President Pranab Mukherjee has inaugurated the first ever three-day World Indology Conference at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.  External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and President of ICCR Prof Lokesh Chandra also participated in the inaugural function. On this occasion, A ‘Distinguished Indologist’ Award was also presented to Prof Heinrich Freiherr Von Stietencron from Germany.

President Pranab Mukherjee said that the three-day conference will discuss various aspects of civilization which will be a source enlightenment and inspiration for people. He also said that global popularisation Yoga will productively safeguard the physical and mental well being of those who adopt it. He also also encouraged youth to study and learn about Ayurvedic practices.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also addressed the gathering. In her address, she noted that India offers a unique example of unity in diversity as it has excelled in management of that diversity over the years.

What is Indology?

Indology is the academic study of the history and cultures, languages, and literature of the Indian subcontinent (most specifically the modern-day states of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal and the eastern parts of Afghanistan), and as such is a subset of Asian studies.