Mysuru: Prof. Diwakar Acharya, Spalding Professor of Eastern Religions and Ethics at University of Oxford, England, visited Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Centre for Philosophy and Indian Culture, University of Mysore, at Saraswathipuram in the city this morning.

Prof. Diwakar is holding the same position Dr. S. Radhakrishnan held during his stint at Oxford University between 1936 and 1952. His visit to the Centre for Philosophy and Indian Culture assumes significance as Radhakrishnan’s bungalow houses the Centre.

Dr. Radhakrishnan, who had served as the second President (1962-67) and Vice-President of India (1952 to 62), taught Philosophy at the Mysore Varsity from 1918-1921, before moving to Calcutta University and occupy the top offices of the country in later years.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, Prof. Diwakar said, “Yes, I am truly delighted and feel very fortunate to visit this place of great learning and outstanding heritage conservation. For me, this is like a pilgrimage — an academic pilgrimage.”

“I am especially delighted because, due to my schedule, this visit was brief, but would love to return and explore possible avenues for mutual collaboration and academic excellence,” he said hinting at his future plans.

He further explained, “I am at the University of Oxford, heading a group of students and friends in developing the Sanskritic Society. We have the ambition of establishing the Bharati Bhavan to promote the culture of Sanskrit and the Indian Knowledge System.”

He appealed to join hands towards building both national and international networks, as together one can reinvent the field of classical Indian studies by integrating history, epigraphy, Sanskrit studies, cultural studies, heritage conservation, philosophy and perhaps also exploring new opportunities in the field of cultural tourism.

Earlier, Prof. Diwakar also visited Oriental Research Institute (ORI), where he was greeted by its Director Dr. D.P. Madhusudhanacharya. Former IAS Officer Anupam Suman, Research Scholar Sushant Bhattacharya, G.N. Shrinivas, Treasurer at IIT Alumni Centre, Bengaluru and Startup Mentor at ACSEL, Philosophy Professor Prof. Sheshagiri Rao, ORI Research Assistant Dr. Diddigi Vamsi Krishna and others were present.