Discourse on Concept of Time at RGU Marks Hindu Lunar New Year
GUWAHATI, March 19, 2026: The Assam Royal Global University (RGU) celebrated
the beginning of the Hindu Lunar New Year today with a thought-provoking discourse on “The Concept of Time,”
beautifully highlighting the harmony between science and culture while emphasising India’s rich astronomical
heritage.
The event featured a special address by eminent astrophysicist Dr. Kishor Kumar Baruah, Former In-Charge of
the Tezpur University Observatory, Department of Physics, Tezpur University. Organised by the Centre for
Indian Knowledge Systems and the Department of Physics, in association with the IQAC, the programme was
graced by RGU Vice Chancellor Prof AK Buragohain, apart from other dignitaries and students.
Delivering his address, Dr. Baruah elaborated on the astronomical significance of this time of the year. He
noted that March 19 falls very close to the Vernal Equinox—a major celestial event when the Sun is
positioned directly above the equator, resulting in nearly equal durations of day and night across the
globe.
Highlighting on the concept of time in different religions and cultures, he said that ancient cultures such
as Incan, Mayan, Hopi, Native American Tribes, Babylonians, Ancient Greeks and the Hinduism, Buddhism,
Jainism, and others have a concept of a wheel of time. “The Vedas, the earliest texts on Indian philosophy
and Hindu philosophy, describe ancient Hindu cosmology, in which the universe goes through repeated cycles
of creation, destruction and rebirth”, he added.
Dr. Baruah said that such observances are not merely cultural traditions but are deeply rooted in precise
astronomical observations made by ancient Indian scholars, reflecting the scientific temper embedded in
India’s traditional knowledge systems.
Earlier, welcoming the distinguished guest and the gathering, Prof. Aniruddha Chatterjee, Dean of the Royal School of Applied and Pure Sciences, remarked that Assam’s historical identity as Pragjyotishpur reflects a long-standing tradition of advanced understanding of celestial phenomena. “Carrying forward this rich legacy, RGU places strong emphasis on integrating Indian Traditional Knowledge Systems with modern scientific approaches, fostering a culture where ancient wisdom and contemporary science complement each other,” he stated.
Prof. Amlan Das, Head, Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems, thanked eminent astrophysicist Dr. Kishor Kumar Baruah for his thought-provoking presentation. The programme ended with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr Nitu Borgohain, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics.
