The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) Cell at SRM University-AP organised a guest lecture titled “Ethical Issues in Śabda-Pramāṇa: Discussions on Ritual and Authority” on 28 October 2026. Delivered by Prof. V. Prabhu, formerly of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at IIT Guwahati, the session brought together 75 participants, including faculty members and students from the schools of Liberal Arts, Engineering and Sciences, and Business. Dr Chandana Deka from the Department of Political Science convened the programme, while Dr Soni Badhwa from the Department of English and Dr Choiti Banerjee from the Department of Mathematics moderated the discussions. Dr Aqsa Agha, Chairperson of the IKS Cell, directed the planning and execution of the event.

The lecture examined the ethical dimensions of Śabda-pramāṇa, evaluating verbal testimony as a foundational source of knowledge within Indian philosophical traditions. Prof. V. Prabhu analyzed the structural connections between epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics, focusing on how textual authority informs historical debates on ritual practice. A key focus of the discussion was the distinction between injustice “in” Śabda, which pertains to Vedic ritual injunctions, and injustice “on” Śabda, which relates to social marginalisation. The presentation further examined how ancient philosophical schools and contemporary scholars have used hermeneutic methods to reinterpret authoritative texts and address ethical challenges.

By engaging critically with classical Indian thought, the lecture enabled participants to re-examine traditional knowledge structures in relation to equity and authority. The outcomes of the session directly support global benchmarks outlined in United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 for Quality Education and Goal 16 for Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. The interactive session demonstrated how philosophical traditions can be analyzed to advance social inclusion and intellectual rigor.

This academic programme reflects SRM University-AP’s commitment to advancing global scholarship by connecting classical heritage with contemporary critical analysis. By encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue across liberal arts, engineering, and business disciplines, the university prepares scholars to contribute to global conversations on ethics, governance, and institutional integrity. Continued exploration of traditional knowledge systems positions the university as a leading institution dedicated to addressing complex global societal questions through academic inquiry.