On 27 and 28 March 2010, a National Seminar on ‘Yoga Darshan: Philosophical and Cultural Impact’ was organized jointly by Somnath Sanskrit University (SSU) and AARSH, Gandhinagar.
Held at the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Ahmedabad, yoga scholars and experts from Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, as well as sadhus of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha gave effective guidance.
The seminar covered four main topics:
1. Yoga Darshan: Literature and influence on Sampradayas
2. Yoga: Influence in ancient and modern times
3. Yoga and Education
4. Yoga and Health
In the inaugural session, Vice-Chancellor of SSU, Shri Pankajbhai Jani, delivered the welcome address. This was followed by a reading of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s letter of blessings for the seminar.
Among the speakers during the 2-day seminar were: Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami, Anandswarup Swami, Aksharvatsal Swami (AARSH), Shrutiprakash Swami (AARSH), Bhadresh Swammi (AARSH), Dr. B. P. Gorji (Jain Vishwavidyalaya, Ladnu, Rajasthan), Dr. Beeman Palji (Gujarat Vidyapith, Ahmedabad), Prof. Dr. Vodheji (Kaivalyadham, Lonavala, Maharashtra), Dr. Narendra Pandya, Prof. Dr. Devendranath Pandeji (SSU, Veraval), Dr. Bansidhar Upadhyaya (Lakulish Pashupat, Kayavarohan), Dr. Sadhna Dhamoriya (Bhopal Vishwavidyalaya, Bhopal), Shri Didiji (Brahmakumari Sampradaya, Mt. Abu, Rajasthan), Dr. Pravin Chaudhari (Kadi), Dr. Jadeja (Bhavnagar) and others.
The closing session of the seminar was attended by over 6,000 BAPS devotees, during which Mahamandaleshwar Swamishri Vedabhartiji (Head, Shri Ramsadhak Gram, Rishikesh) addressed the gathering.
The delegates of the seminar were delighted and inspired by the presentations and demonstrations over the two days.