'Time ripe to get out of colonial hangover'

Foreign participants among many who attended the conference

He was speaking at the 'dharma and ethics’ conference on the theme 'De-colonising the Social Sciences' organised jointly by Centre for the Study of Local Cultures (CSLC), Kuvempu University, Shivamogga, Vivekananda Institute of Indian Studies, Mysore and Research Centre Vergelijkende Cultuurwetenschap (RCVC), Ghent University, Belgium, here on Saturday.

Observing that they need to get out of the colonial hangover, he said that earlier education was meant for only for a particular part of society, now it is reaching all.

Describing English as a flat language, he said that it is difficult to define a term like 'Dharma' in the language. He said that 'Dharma' has its own connotation when considered with respect to the society and governance. While from a societal point of view, Dharma calls for a unified principal of social classes, in terms of the State it means providing justice and good governance.

Gopal said that when they judge impartially, it can be observed that the elements of positive thoughts are dominant in this country. While indicating that dating of the scriptures in the past was biased, he said that there was a need to have a scientific and rational point of view.

He said that value detached from practice has no meaning. It should pave the way for impartial thinking, he added.

Founder, Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement, Dr R Balasubramaniam said that research has been kept away from the people for too long. He urged for need to take research to the common people.

RCVC Director Dr Balagangadhara Rao, CSLC Director Dr Rajaram Hegde and others were present.