Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Akshar-Purushottam Darshan presented at World Congress of Philosophy

The event drew over 5,000 scholars and students of philosophy from more than 120 countries.

Akshar-Purushottam Darshan presented at World Congress of Philosophy

THE Akshar-Purushottam Darshan, a classical philosophical school of thought and practice rooted in the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, under the blessings and guidance of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, was presented at the 25th World Congress of Philosophy in Rome, Italy.

The event, organised by the International Federation of Philosophical Societies (FISP), held from August 1 to 8, drew over 5,000 scholars and students of philosophy from more than 120 countries.


On August 2, a session focussed on spiritual ecology and Akshar-Purushottam Darshan was held, chaired by Mahamahopadhyaya Bhadreshdas Swami.

Scholars from the UK, USA and India presented their research on how the philosophical exploration of Akshar-Purushottam Darshan finds practical expression through devotion, ethical living, and service to humanity and the natural world.

12 Akshar Purushottam Darshan presented at the world Congress of Philosophy in Rome Volunteers from BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha present the conferenceproceedings to the Indian ambassador to Italy, Vani Rao.


Prof Luca Scarantino, president of FISP and the World Congress of Philosophy, met with Mahamahopadhyaya Bhadreshdas Swami to discuss key insights from the conference and explore future directions.

Both leaders stressed the enduring relevance of philosophy in today's world and highlighted the importance of ongoing dialogue and exploration in addressing contemporary challenges.

Prof Balaganapathi Devarakonda, professor of philosophy at Delhi University, said, "The Akshar-Purushottam school of Vedanta has its roots in sacred Sanatan Hindu texts, but it may be unfamiliar to some western scholars of philosophy, so it was very encouraging to see them be interested in, learn about, and engage with its fundamental values and beliefs that can have such a powerful positive impact in our world today.”

Prof Scarantino received "Swaminarayan-Bhashyam," a set of classical Sanskrit commentaries on the Vedanta Prasthanatrayi, written by Mahamahopadhyaya Bhadreshdas Swami.

Prof Noburu Notomi, president of the Philosophical Association of Japan and host of the next World Congress of Philosophy, invited Akshar-Purushottam Darshan to be presented at the 26th World Congress of Philosophy, which will be held in Tokyo in 2028.

More For You

Southport

Floral tributes left by members of the public are seen following the fatal knife attack on three young girls in July in Southport.

Reuters

Public inquiry begins into Southport girls' murders

A PUBLIC inquiry begins on Tuesday into the murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport last year.

The inquiry will examine whether the attack could have been prevented and how future incidents might be avoided.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less