STEP2024 Conclave
The STEP (Social, Technological, Educational, and Political) National Conclave for Public Intellectuals is a premier event that fosters interdisciplinary dialogue among thought leaders. Focused on Bharat's philosophical perspective, the conclave addresses global challenges and innovative solutions across social, technological, educational, and political domains. Attendees participate in dynamic debates, workshops, and networking sessions, promoting the exchange of ideas and collaborative efforts. By bridging gaps between diverse fields, the conclave encourages holistic approaches to solving complex issues. STEP aims to influence policy-making and drive societal progress. Over the past few years, Prabuddha Bharat - Belagavi has successfully organized three STEP events, drawing over 2,500 academicians and public intellectuals till date into impactful discourse.
STEP2024 is done in collaboration with Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Study Chair of Rani Channamma University, Belagavi. Nearing 600 scholars, researchers, academicians, intellectual fraternity cinsisting of chartered accountanats, advocates, doctors, entrepreneurs will be participating in the two day conclave. The event shall takes place on 3rd and 4th of January 2025 (Friday and Saturday) in the heart of the city at KLE Auditorium, Nehru Nagar, Belagavi.
Theme of STEP2024
“Ekatma Manava Darshan - A Holistic Vision for Viksit Bharat”
"Ekatma Manava Darshan," articulated by Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, is a profound philosophy rooted in the integral and holistic development of both the individual and the nation (Rashtra). This vision serves as the foundation for a "Viksit Bharat" encompassing social, technological, educational, political, and cultural dimensions. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya emphasized that Bharat’s development must stem from its unique civilizational ethos, uniting material progress with spiritual growth to ensure the well-being of every individual, from the elite to the last person in society — Antyodaya. This concept note elaborates on how Ekatma Manava Darshan provides a blueprint for Bharat's holistic development, addressing the interconnectedness of the individual,family, society and the Rashtra through a framework that includes Chiti, Virat, and integral humanism.
Chiti to Virat: The Soul of the Nation
Upadhyaya’s concept of Chiti refers to the core identity or the soul of a nation, which defines its culture, values, and purpose. For Bharat, this is the essence of Sanatana Dharma, a civilization that views the world as an interconnected whole, embracing diversity while nurturing unity. Chiti influences every aspect of societal development—social, technological, educational, and political—and manifests in the collective consciousness known as Virat. The transition from Chiti to Virat represents the transformation of individual consciousness into a collective strength that drives national progress. A Viksit Bharat can only emerge when it harnesses the Chiti of its ancient wisdom and transforms it into the Virat force that empowers every citizen, reinforcing cultural and civilizational nationalism.
The Ekatma Manava Darshan Framework
Ekatma Manava Darshan emphasizes the inseparability of the individual (Vyakti) and the Rashtra. Upadhyaya viewed human beings not just as economic entities but as complete beings—physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual. The development of a Viksit Bharat requires nurturing all these facets at both the individual and national levels. The philosophy connects individual well-being to national progress, advocating an approach where the individual is not sacrificed for the collective, nor is the collective abandoned for individual freedom. A truly developed Bharat harmonizes both.
Objectives of the Conclave
- To encourage scholarly and public engagement with Ekatma Manava Darshan, exploring its relevance for holistic development in contemporary Bharat.
- To bring together thought leaders from diverse fields to discuss innovative solutions to global and national challenges rooted in Bharatiya philosophical traditions.
- To highlight the role of Bharatiya cultural identity and values in shaping a self-reliant and globally respected nation.
- To advocate for self-governance and Dharma-based leadership as essential components of a just and inclusive political framework.
- To ensure that discussions focus on uplifting the most marginalized, promoting policies that foster equitable development.
Ekatma Manava Darshan offers a comprehensive vision for a Viksit Bharat, one that harmonizes material progress with spiritual and ethical values. It calls for a holistic development approach that integrates social welfare, technological innovation, educational reform, political decentralization, and cultural revival. By aligning national development with the principles of Chiti and Antyodaya, Bharat can achieve a model of progress that is sustainable, inclusive, and deeply rooted in its civilizational ethos. Through this philosophy, Bharat can emerge as a global leader, contributing to a more equitable and harmonious world.
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ECONOMY/EDUCATION
