Solan, November 13
A discussion on Arthshashtra by Kautilya and Machiavelli’s The Prince was organised by Belletristic Shoolini Literature Society. The key speaker of the session was Dr Siddarth Dadhwal, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Shoolini University.
Dr. Purnima Bali, Associate Prof. Chitrakoot School of Liberal Arts, introduced the speaker and the topic of the discussion. Dr Siddarth first spoke about the important aspects of the Arthashastra and its relevance to today’s geopolitical scenario in a broader sense. The speaker enlightened the students on how Chanakya had the power to envisage an expansionist treatise and foreign policy in terms of not only the ruler but also the subjects prospering by acquiring land with the use of monetary means.
Dr Ekta Singh, Assistant Prof History at Shoolini University, talked about the historical background of the text and told the story of how Chanakya came to write the Arthashastra and how he helped Chandragupta Maurya become a great king.
Prof. Tej Nath Dhar concluded the session by questioning the book’s relevance in today’s world and how humans are conditioned in a similar manner with common concerns regardless of location, time, or age. Prof. Manju Jaidka, focused on the importance of such talks and encouraged the students to actively participate in the discussion.
