Abstract:

        This paper examines the idea of swaraj or self-rule conceived in both theEuropean and Indian traditions. After mapping the three important phasesof the idea in the Western context - the City states of the Greeks, theMediaval Europe and the Post-enlightenment concept of nation state - anattempt is made to understand how it has evolved in the Indian context andthe changes it had undergone during the time of the national movement. Isspecifically examines the two important ideas of Thilak and Gandhi inorder to show the tensions they have undergone while trying to relate itwith the realities of a changing world.

About the Speaker:

      Dr. Sreekumar is currently Professor at the Department of Humanities & SocialSciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai. His Areas ofSpecialization are: Philosophical & Phenomenological Hermeneutics,Philosophies of Wittgenstein and Gadamer, Bioethics and Ethics of IndianMedical Traditions, Indian Philosophy. He has published numerous papers inNational as well as in International Journals and has also acted as GuestEditor of Suvidya, A Journal of Philosophy and Religion. He is also aMember of Editorial Board, Indian Journal of Medical Ethics.