From Kannagi to Contemporary India: Justice, Security and Gender Equality
Prof. Shantishree Dhulipudi Pandit
Vice-Chancellor, JNU, New Delhi
Koti vandanalu (million salutations)!
Namaskaram!
At the outset, I bow my head in reverence to the most respected Sarsanghchalak, Dr. Mohan Bhagwat ji and the revered saint, Sadhu Mithilesh Nandan ji of Ayodhya. As I am from Tamil Nadu, my Hindi may not be perfect, but I will do my best to express myself, mixing both Hindi and English.
Acknowledging the Theme of Public Security and Justice
Today, the topic of discussion is public security and public justice. Before I proceed, I would like to pay my respects to this Lokmanthan (public deliberation) for honouring the great queen of the Kakatiya dynasty, Rani Rudramadevi. I join in paying tributes to her enduring legacy. As has been rightly pointed out, we belong to a feminist civilisation. We do not need Western women’s groups to teach us about feminism. In Indira Gandhi’s cabinet, powerful portfolios were held by women who embodied the divine feminine—Mahalakshmi (Goddess of Wealth), Saraswati (Goddess of Knowledge) and Parvati Durga (Goddess of Power and Protection). In our culture, we refer to our gods by their consorts’ names—Sitapati, Umapati, Lakshmipati— symbolising the inseparable bond between masculine and feminine energies. This is a testament to our civilisation’s inherent respect for gender equality and we should take immense pride in this.
Historical Roots of Security and Justice
The concept of security is not new to us. In Sangam literature, we encounter the story of Kannagi-who, when confronted with injustice, brought down the entire Pandya Empire. This narrative shows that security and justice have been integral to our society for millennia. Indian dynasties like the Cholas and the Marathas crossed oceans and spread our culture across Southeast Asia and beyond. Today, the world speaks of “human security”, a concept that might well have been inspired by Indian traditions. Our ancient wisdom speaks of the Pancha Bhuta (the five elements), emphasising that the balance among these elements is essential for human security. This balance is also fundamental to national security.
Connecting Tradition with Modernity
It is heartening to see this session connecting tradition with reason and myth with reality. Indian culture is
unique—it is one of the few continuous civilisations in the world, alongside the Chinese civilisation. We must take the knowledge shared by scholars here and pass it on to future generations. Institutions like JNU have often taught history without the lens of archaeology, but archaeology reveals the truth. Now, with archaeology integrated into historical studies, we are uncovering the authentic narratives of our past. This is a significant and much-needed step forward.
Holistic Approach to Security and Justice
Security and justice are not merely physical concepts; they are also mental and spiritual. This holistic approach is deeply embedded in our culture. We must ensure that this understanding is reflected in our universities and educational systems. with reason and myth with reality. Indian culture is unique-it is one of the few continuous civilisations in the world, alongside the Chinese civilisation. We must take the knowledge shared by scholars here and pass it on to future generations.
Pavilion Food
Dokka Seethamma
Srimati Dokka Seethamma (1841–1909) was a revered symbol of selfless service and compassion, known for her lifelong commitment to Anna Danam— the sacred act of feeding the hungry. Born in Lankala Gannavaram, a village on the banks of the Godavari in Andhra Pradesh, she was deeply inspired by her father Sankaram’s generosity. Seethamma devoted her life to feeding poor travelers and villagers with love and hospitality, earning her the status of a living saint. Many regarded her as an incarnation of Maa Annapoorna and in parts of Andhra Pradesh, she is still worshipped as “Apara Annapoorna.” A devout follower of Bhagwan Shiva and Maa Shakti, she renounced all her possessions in old age and journeyed to Varanasi, staying true to her spirit of service. Despite living in an era without modern media, Seethamma’s fame spread across India and even abroad. Her extraordinary charity caught the attention of the British government and King Edward VII invited her to his anniversary celebration. Though honoured, she humbly declined the invitation, asserting that her service was not for fame. In recognition of her contributions, King Edward VII inaugurated her portrait in the main hall of the Royal Palace in London on January 1, 1903. Her legacy continues to inspire as a timeless example of humility, devotion, and compassion.
Institutions like JNU have often taught history without the lens of archaeology, but archaeology reveals the truth. Now, with archaeology integrated into historical studies, we are uncovering the authentic narratives of our past. This is a significant and much-needed step forward.
Holistic Approach to Security and Justice
Security and justice are not merely physical concepts; they are also mental and spiritual. This holistic approach is deeply embedded in our culture. We must ensure that this understanding is reflected in our universities and educational systems.
I would like to conclude with a prayer that resonates deeply with me:
“Asato ma sadgamaya, Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya, Mrityor ma amritam gamaya! Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti!”
(Lead me from falsehood to truth, from darkness to light, from death to immortality).
Closing Player
“We belong to a feminist civilisation. We do not need Western women’s groups to teach us about feminism.”
– Prof. Shantishree Dhulipudi Pandit
Vice-Chancellor, JNU, New Delhi
