India’s spiritual legacy key to future, says Shekhawat at ACPR centenary

Belagavi: Union minister for culture and tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said India’s enduring philosophical tradition, rooted in knowledge, reason and spiritual experience, offers a timeless message to humanity.

He was speaking at the valedictory of the centenary celebrations of the Academy of Comparative Philosophy and Religion (ACPR) in Belagavi.The event also marked the release of Samagra Darshan—the complete works of Gurudev Dr RD Ranade—in a 28-volume set, commemorating the academy’s 100-year journey. Among those present were RSS Akhil Bharatiya Vyavastha Pramukh Mangesh Bhende, Karnataka Uttar Pranth RSS executive member Arvindrao Deshpande, former Rajya Sabha member Iranna Kadadi, Deendayal Upadhyay Research Institute director Atul Jain, and ACPR secretary MB Zirali.Describing the centenary as a milestone, Shekhawat said the publication of Ranade’s experiential philosophy has renewed global relevance. He commended ACPR for preserving Ranade’s legacy despite limited resources and ensuring his ideas remained relevant across generations.Shekhawat said India is witnessing a cultural and spiritual resurgence, with the world increasingly looking towards it with renewed respect. He said republication of Ranade’s works assumes significance as the country prepares for a larger global role rooted in civilisational values. He called for digitisation of Ranade’s works to expand global access through translation and transliteration.

Earlier, a Granthadindi procession carrying Ranade’s books was taken out from Maruti Mandir to Ranade Mandir in Hindwadi. The celebrations also featured a tree plantation drive and foundation stone laying for a centenary auditorium. ACPR felicitated scholars and contributors associated with the publication.