importance of events like these in inspiring the academic community to think beyond disciplinary boundaries.
  5. Interactive Discussions: The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, where attendees raised questions about the intersections of genomics, consciousness, and the metaphysical implications of OM. The dialogue emphasized how science and philosophy together can provide holistic answers to some of the biggest mysteries of life.

The event was a resounding success, offering a rare blend of intellectual rigor and spiritual exploration. The collaboration between the Department of Philosophy, SPPU, and the Bhaktivedanta Research Center proved instrumental in creating a platform where scientific inquiry and philosophical thought could seamlessly converge.

Attendees left the seminar inspired by the possibilities of integrating modern genomic science with timeless philosophical wisdom. The event reinforced the belief that interdisciplinary dialogues are crucial for fostering innovation and addressing the deeper questions of human existence.

The organizers, speakers, and participants were unanimously appreciated for their efforts in making this groundbreaking event a milestone in the academic calendar of Savitribai Phule Pune University.