Woman is the fundamental essence of all elements. – Dr. Prerna Malhotra

 In Bhartiya Darshan, woman is the creator of Brahman, Rashta, and Brahmaand. – Dr. Prerna Malhotra  

Bhartiya discourse is the foundation of philosophical and social beliefs. – Prof. Balram Pani  

Woman: The primordial cosmic energy of creation and transformation. – Prof. Balram Pani  

The core theme of Bhartiya identity is humanity, and among humans, woman is the supreme being. – Dr. Balmukund Pandey

New Delhi, 10 March : The Centre for Hindu Studies, University of Delhi, in collaboration with the Bhāratīya Itihāsa Sankalana Yojana Samiti, Delhi; Ramanujan College (University of Delhi); and the Indian Council of Philosophical Research, Delhi, organised a One-Day National Women Seminar on March 8, 2025, at the Arts Faculty, University of Delhi.The seminar, held on the occasion of International Women’s Day, focused on the theme "Women in Bhartiya Discourse."

The inaugural session commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. This was followed by a melodious rendition of the Kulgeet, evoking a deep sense of pride and reverence among the attendees. 

With the objective of fostering a deeper understanding of women in Bhartiya discourse, the seminar featured eight parallel technical sessions, during which approximately 80 research papers were presented. Some of the research paper themes included "The Role of Women in Family, Society, and Nation" and "Western Feminism vs. Bharatiya View of Stree."

The event was graced by eminent guests, including Chief Guest, Prof. Balram Pani, (Dean of Colleges, University of Delhi), Keynote Speaker, Dr. Balmukund Pandey; (Organization Secretary, Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojana);  Prof. Sushmita Pandey, (Member of Indian council of Philosophical Research); and Prof. Rajni Abbi, Proctor, University of Delhi. 

Dr. Prerna Malhotra, Joint-Director and Programme Convener, Centre for Hindu Studies, University of Delhi explained that in Western philosophy, women have been perceived through the  lens of the First Sin, Even philosophers like Plato and Aristotle viewed women merely as subordinates or servants. Women in countries like the United States and Switzerland had to fight long and hard for their rights and have only recently achieved a degree of equality with men. She further highlighted that in 2022, the Roe v. Wade case in the U.S. was overturned, restricting women's rights over their own bodies. This reflects a mindset that essentially implies, "Let those who must perish do so, but we will not grant them rights." Women were never fully acknowledged as human beings in this framework, leading to continuous violations of human rights.

Dr. Malhotra emphasised that the concept of human rights was first introduced to the world by Bharat. She elaborated on how, according to the Upanishads, Brahman divided itself into two parts—male and female—without any distinction between them, much like the two halves of a chickpea. In Bhartiya society, there was neither patriarchy nor female subjugation. The Vedas, Vedangas, Gita, Upanishads, and Puranas granted women equal Dharmic rights. She further explained how established doctrines like Ardhanarishvara reflect the advanced and enlightened nature of ancient Bhartiya civilization.

Prof. Balmukund Pandey, (Organization Secretary, Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojana) in his speech, asserted that true wisdom will only emerge once the darkness of Western influence is dispelled. He stated that only after attaining this higher knowledge can women reclaim their rightful status, as exemplified by Sita. He explained that in Bhartiya Darshan, perception is the foundation of knowledge, which is why it is termed Darshan (philosophy, literally meaning 'vision'). Highlighting the importance of women in Bhartiya Sanskriti, he remarked that when people witness the setting sun, they celebrate Chhath Maiya, a festival dedicated to feminine divinity. He pointed out that whenever humanity expresses devotion and reverence, it instinctively utters the word ‘Mother’. Illustrating the different roles of women, he stated:

A mother gives birth to life.

A sister shapes one’s destiny.

A daughter sanctifies her father.

A wife safeguards her husband from downfall.

He firmly asserted that in the Bhartiya  civilization, women were never weak or powerless; they have always upheld righteousness (Dharma) while fulfilling their duties.He further stated that Bhartiya women have demonstrated extraordinary valor, not only on the battlefield but also in their unwavering commitment to principles.

Chief Guest, Prof. Balram Pani, Dean of Colleges at the University of Delhi, emphasised the deeply ingrained values of Bhartiya discourse, where the motherland is revered as the most respected entity. He highlighted how nature itself is regarded with maternal reverence, as reflected in terms like "Mother Nature, "which acknowledges the life-giving force that nurtures all existence. He further elaborated that elements such as trees and leaves symbolise this sacred connection. Discussing the concept of Shakti, he described it as the primordial cosmic energy that fuels creation and transformation. He asserted that women possess the power to reshape society, as Naari (woman)is inherently aligned with welfare and the greater good (Kalyankari).