CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Inauguration of Two-Day Guru Purnima Festival at I.E.H.E. On the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima, the Institute of Excellence in Higher Education (I.E.H.E.) Bhopal organized a two-day ‘Guru Purnima Festival’ hosted by the institute’s ‘Indian Knowledge Tradition Cell’. The event was graced by renowned literary figure and retired Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Manoj Srivastava, along with senior academics and former directors of the institute, Dr. Pramila Maini, Dr. S.S. Vijayvargiya, retired professor Dr. Satya Dev Mishra, Dr. Anita Shinde, and Dr. Suchitra Banerjee.
The ceremonial inauguration began with worship of Goddess Saraswati, recitation of Swasti Vachan, and Guru Vandana. Dr. Pragyesh Kumar Agarwal, the director of the institute, highlighted the relevance of the festival in his eloquent speech and welcomed all invited guests. He also acknowledged Dr. Manoj Srivastava’s administrative expertise, literary contributions, and his role as a teacher, noting that many of his students have been selected in UPSC and MPPSC exams, including students from the institute.
Senior professor Dr. S.S. Vijayvargiya explained the significance of the Guru in the eternal tradition and the differences between modern and traditional education. He depicted the Guru not just as an educator but as a guide for life.
Dr. Manoj Srivastava, the chief guest, presented a profound lecture on the scientific aspects of Indian rich traditions and their relevance. He illustrated how the differences between Indian traditional and modern Western practices can be understood through examples such as Greenery Amavasya, Hartalika Teej, World Environment Day on June 5, and the Gregorian and Vikram Samvat calendars. He also clarified the importance and reasons for celebrating Guru Purnima on Ashadh Purnima and shed light on the significance of the Guru tradition in Indian society, citing examples of Acharya Sandipani and Lord Krishna.
Former director Dr. Pramila Maini discussed the importance of Guru-Shishya relationships in Indian tradition and the values of understanding, responsibility, honesty, and loyalty in contemporary contexts. Retired professor Dr. Satya Dev Mishra delivered an insightful lecture on ethics in education and its role in the current education system, including the story of the Kalpavriksha. Retired professors Dr. Anita Shinde and Dr. Suchitra Banerjee shared their personal and academic experiences, highlighting the journey from being a ‘teacher’ to a ‘Guru’.
The event was smoothly conducted by student Vani from the Commerce Faculty. The Swasti Vachan was recited by Hindi Department students Akshay Kumar Rajoria and Akshansh Singh Kushwaha, and the melodious Guru Vandana was presented by M.Sc. Chemistry student Nikhil Vishwakarma. The festival began with students honoring all teachers with traditional tilak and flower offerings. Additionally, the live broadcast of the Guru Purnima Festival from Devi Ahilya University, Indore, under the chief guestship of Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, was viewed by all faculty members, staff, and students. The first day’s program concluded with expressions of gratitude from Dr. Pragya Gupta Nayak and Dr. Sandhya Trivedi, the coordinators of the Indian Knowledge Tradition Cell.
