In this episode of the ResponsAbility Podcast, we welcome Professor Balaganapathi Devarakonda (Bala), Professor of Philosophy at the University of Delhi and one of the leading voices in contemporary philosophical practice. Drawing on Indian philosophy, philosophical counselling, and intercultural dialogue, Bala explores philosophy not merely as an academic discipline but as a way of life. The conversation ranges from classical Indian traditions and the dialogical wisdom of texts such as the Mahabharata to questions of education, professional practice, peace, spirituality, and AI. Bala argues that philosophy should help us cultivate self-knowledge, responsibility, inner peace, and reflective judgment in everyday life. He also shares his vision of philosophy as a public enterprise that reaches beyond universities and engages directly with society.
00:01:04 — Bala’s path into philosophy and philosophical counselling; philosophy as a living practice
00:05:25 — The common thread connecting Bala’s diverse work; the core of his research and writings
00:07:08 — Dialogue, debate, and the argumentative tradition in Indian philosophy
00:12:55 — Eastern wisdom traditions and their contribution to contemporary professional life
00:23:21 — Philosophical practice in education; humanizing teacher education and learning
00:29:39 — Relearning peace; inner peace versus externally imposed peace
00:32:14 — Living philosophically, equanimity, and the relationship between philosophy and peace
00:37:47 — Spirituality, harmony, and the connection between self, society, and ultimate reality
00:40:19 — Philosophical practice, technology, AI, and maintaining humanity in digital times
00:44:46 — Closing reflection: topics not yet discussed and final thoughts
00:45:22 — Public philosophy and bringing philosophical practice beyond academia into society
Between Theory and Practice - Questions for Reflection:
How might the insights from this dialogue inspire your own practice? The following questions are intended to inspire further inquiry, whether explored individually or in conversation with colleagues, students, or peers.
- Bala suggests that every person lives from an implicit philosophy—what he also calls our “inner operating system”: a set of assumptions, values, and ways of understanding reality that shape how we think, speak, and act. Which aspects of your own philosophy influence the way you respond to challenges in your professional life, and what might change if you reflected on them more consciously?
- If peace, wisdom, and meaningful coexistence are not outcomes that can be imposed from the outside but qualities that must be cultivated within, what practices could help you develop greater equanimity, compassion, and reflective awareness in your everyday work—and how might this influence the people and communities around you?
Literature:
- Devarakonda, B.(2018). Hinduism in Thailand: Its presence and absence. Journal of South Asian Studies, 24(2), 73–86.
- Devarakonda, B., M., S., & K., B. (2014). Transition from cultural diversity to multiculturalism: Perspectives from off-shore industry in India. AI & Society: Journal of Knowledge, Culture and Communication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00146-014-0537-8
- Devarakonda, B. (2023). Theistic metaphysics: Satchidananda Murty’s conceptualization of real. In M. Datta & S. Basu (Eds.), Approaches to the real in contemporary India. Jadavpur University.
- Devarakonda, B. (2022). Historiography of Indian philosophy: Some reflections on periodization and conceptualization. In D. Chakrabarti (Ed.), History of ancient India. Vivekananda International Foundation.
- Devarakonda, B. (2020). Relearning to be at peace: Exploring alternative conceptions. In P. Jonkers (Ed.), Self-awareness of life in new era. CRVP.
- Devarakonda, B. (in print). Culture through the labyrinth of globalization: A study of resistance to standardization of Telugu. Comparative Literature Studies.
