Aligarh: Aligarh Muslim University hosted a symposium on ‘Sage Agasthya and His Contributions’ at the Department of Modern Indian Languages.

The event began with Dr R Tamilselvan welcoming the speakers and participants while highlighting the symposium’s objectives. Organized in association with the upcoming Kashi Tamil Sangamam, an initiative of the Central Ministry of Education, the symposium aimed to explore Sage Agasthya’s legacy.

Prof TN Satheesan, Dean, Faculty of Arts, delivered the inaugural address on ‘Sage Agasthya: A Legendary Figure in Indian Culture and Philosophy’. He highlighted Agasthya’s role in Indian epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata and his influence on the cultural, spiritual, and intellectual traditions of Southeast Asia.

A documentary video on Agasthya’s contributions to the Siddha System of Medicine, prepared by Dr A Geetha, Research Officer at Ayush Wellness Centre in Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, was presented to the participants.

Scholars shared their insights at the symposium. Prof SP Sharma, Former Chairperson, the Department of Sanskrit, elaborated on Agasthya’s contributions to the Indian Knowledge System and his presence in ancient Indian literature. Hindi Prof M Shahul Hameed spoke about Agasthya as the teacher of Tolkappiyar, the author of Tamil’s first grammatical treatise, and his significance in Tamil literature. Telugu scholar Dr Pathan Khasim Khan compiled and presented references to Agasthya across various Indian languages.

The symposium witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty members, PhD research scholars, and undergraduate and postgraduate students. The event concluded with student feedback and the distribution of participation certificates. Prof Kranti Pal delivered the vote of thanks.