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The 5th WINTER SESSION OF DAYALBAGH SCIENCE OF CONSCIOUSNESS (DSC 2024)

The 5^th WINTER SESSION OF DAYALBAGH SCIENCE OF CONSCIOUSNESS

(DSC 2024)

(31 December, 2023 - 01 January, 2024)

ORGANISED BY:

Dayalbagh Educational Institute (Deemed to be University), Dayalbagh, Agra, India

                  Association for Transport Development in India (ATDI), New Delhi, India

Systems Society of India (SSI), India

Kiel University, Germany

University of British Columbia, UK

University of Birmingham, UK

University of Waterloo, Canada

Western University, Ontario, Canada

Arizona State University, Arizona, USA

REPORT

On 31 December 2023 and 01 January 2024, the Fifth Winter Session of the Dayalbagh Science of Consciousness 2024 was jointly organized by the Dayalbagh Educational Institute (Deemed to be University), Dayalbagh, Agra 282005, Six International Universities, and the Association of Transport Development in India (ATDI) in Hybrid (Online & Offline) mode. Experts from India and Abroad participated and made useful recommendations. 31st December 23 was devoted to the debate on the Science of Consciousness and 1st January 2024 was devoted to the debate on Transportation.                      

Day 1: Session-I

The fifth Winter Session of Dayalbagh Science of Consciousness commenced on Sunday, December 31, 2023, where various regional associations, under the auspices of the Radhasoami Satsang Sabha (RSS), Dayalbagh, Agra 282005, UP, India, highlighted the initiatives taken by them and their impact in transforming the lives of the people in the neighborhood towards better worldliness. Dayalbagh, a private residential community in India – and the biggest in the world- puts into practice all the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) listed by the United Nations. This is attained by living the 'Dayalbagh Way of Life' – a living socio-economic model, anchored in the principle of voluntary, selfless service for the upliftment of all living beings on Planet Earth. The topic of the day's session was the 'Conscientiousness-driven self-reliant socio-spiritual model of Dayalbagh in Practice for 108 years – Its scalability, global implementation, sustainability, and impact'. Presentations were made by 11 Regional Satsang Associations located across India and 5 abroad, reflecting the diversity of projects and activities in their over 50 residential colonies not only for leading a fulfilling life themselves but also setting a glowing and practical example for the communities around. Experts from a cross-section of India and member countries of the world made meaningful presentations on Consciousness. The concept of consciousness is understood as the integration of its inherent constituents- Inner Self, Our Utmost Self, meditation between God and Man, between Eternal and Infinite, luminous Truth-consciousness, and uplifting of spiritual consciousness to the natural man. It is invisible in human beings but becomes visible in their action. Tangible performance of duty is a priority. Seamless performance and forward mobility generate positivity in consciousness. However, non- or poor performance and acceleration of mobility violating traffic rules negate consciousness.

In this context, the topic of the panel discussion chosen to be held on Monday, January 1, 2024, was "Community Conscientiousness for Lateral and Longitudinal Mobility (transportation) for the Realization of Ultimate Consciousness". The theme chosen for deliberations underscored the significance of a community's shared conscientiousness in fostering the trinity of physical, intellectual and spiritual mobility, ultimately leading to the achievement of an enhanced state of collective enlightenment. It emphasised that by collectively cultivating mindfulness, ethical conduct, and facilitating movement across various dimensions laterally and longitudinally, a community can prosper and progress towards a higher level of consciousness, ultimately realising the deeper meaning of human life and its existence by coming closer to the realisation of Almighty GOD.

Day 2: PANEL DISCUSSION SESSION

Panel Discussion held on 1st January 2024, during the 5th Winter Session of Dayalbagh Science of Consciousness (DSC) 2024, coincided with the pious celebration of 'Siksha Diwas & Dayalbah Science of Consciousness, Conscience, and Awareness Day in Trinity Mode.'

The discussion commenced with the Ambrosial Inaugural 'Vision Talk' by Most Revered Prof. P.S Satsangi Sahab, Chairman, Advisory Committee on Education, Dayalbagh Educational Institutions, Dayalbagh, Agra 282005, U.P, INDIA.

Prof. Satsangi highlighted that "It is the mid-level 'quintessential' aspect which is going to serve and has already begun serving in the context of induction of camels in the transportation, physical transportation and this is the future which we have already started practicing and is yielding its results. It is the quint essentiality that we will strive at and we are already practicing in the context of a health hazard faced by one of the female transport equivalents by camel. This is already yielding its results of the trinity approach i.e. 'What we have at hand, what we need to achieve in the long-term future, and what we have already started' implementing towards this transition from Ab initio to Ad infinitum through the middle-level approach of comprehending it through the quintessential aspect. So that's the sum and substance of it which I have taken some initial measures to yield certain very critical perfection-oriented results immediate present and future to achieve the larger goal of having perfection pervade all the infinite macrocosm through microcosmic attempts at our end in the present. This is the quintessential aspect and that's the new experiment we have launched and is already yielding its results."

Thirty Esteemed panelists from diverse backgrounds across the globe shared insights into fostering physical, intellectual, and spiritual mobility within communities, culminating in collective enlightenment and a deeper understanding of human existence. The discussions emphasized the cultivation of mindfulness, ethical conduct, and facilitating movement across various dimensions, enabling progress towards a higher level of consciousness and a deeper connection with the divine. Of notable importance was the focus on integrating consciousness within transportation systems, sustainable lifestyle practices, technological advancements, quantum sciences, and holistic developmental frameworks. Discussions highlighted the need for conscious systemic planning to ensure lateral and longitudinal integration across various domains, aiming for global progress and harmonious coexistence. The eminent speakers also deliberated on the various aspects of transportation and the inherent relationship between them. Ultimately, the focus of the panel discussion centred on understanding the indispensable significance of spiritual guidance provided by an adept master. The discourse delved deeply into the quintessential role and position of such a spiritually adept master, facilitating the journey from the physical to the spiritual realm.

Experts strongly emphasized the criticality of safety and security in transportation. Prof. A.L. Agarwal, President, ATDI among others, highlighted the urgent need for safe road behavior, reduction of vehicular pollution, and the role of digitization in improving public transportation efficiency. Mr. Rajiv Sinha, Former Director, of DCM Sriram underscored the linkage between holistic development models and modern transportation technology in achieving UN sustainable development goals. Prof. PK Sidar, an ICT Consultant, stressed the need for conscious planning and design for vulnerable road users to meet safety requirements. Discussions also covered behavioral implications and ecological considerations in improving transportation systems, as emphasized by Prof. Prem Vrat, Pro-Chancellor, Northcap University, Gurugram. The conclusion reiterated the paramount role of a spiritually adept master in guiding humanity toward a higher consciousness. Discussions resonated with the guidance of spiritual leaders, emphasizing the persistence of spiritual currents guiding creation toward ultimate emancipation. In essence, the panel discussions highlighted the need for safety and security in transportation systems while advocating for a collective conscientious approach to reduce road accidents.

Discussions highlighted the need for conscious systemic holistic planning to ensure lateral and longitudinal integration across various domains, aiming for global progress and harmonious coexistence.

All the Panel participants emphasized the need to save lives in road accidents by adopting a Systems (Holistic) Approach by all users of transport services and their providers, digitalization of road traffic, licensing of drivers, certification of road worthiness of vehicles, provision of Trauma-like medical aid to road accident victims, improving road geometry. The eminent speakers also deliberated on these critical aspects of transportation and the inherent relationship between them.

Transportation promoting mobility and consciousness are causally related. Mobility is at the core of all life whether it is the physical plane, the subtle material world, or even the spiritual world assessed from the physical world. Besides mobility, it connects far-flung scattered locations of towns, villages, and people of all walks of life.

Highways provide infrastructure for the movement of road transport for the mobility of people and connectivity of unconnected locations. To achieve twin goals of mobility and connectivity, the Government of India, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways is launching construction of Highways and renewal of infrastructure on war level. The frequency of accidents causing deaths and fatalities on Highways has been rising. It is largely attributable to the lack of essentials of safety on Highways.             

A nation that moves without fear of accidents not only safeguards its citizens but also propels its economic engine toward unprecedented growth. Safe and secure highways lay the foundation for enhanced connectivity, seamlessly linking urban and rural landscapes. As the arteries of our nation, these highways are conduits for progress, enabling the free flow of goods, services, and ideas.

India's road transport sector stands as a pivotal force, catering to the demands of its vast population of 1.4 billion people. With the second-largest road network globally, covering approximately 70 lakh kilometers, the country faces significant challenges due to rapid motorization and urbanization driven by economic growth. This surge in traffic volume has resulted in alarming rates of road accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Statistics attribute a considerable portion of accidents to traffic rule violations, primarily 'over-speeding', contributing significantly to accidents, fatalities, and injuries. Other notable violations include drunken driving, jumping red lights, and mobile phone usage, collectively accounting for nearly 4.9 percent of total accidents and 5.4 percent of deaths.

Furthermore, issues such as untrained drivers, inadequate enforcement, lack of safety measures like helmets and seatbelts, and hazardous road conditions like potholes and sharp curves aggravate the risks on Indian roads. Overloaded vehicles also pose threats, not just to themselves but to other road users. Annually, road accidents claim around 1.5 lakh lives and leave more than 3.5 lakh injured, making it a pressing concern, especially with the recent surge in motorization due to population growth and increased vehicular presence nationwide.

Recognizing these challenges, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has implemented a road safety strategy focused on Education, Engineering (for roads and vehicles), Enforcement, and Emergency care, commonly known as the 4-Es. This strategy aims to mitigate road accidents and has shown substantial progress in its implementation. However, fatalities and injuries from road accidents remain a critical priority, especially considering that road traffic injuries rank as the leading cause of death globally, particularly among individuals aged 15 to 49 years.

In the above context, It was felt imperative to invoke a holistic 'Systems approach' to accelerate mobility, safety, and security that will integrate various constituents like Comprehensive transportation planning for cities considering multiple modes of transport, Integration of digital technology (Cameras, IT) for traffic flow management and enforcement, Focus on safety measures, including trauma-like medical aid for accident victims, Stringent regulation of traffic and driver/vehicle licensing, Investment in infrastructure and energy provisions to support sustainable transportation modes, Efficient mechanisms for reinvesting fines and revenue generated into transportation infrastructure and urban renewal projects and finally, Community Consciousness and Conscientiousness ultimately guides people to abide by healthy mobility practices and behavior improving efficiency and environment.

These interdependent elements work together within a dynamic socio-economic-environmental system, where changes in one variable can impact others, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to address mobility challenges. There are numerous cause-effect relationships active between the variables regarding transportation, technology, infrastructure, and mobility. We can understand their intricate relationship and mutual interactions by constructing a holistic Causal Loop Diagram (CLD) for aiding better transport policies and programs.

It is noteworthy that, DEI's commitment to organizing conferences and seminars reflects a dedication to shaping a future where mobility and connectivity thrive without the spectre of road transport accidents. It is an endeavour to bring professionals across disciplines to contribute their expertise, fostering an environment where ideas converge and solutions germinate and collectively strive towards a future where highways become symbols of safety, progress, and economic vitality.

The Dayalbagh Educational Institute (Deemed to be University), Dayalbagh, Agra, a multidisciplinary and value-based teaching and research Institution for higher learning, recognizes the urgency of addressing the issue of highway development and making road journeys accident-free. Inspired by the government's commitment to making India mobile and the slew of urban renewal programs, DEI has embarked on a mission to champion safe highways as a catalyst for economic development. To amplify the impact of this crucial initiative, DEI has ventured into organizing conferences and seminars. These platforms serve as dynamic arenas where professionals, experts, and visionaries can converge to share insights and propose innovative solutions. Honourable Prime Minister Modi's call for a mobile India, coupled with the pressing need to curb road transport accidents, has fuelled DEI's commitment to mobilizing professionals for the cause.

Ultimately, the focus of the panel discussion centered on understanding the indispensable significance of conscious guidance provided by a spiritually adept master or chief mentor in a community of followers and transportation users. The discourse delved deeply into the quintessential role and position of such a master, facilitating the journey from the physical to the spiritual realm. The two-day conference concluded with a vibrant cultural program by children of the Sant Superhuman Evolutionary Scheme, which included a camel song to commemorate the UN's declaration of 2024 as the International Year of the Camelids, and another one  'Lead kindly Light', based on a 1883 hymn by Saint John Henry Newman.