Online seminar series: What is the Global South and why it matters - Session 2

Guru-Śiṣya Paramparā: The transformative potential of pedagogical love in fostering inclusiveness, drawing inspiration from Indian culture and tradition

Speaker: Dr Prashant P Dharmadhikari, Assistant Professor in English at the Department of English Studies at Central University of Gujarat, Vadodara Gujarat, India 

Dr Dharmadhikari will focus on transformative potential of pedagogical love in fostering inclusiveness, drawing inspiration from Indian culture and tradition. It explores how ancient scriptures like Vedas, Upanishads and Bhagvadgeeta emphasiaes pedagogical love. The role of 'guru-shishya Parampara' (i.e. teacher-pupil relationship) is highlighted. The talk will also highlight the need of integrating traditional and modern pedagogical practices to create inclusive learning environment.

About the speaker

Dr Prashant P Dharmadhikari works as assistant professor in English at the Department of English Studies at the Central University of Gujarat, Vadodara Gujarat, India. He is a recognised research supervisor (PhD guide) of Central University of Gujarat and teaches subjects such as literature of the Neo-classical period and Victorina Period of English literature, Indian knowledge system, society and literature. He also teaches western methods of understanding discourses at the Centre for Hindu Studies and Centre for Holistic Education and Personality Development. He is an expert member on the Board of Studies of the Department of Chinese Studies and the Department of German Studies. He is a master trainer of IKS recognised by UGC and IKS Division Govt of India.

Having master's in English and Sanskrit to his credit, he is a creative writer, poet, and translator. He completed his PhD research on the post-millennial Indian mythological fiction in English at Pune University. He is a research associate on the UGC sponsored major research project entitled ‘The Influence of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata on Indian English Literature’ at Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune.

He has published a variety of research papers on Indian English literature and mythological fiction. He has edited a book entitled Higher Education in India: Retrospect and Prospect. His three entries on Booker Award winning English novels have been published by Marathi Vishwakosh. He was invited by the Consular General of India, Brazil and The Swami Vivekanand Cultural Centre, Sau Paulo, Brazil ,The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to deliver a virtual lecture on “Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj” to commemorate the 350th anniversary of the coronation of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on 6 June 2023.

About the seminar series

The series features speakers from across the world, drawn from social science and social work disciplines who explore how concepts related to the Global South impact policy and practice. The series will be of interest to academics, professionals, students, researchers and policy makers eager to diversify their knowledge and make their professional practice more inclusive. It would appeal to those working in the areas of criminal justice including prisons, probation services and policing, education, nursing, psychology, social science, sociology and social work.

The series is set up to encourage discussion and debate with time for a paper and discussion – so please come along and join the debate! The topics can be found on the Eventbrite link.

The seminar series is chaired by Dr Amy Duvenage and Professor Elaine Arnull, Southampton Solent University, who are happy to hear from you if you have any questions/comments:

elaine.arnull@solent.ac.uk

amy.duvenage@solent.ac.uk

Everyone is welcome – whether you are an expert in the area or wanting to hear what the Global South is and what ideas the speakers have about it.