English Prof Uncovers India's Hidden Knowledge 📚

Professor Kapil Kapoor reveals his remarkable transformation from English literature professor to champion of Indian Knowledge Systems. Discover how a village student's simple question changed his entire academic perspective and learn about the profound depth of ancient Indian scholarship that rivals modern Western theories. Professor Kapoor, former Pro-Vice Chancellor of JNU and founder of Sanskrit studies there, shares intimate stories while revealing the systematic brilliance of Panini's grammar, traditional teaching methods, and India's unbroken intellectual traditions.

*Key Points*
- Personal journey from English literature to Sanskrit studies
- Traditional Indian teaching methods vs modern education
- Panini's transformational grammar predating Chomsky by centuries
- Village wisdom and cultural encounters that shaped perspective
- Establishment of Sanskrit department at JNU against academic resistance

*Concepts explored*
- Indian knowledge systems, traditional education, Sanskrit studies, Panini grammar, cultural transformation, academic journey, JNU history.

Speaker:
Positions: Member PM's 75th Year Amrut Mahotsav Committee, PMML Executive Council, High Level Committee IKS (Ministry of Education); Chairman Editorial Committee, Indian Historical Records Committee.
Former Key Roles: Chancellor Mahatma Gandhi International Hindi University (2014-18), Rector JNU (1999-2002), Dean School of Language Literature & Culture Studies JNU (1996-99), Professor English & Sanskrit Studies JNU.
Major Editorial Work: Editor-in-Chief 11-Volume Encyclopaedia of Hinduism (2012), Chief Editor Encyclopaedia of Indian Poetics (UNESCO project).
International Experience: Visiting Professor University of Ulster UK (2005-09), Advisory Board Trinity College Dublin.
Fellowships: Birla Foundation (2007), UGC Emeritus JNU (2007-09), Satindra Singh Noor Fellow Punjabi University (2011-13).
Key Publications (14 books): Recent works include Comparative Literary Theory (2014), Encyclopedia of Hinduism (2012), Indian Knowledge Systems (2002), Literary Theory Indian Conceptual Framework (1998).
Academic Impact: Teaching since 1960, supervised 70+ research students, 80+ articles, 90+ keynote addresses.

Interviewer: Tanya
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TanyaBrahmvadni

*Topics covered*:
00:00:00: Introduction and Professor Kapoor's distinguished academic background
00:03:45: Childhood and Early Education: Village schooling without formal classes (1940s-50s)
00:18:30: Family Background: Grandfather's military service, family's landed heritage, father's business ventures
00:25:45: Mother's Influence: Home education, family of professors, intellectual foundation
00:34:15: School Experiences: Arya School teachers, Baba's geography lessons, Brahmanand's English grammar
00:51:20: College Life at Khalsa College: Sports culture, Sikh student dynamics, academic challenges
01:08:45: Teaching Career Begins: First job in Ludhiana, "Ode to the West Wind" cultural revelation
01:18:20: Discovery of Indian Knowledge: Meeting Chandrashekhar ji, introduction to Panini's work
01:26:30: Academic Transformation: Village research experience, cultural awakening, shift to Indian texts
01:35:15: Establishing Sanskrit Studies at JNU: Creating new courses, student enthusiasm, academic resistance
01:42:45: Teaching Philosophy: Text-based learning, Ashtadhyayi, Natya Shastra, Vakyapadiya, Yoga Sutras

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