Overview
The Department of Philosophy at DAV Post Graduate College (DAV PGC), Varanasi, is a vibrant hub of intellectual exploration, deeply embedded in the city’s ancient tradition of philosophical discourse. Affiliated with Banaras Hindu University (BHU), the department upholds the DAV ethos of value-based education, emphasizing ethical reasoning, critical inquiry, and the integration of Eastern and Western thought. Established as part of the college’s expansion in the mid-20th century, it continues to thrive amid Varanasi’s spiritual landscape, promoting multidisciplinary dialogues that resonate with NEP 2020’s focus on holistic learning.
Academic Programs:
The department offers robust undergraduate and postgraduate programs tailored to nurture analytical minds and prepare students for academia, civil services, counselling, and beyond:
- Undergraduate (B.A. Honors in Philosophy): A four -year program covering core areas like Indian philosophy (Vedanta, Buddhism, Nyaya), Western philosophy (Plato, Kant, existentialism), logic, ethics, and epistemology. It includes practical components such as seminars and case studies, with electives under NEP for interdisciplinary exposure (e.g., philosophy of mind or environmental ethics).
- Postgraduate (M.A. in Philosophy): A two-year advanced degree delving into specialized themes like comparative philosophy, philosophy of religion, social and political philosophy, and contemporary issues. The curriculum features research methodology, dissertation work, and guest lectures, equipping graduates for Ph.D. pursuits or professional roles in ethics consulting and policy-making.
Admissions are merit-based via CUET scores, with a diverse student body benefiting from small cohorts and interactive teaching methods, including video lectures on topics like the “Concept of Rita” and Leibniz’s “Theory of Monads.”Research and Scholarly Initiatives.
The department’s commitment to philosophical advancement is exemplified by its longstanding partnership with the Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR), New Delhi, elevating it as a key player in national discourse:
- Annual ICPR-Sponsored Seminars: Every year, the department organizes national-level seminars fully funded by the ICPR, attracting scholars from across India to deliberate on pressing themes. For instance, a two-day ICPR-sponsored National Seminar was held on March 13-14, 2024, alongside celebrations for World Philosophy Day. These events, often themed around interdisciplinary topics like ethics in modern society or the relevance of Indian darshanas, include keynote addresses, paper presentations, and publications, fostering vibrant academic exchange.
- ICPR-Funded Study Circle Program: Recognizing the department’s excellence, the ICPR has granted a dedicated Study Circle Program, providing sustained funding for monthly lecture series featuring eminent philosophers and scholars. These sessions—covering areas like environmental ethics, yoga philosophy, and global humanism—enrich students and faculty alike, promoting ongoing dialogue and intellectual community building throughout the academic year.
- Major Research Project: The department has secured funding from the ICPR for a significant major research project, exploring [e.g., philosophical strategies for contemporary social challenges; specific theme per ongoing work]. This initiative involves collaborative research, fieldwork, and outputs like journal articles and monographs, underscoring the department’s contributions to philosophical scholarship.
Complementing these, recent activities include an orientation program on October 5, 2024, with Dr. Rahul Kumar Mauray (BHU) as resource person on “New Aspects of Philosophy,” the Department of Philosophy at DAV PGC envisions philosophy not as abstract theory but as a tool for personal and societal transformation. By blending Varanasi’s mystical heritage with rigorous inquiry, it empowers students to navigate ethical dilemmas in a complex world. Alumni have excelled in academia, public service, and NGOs, carrying forward the department’s legacy of wisdom and empathy. As the college marks its 87th year in 2025, the department remains a pillar of innovation, inviting all to join its quest for deeper understanding. For inquiries, events, or collaborations visit davpgcvns.ac.in. Embrace the philosophical journey—truth awaits!
Teachers
Department Information
UG (B.A.)
PG (M.A.)
Ph.D
The Department of Philosophy has organized orientation Programme on 20/09/2025 at old conference hall DAV PG College. the topic of the programme “Metaphysics Foundation Of Indian Philosophy”. Prof. Ambika Dutt Sharma, Ex- Head, Department of Philosophy, Hari singh Gaur University, M.P, he is the
Keynote Speaker of the programme. he said that critical thinking is the essence of philosophy also philosophy is the foundation of all knowledge.This Programme has chaired by prof. Mishri Lal, Principal DAV PG College and Welcome Speech has given by Prof. Satish Kumar Singh, Dr Sanjay Kumar singh, Through light on the topic and Dr sanjeev veer singh has given Vote of thanks.
Department of Philosophy, D.A.V.P.G College, in association with ICPR conducted a two days National Seminar on the celebration of World philosophy Day 2024 has been organized at DAV PG College
,BHU,varanasi on 7th-8th March 2025.The theme of seminar is ‘ Critical study of philosophical system & Religion ‘on the first day (07/03/2025) of the Seminar Prof Durgesh Chaudhary, Head, Department of Philosophy & Religion,Banaras Hindu University Varanasi, was the Chief guest as well as Chairman the session. Prof Gopal Sahu, Head , Department of Philosophy, Allahabad University, as key-note speaker delivered his lecture on ‘Know Your Philosophy: Philosophical skills for sel f- Discovery ‘he says that
everyone is a philosopher but he or she has to discover his own way of thinking, in the first half . In second half Dr Rahul Kumar Maurya, Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy & Religion,BHU, delivered his lecture on ‘ Philosophy, Religion and Science: A Pragmatic Reading ‘.he says that how philosophy is different from religion and science. philosophy is not only associated with theory but also it has practical aspect. it talks about both transcendental world as well as empirical world. where as religion is based on faith, beleif, and revelation. Prof Durgesh Chaudhary the chairman of the seminar said that there is no certain definition of philosophy and religion. on the second day(08/03/2025) Prof. Ram kishor Tripathi, Sampurnanand sanskrit vishwavidyalay, Varanasi delivered his lecture on ‘ Buddhist ,Nayay and Vedanta philosophy: Critical study ‘ the programme was grand successful , thank you for providing this opportunity and enriching experience.
The celebration of Indian Philosophers Day 2025(Debate on the development of indian Philosophy) at DAV PG College ,BHU,varanasi on 25-26 july 2025.on the first day of seminar(25-7-2025) Prof Gopal Sahu, Head , Department of Philosophy, university of Allahabad, delivered his lecture on ‘From Smoke to fire: Is Nyaya’s inference Deductive,Inductive, or Abductive’,this session was Chaired By Prof Rakesh Chandra, Department of Philosophy, University of Lucknow and Dr. Upendra Kumar,Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy & Religion,BHU has delivered his lecture on “Possibility of revival of Indian
Philosophy:challenges and solutions”this session was chaired by Prof Gopal Sahu, in the first half of the day, in second half Prof. Rakesh Chandra,Dept. of philosophy ,University of Lucknow, delivered his lecture on “Some reflections on development of Indian Thought as seen by Sri Aurobindo and Karl Potter” ,this session was chaired by Prof Mishri Lal, Principal DAV PG College . On the second day(26-7-2025) Prof. Rajendra Verma, Department of Philosophy, University of Lucknow has delivered his lecture on ‘Bhartiya Darshan Evm Gyan Ki Avdharana’ this session was chaired by Prof Gopal Sahu and then Dr Aamir Riyaz, Chairperson, Department of Philosophy, Aligargh Muslim University has given lecture on ” Gandhi and his idea of Secularism” and in second half of the day Dr. Rahul Maurya, Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy & religion ,BHU, has delivered a Lecture on ” The Debate on Moral Ontology in Early Buddhism” , this session was chaired by Prof. Rakesh Chandra. Dr Sanjeev Veer Singh Priyadarshi, has given Vote Of Thanks And Welcome Speech of the Programme and anchoring was done by Dr. Ramendra singh . The programme was a grand successful day thank you for providing this opportunity and enriching experience.
Orientation program was organized by department of philosophy, DAV PG College, on 5th October 2024. Dr Rahul Kumar Mauray, Asst. Professor, Department Of philosophy & Religion, was the Resource person in the program. He delivered a lecture on “New aspect of Philosophy”. Program was chaired by Satya Gopal Jee , Principal of College, Anchoring was done by Dr. anjeev veer Singh and Vote of Thanks given By Dr. Ramendra Singh.
Two Days National Seminar( ICPR sponsored) was organized by the department of philosophy, DAV PG College on 13-14 March, 2024.additional Director General of Police ,Varanasi , Shri Piyush Mordia was the chief guest in first days of the inaugural session of the seminar. On first day Ex- Secretary of ICPR Prof. Manendra pratap singh, Prof. Anand Mishra, Head ,Department of philosophy BHU, Prof. Sanjay Kumar Shukla ,Christian College Allahabad, prof. Dileep kumar Mohnta ,Calcutta university, Prof Shiv Bhan singh Christian College Allahabad, had addressed the audience on first day. Program was anchored by Dr. Mahima Singh, Welcom address by Dr. Sanjay Kumar singh, Vote of thank by Prof. Mishri Lal Sir . On second day of seminar renowned Scholar Alok Tandon, Dr Amit Mishra, Hemwati nandan bahuguna government Degree College, had address the audience . Prof . Biharilal Sharma ,VC , Sampurnanad Sanskrit University, was the chief guest of the valedictory session, presidential remark had given by Prof. Devi Prasad Driwedi. Anchoring was done by Dr. Ramendra singh, Vote of thanks Given by Prof. Mishri Lal sir.
Department of philosophy, DAV PG College has organized two days Periodic Lecture sponsored by ICPR New Delhi, on 26-27 February 2024. On first day 26/02/2024, Prof. Ajay Verma , Professor, Centre for philosophy, JNU, has delivered a lecture on “Development of Philosophy of Language: Indian And Western Perspective” and Prof. S.P. Pandey, Professor, Department of Philosophy And Religion has delivered lecture on “Role and relevance of K.C.Bhattacharaya in Contemporary Indian Philosophy”. On second day, 27/02/2024, Prof. Rishikant Pandey, Professor & HOD , Department of Philosophy, Allahabad University has delivered a lecture on “development and origin of analytical Philosophy”. Program was anchored by Dr.Sanjeev veer singh, welcome by Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, vote of Thanks given by Dr. Ramendra Singh.
Department of Philosophy was organised a special lecture on the topic “Bharatiya Gyan Parampara ka udbhav aur Vikash” on 20-12-2023. The chief speaker of the programme was Professor Sri Prakash
Pandey, ex HOD, department of philosophy and Religion, BHU. Welcome of the chief guest was don by the Convenor and head of the department Dr Sanjay Kumar Singh.Addressing the students Prof. Pandey threw light on the origine and development of the Indian knowledge tradition. Principal of the college Prof Satya Gopal jee also addressed the gathering.The programme was anchored by Dr. Ramendra Singh and vote of thanks was proposed by Professor Satish Kumar Singh. A large numbers of students participated in the programme.Chief Procter of the college Dr. Indrajeet Mishra, Dr Sanjay Kumar Singh, dept. of history and Dr. Omprakash also graced the programme. During the programme the other faculty members Dr. Sanjeev Veer priydarshi and Dr. Vishrut Dwivedi was also present. The programme was grand success.
World Philosophy Day-2022, which was sponsored by ICPR, New Delhi on 19th and 20th Jan 23, in college campus. The convener of the programme was Dr.Sanjay Kumar Singh HOD, Department of Philosophy.
Eminent speakers were invited as the resource persons. Prof.Daniel Raveh from Israel University spoke on ‘The Contemporary Indian Philosophy: A Tasting Menu’ and Prof.Shiv Bhanu Singh from ECC. Prayagraj, Allahabad, University reflected on ‘ Ethics of Globalization on the first day i.e 19th jan 
,23 . Around two hundred fifty students, many research scholars and faculty members from different departments participated to benefit from the programme. On the second Day i.e 20th January. Prof. Sachhidanand ishra,member Secretary ICPR New Delhi spoke on ‘Critical Thinking as Essence of Philosophy’ and Prof. Ambika Dutt Sharma Department of Philosophy ,Dr. Hari Singh Gour University ,Sagar ,M.P spoke on ‘De- colonization of the Indian Mind . More than two hundred fifty students, many research scholars and faculty members from different Departments also joined on the second day. The programme had interaction round on both the days where students enquired their doubts.The programme began with the
garlanding of
goddess Saraswati by the guest speakers thereafter prof. Satish Kumar Singh felicitated the guest speakers both the days. The programme was anchored by Dr. Ramendra Singh and Vote of thanks was given by Dr. Sanjeev veer Singh Priydarshi.On this occasion Prof. Satya Gopal ji, Prof. Mishrilal, Dr. Habibullah, Prof Sameer Kumar Pathak, Dr Indrajeet Mishra,Dr. Parul Jain, Dr. Sangeeta Jain, Dr. Mahima Singh, Dr. Bandanabalchandani, Dr. Mahima Singh, Dr. Chandan Kumar Pandey, Dr. Vishrut Dwivedi showed their gracious presence The programme was a grand success.
his deep insight on Ethics of Gautam Buddha. He stated that in Dhammapad Gautam Buddha said that the mind is the most foremost, it is man’s friend as well as enemy. He further stated that sorrow is the ultimate truth of one’s life and one can not escape from it. The convener of the programme was vice principal prof.Satish Kumar Singh and he also felicitated the speaker. The programme was anchored by Dr. Sanjeev Veer Singh Priyadarshi and Vote of thanks was given by HOD Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh. Students participated in the programme with a lot of enthusiasm and fervour. The Programme was quite enriching and informative. Dr. Indrajeet Mishra, Prof. Mishrilal. Dr. Habibullah, Dr. Ramendra SINGH, Dr. Bandana Balchandani, Prof. Rakesh Kumar Dwivedi, Dr. Ravi Kant Tripathi showed their graceful presence.The programme was a grand success.
goddess Sarswati by the guest speaker thereafter Shri Pushpendra addressed the gathering by his insightful speech. He talked about that India was popular for debate in ancient Indian culture and sanaatan tradition. The day we left it ancient Indian tradition also eloped. He further stated that western pompous culture has made its place in India, we have to keep ourselves away from it then only we will be able to bring change. There was a interactive session after the speech of guest speaker, in which students enquired about their doubts. The programme wad anchored by Dr. Ramendra Singh and vote of thanks was given by HOD Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh. On this occasion Prof. Mishrilal, Prof. Madhu Shisaudiya. Prof. Vinod Kumar Chaudhary, Dr. Parul Jain, Dr. Habibullah, Dr. Sanjeev Priyadarshi, Dr. Chandan Pandey showed their gracious presence. The programme was a grand success.
Ewing Christian College, Prayagraj, was the guest speaker in this event. More than a hundred students participated with a lot of Zest and fervour. The program was hosted by Asst. Professor Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh under the patronship of Principal Dr. Satya Dev Singh. Thereafter Dr. Shiv Bhanu Singh gave a deep reflection on ‘Indian Philosophy, Culture and Spirituality’. He stated that Indian Philosophy is the foundation of Indian culture and spirituality. There is a lot of differences between Indian and Western Philosophy. Presiding over the program Principal Dr. S.D Singh added that Indian philosophy strengthens the concept of ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam’. It contains the essence of compassion and friendship. The program was quite enriching and fruitful. The program ended with a Vote of thanks by Dr. Ramendra Singh. Head of Department Dr. Satish Kr. Singh Associate Professor, Dr. Sanjeev Veer Singh Priyadarshi also showed their valuable presence throughout the program. The program was a Grand success.
December 1, 2023. During the programme many students reflected their ideas and openion about the problems that civil servants incounter. Principal of the college Prof. Satya Gopal jee shared his valuable ideas and said ethics always provides right direction even in adverse situations. Head of the department and convenor of the programme Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh gave his insights on ethics by saying that in present scenario ethics plays important role in public service. In the debate contest first & second price was bagged by the students of DAVPG College Shivang pal and Aniket Kumar Sinha respectively and third prize was won by Sweta Yadav , MMV, BHU. On this occasion other members of the department Prof. Satish Kumar Singh, , Dr.Ramendra Singh, Dr Sanjeev veer Singh priydarshi and Dr. Vishrut Dwivedi also graced the programme. Student of third semester Kumar Satyam and Abhigyan Kashyap played a crucial role in the success of the programme.The programme was a grand success.
subject of pros and cons of the New Education Policy. The program was presided over by the head of the department, Dr Sanjay Kumar Singh. On the last day of the program, prizes were distributed in which Dav pg college student Abhigyan Kashyap was given first prize and second prize to Kunal Wagh while third prize was given to Pallavi Joshi a student of Vasant College for women. More than 50 students participated in the
program. The contest was hosted by student Pratik Dubey. Other teachers of the department Dr. Ramendra
Singh and Dr. Sanjeev Veer Singh Priydarshi were also present during the Programme.
Rajghat, Varanasi on 29th November 2022, wherein four students from DAV PG College, Varanasi participated. All the four participants were from B A 2nd semester, amongst them Mr. Satya kirti Gopal bagged Consolation prize.
a (B.A 5th sem). bagged the first prize, Alok Kumar Pandey ( B.A 5th sem.) secured second prize and Shashi Shekhar Gupta (B.A 2nd Sem.) achieved third prize . The questions in the quiz were challenging and based on the basics of Philosophy. Efforts of all the participant’s were praiseworthy.The convenor of the program was H.O.D. Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh ,Department of philosophy. It was well organised contest that ended with the prize distribution to the winners and also participatory certificates were distributed to the students who actively participated in the quiz. The felicitation was done by the honourable Principal Dr. Satya Dev Singh who after prize distribution addressed the students with the words of wisdom. Other members of the department Dr. Satish Kumar Singh, Dr. Sanjeev Veer Singh Priyadarshi & Dr. Ramendra Singh contributed at large to make this program a success.