THE 4th World Ramayana Conference, organised at Manas Bhavan in Sanskardhani, concluded with a grand ceremony marked by a rare confluence of devotion, culture and research. The valedictory session was attended by Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan as the chief guest. The conference emerged as a significant national and international platform for Ramayana-based discourse and reflection. The closing ceremony started with the lighting of ceremonial lamp.

 

Among those present were Baba Kalyan Das, Gyaneshwari Didi, Madhya Pradesh Culture Minister Dharmendra Singh, Education Minister Rao Uday Pratap Singh, Mayor Jagat Bahadur Singh, organising President Ajay Vishnoi, Secretary Dr Akhilesh Gumasta, former Judge Pankaj Gaur, advocate Ravi Ranjan, along with scholars, saints and a large number of citizens. Addressing the gathering, Governor Arif Mohammad Khan said India’s culture is defined not by discrimination but by the unity of soul, consciousness and intellect.

 

He said the divine resides in every heart, making every human body a temple and described spirituality as the true essence of Indian dharma. He added that the spirit of oneness reflected in the life of Lord Ram is a shared heritage, echoed in the teachings of Lord Krishna and sage Kapil. Quoting a chaupai from Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas, the Governor explained the importance of satsang and devotion.

 

He also cited verses from the Bhagavad Gita, recalling Lord Krishna’s emphasis on spiritual dialogue and referred to Adi Shankaracharya’s composition “Bhaja Govindam,” highlighting how satsang leads to detachment, wisdom and ultimately liberation. Referring to the Upanishads, the Governor said true benefit lies in the company of virtuous people. Speaking on global conflicts, he observed that while everyone seeks peace, human history is filled with bloodshed.

 

He linked the concept of human rights to human dignity, noting that this principle was globally acknowledged in 1948 and also embedded in the Indian Constitution. Governor Arif Khan emphasised that Indian culture is rooted in respect and harmony. He described Lord Ram as a symbol of India’s unity and said ancient scriptures teach that the divine resides within every individual, making every human body a temple.

 

stressed that respect for every individual and a focus on oneness are essential to achieving true unity. Later, Education Minister Rao Uday Pratap Singh termed listening to the Governor as an enriching experience and said Lord Ram’s life offers a moral blueprint for the younger generation. Expressing views, Culture Minister Dharmendra Singh said the Ramayana is not just a scripture but a foundation that guides life. The conference included a series of research presentations and intellectual sessions.

 

Prof Narendra Kaushik of Jaipur spoke on the lineage of Lord Ram, while Prof Abhilasha Singh of Amarkantak and Ravindra Vajpeyi presented research papers. Prof Neelanjana Pathak highlighted life lessons drawn from sacred flora and fauna mentioned in the Ramayana. Shailendra Tiwari of Bhopal discussed the relevance of sacrifices of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita for today’s youth.

 

Dr Ajay Tiwari and Shivakant Bajpai presented research on the historical and archaeological aspects of Ravana, while Dr Parv Parmar spoke on management lessons from the Ramayana relevant to young professionals. A key highlight of the programme was the release of the book Shri Ramvallabh, authored by Acharya Shri Ranchhodlal Ji, in presence of the Governor, Baba Kalyan Das and other saints.

 

The book offers a philosophical interpretation of Lord Ram through 108 names, Sanskrit hymns, Braj verses and Hindi-English commentary. Baba Kalyan Das, in his address said India has always upheld its cultural values without encroaching upon others. The conference concluded on an emotional note with a Ramayana-based poetry recital by poet Sudip Bhola and his team, followed by Ramleela presentations by the Chhindwara Ramleela Committee.