Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has been invited to inaugurate and address the event. Founder and Chairperson of the Adani Foundation, Dr Priti Adani, will deliver a speech at the symposium. The ‘Aristotle-Confucius Symposium’ 2026, aiming to foster deep civilisational dialogue across philosophical traditions, is scheduled to be held in Varanasi from November 2 to 4.
Situated along the Ganges River, it is a living centre of learning, pilgrimage, and philosophical reflection. Further, the city uniquely brings together three major wisdom traditions, namely Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. By convening scholars, practitioners, and leaders, it seeks to explore both commonalities and differences across Aristotelian, Confucian, Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Catholic, Muslim and other traditions, with particular attention to virtue ethics, governance, and the ethical use of power.
Varanasi has been chosen for the symposium as it is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited and spiritually significant cities, according to officials. “The meetings are grounded in the recognition that the world’s most pressing challenges — geopolitical tensions, ecological crisis, and technological transformation — require not only technical solutions but also deeper ethical foundations and cross-cultural understanding,” a statement said. Officials also said that the ‘Aristotle-Confucius Symposium’ aims to deepen philosophical dialogue across traditions. Officials said that participants will engage directly with the heritage of Varanasi and its surroundings, including the Ganges ghats, evening aarti ceremonies, major temple complexes, and Sarnath.
Chief Minister Adityanath is expected to speak on Hinduism’s civilisational heritage that spans over five millennia, which has guided India all along and ‘Sanatan Dharm’ as the religion’s enduring nature is often referred to as, in his keynote address at the event.
