International Conference on “Buddhist Philosophy and Praxis: 

                                                       Dialogue and Coexistence in a Diverse and Precarious World”

The Faculty of Philosophy, JD, in collaboration with Geeta Ramana’s Memorial Research Scholars’ Forum (GR Forum), University of Mumbai, hosted a two-day international conference on the theme “Buddhist Philosophy and Praxis: Dialogue and Coexistence in a Diverse and Precarious World” on 20–21 June 2025. The conference brought together eminent scholars, researchers, and students from across the globe to critically engage with Buddhist philosophical traditions and their practical relevance in a diverse and fragile world.

The sessions followed a hybrid format, with speakers participating via Zoom and livestreaming facilitated through YouTube. The event commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp followed by a welcome address by Prof. Dr. Nishant A. Irudayadason, Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy. Prof. Dr. Archana Malik-Goure, Department of Philosophy, University of Mumbai, introduced the GR Forum and recalled the academic contributions and legacy of Prof. Geeta Ramana.

A book release ceremony followed, in which Dr. Jivitesh Patil launched his work, The Philosophical Problem of Observation. Dr. Suhindra Maganahalli (RV University, Bengaluru) provided a scholarly review of the book.

The second session featured a keynote address by Prof. Jay L. Garfield (University of Melbourne) on “Philosophy as Sādhana.” Notable presentations included Prof. P. Keshav Kumar (University of Delhi) on “Ambedkar’s Approach to Indian Philosophy: A Critical Buddhist Perspective”, and Prof. C.D. Sebastian (IIT Bombay) on “Primacy of Doing: Philosophy of Action in Buddhist Thought.” As Prof. Hune Margulies (Martin Buber Institute, New York) was unable to join online, his paper was presented by Dr. SreeLakshmi Peddada, Member of the GR Forum.

The third session was chaired by Dr. SreeLakshmi Peddada, who also sponsors the Justice Kodandaramaya Research Award. Best paper awards were conferred at the end of each presentation.

On the second day, for the first session the speakers were Dr. Sonam Kachru (Yale University) on “Difficult Aesthetic Objects”, Prof. Stephen S. Jayard (JD) on “Construal of Reality in Mādhyamika Buddhism and Quantum Physics”, Prof. Nishant A. Irudayadason on “Sensuousness and Compassion: Non-Common Common Meaning in Hegel and Mahāyāna Buddhism”, and Prof. Harish Navale (Savitribai Phule University, Pune) on “Buddhism in the Eyes of Dr. Ambedkar.”

The second session of the day was conducted with twelve paper presentations by scholars from various parts of the world.

The conference concluded with a joint vote of thanks acknowledging the contributions of all speakers, organisers, and participants. The event served as a valuable platform for intercultural philosophical exchange and reaffirmed the Faculty’s commitment to academic collaboration and global dialogue.