About Chair

Sunil Raina Rajanaka : Head MM Abhinavagupta Chair

In the towering heights of the Himalayas, where the air carries whispers of ancient wisdom, a young man named Sunil Raina Rajanaka began a journey—one that would weave together professional excellence, cultural responsibility, and spiritual exploration.

Born amid the breathtaking landscapes of Kashmir, Sunil pursued Engineering and entered the fast-paced corporate world, rising to a significant position. Yet even in the midst of this success, he felt the timeless pull of his ancestral traditions. Following the teachings of Swami Lakshmanjoo, he immersed himself deeply in the philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism, which eventually led him to further study under the guidance of the revered Shaiva scholar Acharya Motilal Pandit.

But Sunil’s connection with Shaivism was never limited to personal enrichment. His passion for sharing its profound wisdom became evident during his tenure as Editor-in-Chief of Naad magazine, where he illuminated the depth and richness of Kashmir’s spiritual heritage, inviting new generations to rediscover their roots and ancient tradition.

Within the Kashmiri Pandit community, Sunil emerged as a unifying force. His thoughtful organisation of socio-cultural programs helped nurture a stronger collective identity. During the Covid crisis, he worked tirelessly to raise awareness and safeguard his community, reflecting his deep sense of responsibility and compassion.

An artist at heart, Sunil has dedicated himself to mastering the soulful Santoor, a symbol of Kashmir’s musical lineage. As a writer, his celebrated series “Bhairava Vimarsh” brings forth the mystical dimensions of Bhairava worship and Shaiva philosophy. As an explorer and researcher, he has meticulously documented over 250 temples and shrines in Kashmir—preserving a heritage that stands as a testament to millennia of spiritual continuity.

Nature remains one of Sunil’s greatest companions. His annual mountain treks offer him both solace and insight, strengthening his bond with the land whose culture he tirelessly preserves.

Sunil continues his mission of exploring and documenting the sacred spaces of Kashmir. His life stands as a living testament to passion, commitment, and devotion to one’s roots. As we move forward, his work lights the way—reminding us of our shared heritage and the timeless wisdom of our ancestors.
Together, we honour the journey so far and eagerly await the discoveries yet to unfold.

About Mahameshwaracharya Abhinava gupta

Mahameshwaracharya Abhinavagupta was a prominent philosopher, scholar, and mystic who lived in Kashmir, India, between 10 CE and 11 CE. He was a multifaceted personality and made significant contributions to various fields, including Shaivism, aesthetics, philosophy, and Tantra.
In the context of Shaivism, Abhinava Gupta is renowned for his profound understanding and commentary on the Kashmir Shaivism school of philosophy. He synthesized the teachings of earlier scholars and expounded on the concepts of nondualism (Advaita) and monism (Monism) within the Shaiva tradition.
Abhinavagupta’s most significant work is the “Tantrāloka,” a voluminous text that elucidates the principles and practices of Tantra and Shaivism. In this work, he explored and systematized various aspects of the Shaiva tradition, including the nature of reality, the different states of consciousness, the paths to spiritual liberation, and the ritualistic practices and worship methods.
He emphasized the concept of “Spanda,” which refers to the divine pulsation or vibration underlying all of creation. According to Abhinavagupta, this Spanda manifests as the dynamic interplay between consciousness (Shiva) and energy (Shakti), representing the fundamental essence of the universe.
Furthermore, Abhinavagupta contributed to the understanding of aesthetics within the Shaiva tradition. His work “Abhinavabhāratī” is a commentary on the ancient Indian treatise on drama, “Nātyaśāstra” by Bharata Muni. In this commentary, he expounded upon the theory of rasa (the aesthetic experience of emotions) and provided insights into the interplay of art, beauty, and spiritual experience.

MM Abhinavagupta’s contributions to Shaivism include his profound insights into philosophy, metaphysics, spirituality, and aesthetics. His works continue to be studied and revered by scholars and practitioners of Shaiva philosophy, making him one of the most influential figures in the history of Shaivism.
MM Abhinavagupta’s emphasis on the interplay of art, beauty, and spiritual experience can inspire creative expression and cultural revival. His writings on aesthetics and the theory of rasa provide a framework for understanding and appreciating the profound emotional and spiritual impact of artistic and cultural practices, which can be instrumental in reviving and preserving cultural traditions that have suffered due to cultural genocide or other forms of disruption. Jonaraja Institute of Genocide and Atrocities Studies announces the establishment of the Mahameshwaracharya Abhinavagupta Chair in Cultural Genocide Studies at our esteemed institution. We believe that such a chair will significantly contribute to the academic study, research, and understanding of cultural genocide and its impact on societies.

Overview of the Chair:

The Acharya Abhinavagupta Chair in Cultural Genocide Studies aims to honour the legacy of Acharya Abhinavagupta, a remarkable philosopher and scholar, while focusing on the study of cultural genocide. This interdisciplinary chair will investigate the historical and contemporary instances of cultural genocide, examining its various dimensions, causes, consequences, and potential avenues for prevention and redress.

Objectives:

Research: The chair will undertake comprehensive research to deepen our understanding of cultural genocide, including its underlying mechanisms, social, political, and cultural implications, and potential methods for prevention and mitigation.

Documentation:

The chair will facilitate the documentation of case studies, testimonies, and narratives related to cultural genocide, ensuring the preservation of invaluable cultural heritage and fostering awareness among scholars, policymakers, and the wider public.

Education:

The chair will offer educational programs, seminars, and workshops to disseminate knowledge on cultural genocide, promote interdisciplinary dialogue, and encourage critical thinking among students, scholars, and practitioners.
Collaboration: The chair will foster collaboration with national and international institutions, organizations, and scholars engaged in related research and advocacy to facilitate knowledge exchange, joint projects, and initiatives aimed at addressing cultural genocide.
Policy Recommendations: The chair will provide evidence-based insights and recommendations to policymakers, human rights organizations, and governmental bodies to guide the development of policies and strategies aimed at preventing and addressing cultural genocide.

Funding and Support:

We are actively seeking funding from philanthropic organizations, governmental bodies, and individuals who share our commitment to advancing knowledge in cultural genocide studies. The endowed chair will be financially supported by these contributions, which will provide the necessary resources to sustain the chair’s activities, research projects, and outreach efforts.

We kindly request your support and collaboration in the establishment of the Abhinavagupta Chair in Cultural Genocide.