National Seminar on Spiritual Psychology organized by the Department of Psychology, Aligarh Muslim University

ALIGARH, October 29: Prof. K. Ramakrishna Rao, Chairman, Indian Council of Philosophical Research and President, Asian Congress of Philosophy while inaugurating the National Seminar on Spiritual Psychology organized by the Department of Psychology, Aligarh Muslim University, differentiated religiosity from spirituality and pointed out that spirituality can be considered as a process. He said that the spirituality and science should not be seen as antithetical to each other but both the approaches can offset each other’s limitation for providing a holistic understanding of human being. According to Prof. Rao the biggest predicament of today is difference in belief system and practice.

The Aligarh Muslim University Vice Chancellor, Prof. P.K. Abdul Azis while delivering presidential address, congratulated the Department and organizers for taking up a challenging area for research and wished all the success.

Earlier, welcoming the guests, Prof. Akbar Husain, the Organizing Secretary of the Seminar, said that the seminar would provide a great opportunity for everyone who is interested in learning how the spiritual psychology is changing the lives of individuals, communities and institutions around the globe. Prof. Akbar said that the keynote and valedictory addresses, invited lectures and papers presented in the Seminar would feature leading-edge research, as well as applications of spiritual psychology in a variety of fields ranging from health to business, education to assessment and healing to psychotherapy. He said that spirituality is organized not only through experience but also by behaviours. One such mechanism is the development of self.

The Chairperson, Department of Psychology, Prof. (Mrs.) Hamida Ahmad presenting an introduction of the theme of the Seminar, said that spiritual psychology is an area which is of central importance in the contemporary scenario because social scientists need to touch upon issues which help to bring humanity under an umbrella of common goals and bonds. Spiritual Psychology draws wisdom from the beliefs and practices of all sacred scriptures and shows the way to deep and meaningful psychotherapy for those who are mentally disturbed and happiness and well being for all mankind. Prof. Mrs. Ahmad said that the Department of Psychology, together with studying traditional areas of Psychology, aims at focusing on study and research in Spiritual Psychology with appropriate methodologies.

Prof. K. Ramakrishna Rao also released a book on spirituality and holistic health, “Psychological Perspective” written by Prof. Akbar Husain. Dean, Faculty of Social Science, Prof. CPS Chauhan proposed a vote of thanks. Dr. Roomana Siddiqui conducted the programme.