Nations take note of India: Alagh
The country is in a state of transition and the international community of late has begun to recognise the importance of India, said former Union minister of power, science and technology and planning Dr Y.K. Alagh here on Monday.

Delivering the keynote address at the inauguration of International Conference on World Peace organised jointly by the department of philosophy of Gujarat University and Pranav Bharati Foundation, Mr Alagh said that about 40 per cent of the Fortune 500 software companies are Indian companies. Indians have made a mark internationally in different fields, he added.

Terming Ahmedabad as a historical city with a strong sense of identity, he said the conference would only add up to its stature among comity of nations.

Governor Kailashpati Mishra while inaugurating the conference said, "It is a good initiative by the department of philosophy of Gujarat University. The conference happens to be timely in view of international developments."

President of ICWP and vice chancellor of Gujarat University A.U. Patel said, "The first of its kind conference in Gujarat is being held at an important point in time when human history is undergoing transition. A qualitative change is required to bring peace in the world for which the state has taken an initiative."

Jingoism of radical nationalists often invite war and discussions during the conference on various issues of peace will help correct such a perception, Mr Patel added.

Director of ICWP Prof. Yajneshwar Shastri said, "The conference has two-fold objectives: to create awareness about world peace and articulation of philosophical discourses about the present world scenario facing terrorist activities."

The international conference is for the first time bringing together the scientists, technologists, philosophers, religious thinkers, sociologists, yoga experts, economists, defence experts and political scientists on one platform to discuss various issues related to resolution of peace so as to save the human race from war, Mr Shastri said.

More than 326 delegates from 23 countries are participating in the five-day conference and 210 papers will be presented in different academic sessions. Besides, 35 experts from different fields will deliver lectures in plenary sessions, he added.

Republished from The Asian Age