J.N. Mohanty and the Future Prospects of Indian Philosophy: Selected Imperatives, Dialectics, and Memorial

The open-ended future of philosophy, including Indian philosophy, is tied to the boundless nature of human consciousness and creativity. It also implies that the trajectory of Indian philosophy remains uncertain, as it can either witness growth and innovation or fall into a state of stagnant clichés and historical research. This becomes problematic if the latter dominates the academic discourse, reinforcing the belief that philosophy does not progress at all and collapses in historicism. Considering this issue firsthand, this composition investigates some of the normative imperatives proposed by J.N. Mohanty to sustain and strengthen Indian philosophy amidst these uncertainties. It emphasizes the need to acknowledge socio-cultural and global changes since the times of key figures like Ācārya Śaṅkara and Lord Buddha. By examining selected imperatives from Mohanty’s philosophy, this paper highlights their significance for the future of Indian philosophy. Finally, it pays tribute to Mohanty’s contributions, inspiring global thinkers to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western philosophies in line with his vision.