Rome: With the blessings and guidance of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, Akshar-Purushottam Darshan – a classical philosophical school of thought and practice of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya – was presented and warmly received at the 25th World Congress of Philosophy in the historic city of Rome, Italy.
The eight-day conference was held from August 1 and 8 at the Sapienza University of Rome. It attracted more than 5,000 scholars and students of philosophy from over 120 countries and diverse disciplines and backgrounds.
The academic event, organised by the International Federation of Philosophical Societies (FISP), served as a platform for some of the brightest minds from around the world to engage in profound discussions and a rigorous exchange of ideas. Through 89 philosophical sub-disciplines, they sought to address contemporary global challenges and foster a deeper understanding of human existence.
During the conference, an insightful session was held by the Congress that focused on spiritual ecology and Akshar-Purushottam Darshan.
Chaired by Mahamahopadhyaya Bhadreshdas Swami, the session aimed to catalyse a re-examination of our underlying attitudes and beliefs about the environment through a lens of religious philosophy, specifically Akshar-Purushottam Darshan.
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.
Professor Balaganapathi Devarakonda, Professor of Philosophy at Delhi University, remarked, “I was delighted to see Akshar-Purushottam Darshan so enthusiastically received at such a large academic event.
In a personal meeting, Professor Scarantino, President of FISP and the World Congress of Philosophy, and Bhadreshdas Swami discussed key takeaways from the conference and future directions. Both reiterated the enduring relevance of philosophy in contemporary society and the need for continued dialogue and exploration. Professor Scarantino also thanked Bhadreshdas Swami for presenting Akshar-Purushottam Darshan at the conference.
