Research Groups
Knowledge and Practice Group
Diversity is a fundamental pillar of Asian societies, mainly stemming from the rich tapestry of various knowledge systems and practices that have thrived over centuries. Recognising the significance of capturing the essence of texts and practices unique to diverse traditions and societies, the Knowledge and Practice Group emerged in 2003. This group embarked on a journey to construct a comprehensive blueprint of the cultural heritage embedded within these traditions. Throughout its existence, the group has fostered continuous engagement between its members and various practising communities linked to distinct knowledge traditions across different regions of India.
Among the multifaceted traditions embraced by the Knowledge and Practice Group, prominent examples include the Nyaya and Mimamsa Traditions of Mithila, the Tantric Tradition of Mayang in Assam, the Sufi Traditions along the historic Silk Route connecting Afghanistan and India, the revered Tradition of five saints in the Buxar region (celebrated through the vibrant Panch Kosi Mela), and the intellectually rich Navya Nyaya Tradition of Navadweepa in Bengal.
The Nyaya and Mimamsa Traditions of Mithila boast a legacy of intricate philosophical inquiry and hermeneutics, exploring logic, epistemology, and ritual exegesis. The Knowledge and Practice Group, through its interactions with the practitioners of these traditions, seeks to preserve and understand the nuances that have shaped the intellectual fabric of this region.
The Tantric Tradition of Mayang, nestled in the mystical landscape of Assam, embodies esoteric practices and rituals that have fascinated scholars and spiritual seekers alike. By immersing themselves in the living traditions of Mayang, the group members strive to unveil the hidden wisdom and spiritual insights embedded within the Tantric heritage.
The Silk Route, connecting Afghanistan and India, served as a conduit for the exchange of goods, ideas, beliefs, and philosophies. The Sufi Traditions that flourished along this route have left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of both regions. The Knowledge and Practice Group intends to delve into the mystical world of Sufism, unravelling its teachings and practices preserved by generations of devotees.
The Tradition of five saints in the Buxar region finds vibrant expression in the Panch Kosi Mela, a grand celebration honouring these revered saints' legacy. Through active participation in this unique festival, the group seeks to grasp the essence of this tradition and its socio-cultural significance.
Lastly, the Navya Nyaya Tradition of Navadweepa in Bengal represents a rich philosophical and logical reasoning heritage. The Knowledge and Practice Group, in its engagement with the scholars and practitioners of this tradition, aims to capture the depth of intellectual thought that has evolved over the ages.
The Knowledge and Practice Group serves as a custodian of cultural diversity, collaborating with diverse communities to preserve, interpret, and celebrate the knowledge systems and practices embedded within various traditions. By fostering a living dialogue between scholars and practitioners, the group seeks to create a comprehensive tapestry of wisdom that enriches our understanding of the vibrant mosaic of Asian societies. The group contributes to the collective appreciation of humanity's intellectual and cultural heritage by preserving and promoting this diversity.
Creative Theory Group
Creative Theory Group
The essence of Creative Theory lies in recognising and harnessing the innate creative potential of human beings. It acknowledges that humans possess a distinctive quality as a species, characterised by their capacity for generalisation and theoretical thinking. This form of thinking arises from their consciousness of being in the world, achieved through their reflexive capabilities. This theoretical consciousness of liberation as being in the world serves as Creative Theory's wellspring.
Creative Theory operates on multiple levels: philosophy, theory, methodology, and empirical reality. Engaging with these levels deepens our understanding of the world and ourselves. It embraces a continuous process of expansion, wherein every project and endeavour enriches the meaning and scope of Creative Theory. Through this ongoing exploration, the theory aims to transcend boundaries in thought and practice.
One of the key tenets of Creative Theory is its emphasis on ontology. It views reality as a complex, multi-layered construct, interconnected at various levels. This perspective rejects reductionist approaches and encourages a holistic understanding of the world. Furthermore, Creative Theory advocates democratic engagement with diverse philosophical traditions to bridge the gap between the East and West. However, it remains conscious of the historical inequalities in knowledge exchange between these regions, particularly within philosophy and general knowledge. Consequently, it calls for rectifying this historical injustice by treating all knowledge systems seriously while subjecting them to critical scrutiny. In doing so, Creative Theory seeks to promote the well-being of humanity as a whole.
Creative Theory facilitates engagement with reality, other theories, and alternative perspectives to achieve its objectives. Drawing on these diverse sources, it seeks to expand its understanding and continually cultivate a culture of growth. The theory recognises that this intellectual and theoretical development process can contribute to the struggle for a just and peaceful society.
Since 2014, the Creative Theory Group has been organising the Annual Creative Theory Colloquium, collaborating with the Indian International Centre and The RAZA Foundation. This event, held on September 5-6 each year, coincides with Teachers' Day in India and commences with a tribute to the inspirational teachers who have guided the project.
The Creative Theory Colloquium is a unique platform for theorists to unite, fostering a vibrant space for generating and analysing ideas. It offers an open and emergent environment where novel theories can take shape and develop. The colloquium aims to examine approaches that lie between the realms of ontology and epistemology while highlighting their creative power and potential.
The inaugural Colloquium 2014 provided a meaningful exploration of theory by delving into significant themes such as rights, democracy, knowledge traditions, religion, and philosophy. By examining the implications of these themes for human beings' creative potential, the colloquium aimed to reevaluate their significance in the context of contemporary historical developments. The fundamental goal was to bridge the gap between ideals and their actual implementation, ensuring that democratic values and rights extend beyond rhetoric and manifest as tangible mechanisms for emancipation.
In subsequent years, the Colloquium continued to explore and connect various disciplines and concepts. The 2015 colloquium focused on the intersection of political theory, environmental issues, literature, politics, representation, society, and Creative Theory. This exploration aimed to uncover new themes relevant to Indian society and to facilitate a deeper understanding of its dynamics as a whole.
The 2016 Colloquium delved into epistemic reflections, envisioning new dialogues within Creative Theory. The discussions encompassed topics such as caste, capital, tradition, and rights, among many others. By critically examining these subjects, the colloquium sought to contribute to the evolution of Creative Theory and its understanding of societal dynamics.
The 2017 Colloquium centred around a creative reading of texts, asking, "Can we change the terms of discourse?" This inquiry stimulated sessions exploring the future of journalism in a post-truth era, as well as discussions on minority rights, discourse, contemporaneity, and the current crisis faced by democracy in India. Through these conversations, the colloquium aimed to challenge existing discursive frameworks and foster a transformative understanding of the world.
In 2018, the colloquium paid tribute to the life and work of Samir Amin, honouring his profound contributions to the academic world. Amin's insights on culture, politics, violence, gender, and literature enriched perspectives and expanded the scope of Creative Theory. By engaging with his ideas, the colloquium aimed to further refine its understanding of these diverse facets.
The 2019 Colloquium focused on Mahatma Gandhi's theory and philosophy of Satyagraha. By exploring Gandhi's teachings, the colloquium sought to unravel the workings of democracy, culture, and social movements. This colloquium aimed to draw attention to insights that could inform the pursuit of justice and peace by contextualising Gandhi’s philosophy within the contemporary moment.
The 2020 Colloquium navigated the space of republican democracy, analysing how it could be reclaimed and reimagined in the 21st century. By critically examining the concept of democracy in the contemporary context, the colloquium aimed to identify avenues for its revitalisation and relevance.
In 2021, the Creative Theory Colloquium focused on the debate between the local and the global, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Delving into the political, economic, and grassroots responses to the pandemic, the colloquium aimed to unpack the mechanisms of power at work across these levels. The objective was to develop a nuanced understanding of the hierarchical nature of society and politics and its implications for individuals and their creative existence.
As the Creative Theory Group looks to the future, it organises events, including seminars, talks, and annual colloquiums. These endeavours have become integral to its functioning, fostering creativity and intellectual growth. Notably, the group has consciously tried to engage with grassroots activists actively. By collaborating with these individuals, the group expands its research focus and ensures that its work remains connected to the dynamic expressions of people at the grassroots level.