University of Jammu Hosts National Seminar on Mīmāṃsā Philosophy

Jammu, December 20: The Department of Sanskrit, University of Jammu, organized a two-day National Seminar  at the Kshemendra Auditorium of the department. The theme of the seminar was “The Position and Relevance of the Schools of Mīmāṃsā Darśana in the Light of the Indian Knowledge System.”

Mīmāṃsā Darśana is one of the classical Vedic philosophical systems, which lays emphasis on dharma, karma and yajña. Sage Jaimini is regarded as the founder of this school of thought. The Jaimini Sūtras begin with the aphorism “Athāto Dharma Jijñāsā” and accept “Yāgādireva Karmaḥ” as the basis of action. The philosophy elaborates its epistemology through six pramāṇas—pratyakṣa (perception), anumāna (inference), upamāna (comparison), śabda (verbal testimony), arthāpatti (postulation) and anupalabdhi (non-cognition). The Śābara Bhāṣya holds a prominent place in Mīmāṃsā literature, and among its schools, Bhāṭṭa, Guru and Miśra traditions are considered significant.

The inaugural session of the seminar commenced with Vedic chanting and Saraswati Vandana, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and floral tributes to Goddess Saraswati by the dignitaries.

The inaugural function was graced by Prof. Murli Manohar Pathak, Vice-Chancellor, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Central Sanskrit University, New Delhi, as the Chief Guest. Prof. Bhagwat Sharan Shukla, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, was the Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker, while Prof. Om Nath Bimali, former Head, Department of Sanskrit and Head, Department of Hindu Studies, University of Delhi, was the Special Guest. Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, University of Jammu, presided over the session. Prof. Sushma Devi, former Head, Department of Sanskrit and former Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Jammu, was also present on the dais.

Prof.  Neelu Rohmetra emphasized the practical relevance of Mīmāṃsā philosophy in contemporary life while addressing the inaugural session of the two-day National Seminar. She stated that the concept of karma forms the foundation of ethical living and stresses the importance of performing one’s duties with discipline and moral responsibility.

She observed that Mīmāṃsā philosophy offers valuable guidance for integrating ethics, discipline, and right conduct into day-to-day life. In the present era of moral and social challenges, these principles can help individuals develop integrity, accountability, and a sense of social responsibility.

Prof. Rohmetra further noted that Indian philosophical traditions provide practical frameworks for living a value-based life and remain highly relevant for students, scholars, and society at large.

While addressing the gathering, Prof. Ram Bahadur, Head, Department of Sanskrit, University of Jammu, highlighted the core objectives of the National Seminar and deliberated upon the contemporary relevance of Mīmāṃsā philosophy and its contribution to the Indian Knowledge Tradition in present times.

Faculty members from the Department of Sanskrit and other departments of the University of Jammu, along with scholars and students, participated actively in the inaugural session.