ICSSR-sponsored national seminar on writings from North East concludes at Gargaon College

OUR CORRESPONDENT

SIVASAGAR: Gargaon College hosted an ICSSR-sponsored two-day national seminar on ‘Writings from North East India: Trends and Issues” in collaboration with IQAC and Central Library of Gargaon on February 24 and February 25. The inaugural programme moderated by Dr Rashmi Rekha Saikia, convenor of the seminar, commenced with the lighting of the lamp by Aditya Vikram Yadav, Deputy Commissioner of Sivasagar.

In his address, the Deputy Commissioner thanked ICSSR for assisting the college in organizing the seminar and appreciated the efforts taken by the Principal and faculty members of the college in organising the seminar. He remarked that the topic of the seminar was relevant not just in terms of literature but also in terms of popular media, films, focus on the northeast and perspectives of people regarding the northeast.

Dr Sabyasachi Mahanta, Principal of the college and renowned academician and columnist, in his welcome address traced the glorious journey of the college. Regarding the theme of the seminar, he opined that the writings from the region have been less explored in terms of studies of Indian literature as this region is geographically as well as culturally and linguistically distinct from the so-called mainstream or mainland India. Welcoming everyone, he expressed hope that the deliberations and discussions of the seminar would pave the way for new imaginations in engagements with the literature of this rich and diverse region.

The seminar was inaugurated by Prof. Jiten Hazarika, Vice Chancellor of Dibrugarh University. In his inaugural address, Prof. Hazarika remarked that seminars provide academicians and researchers to exchange views and opinions, address relevant issues and help participants improve confidence on the subject as well as their communication skills. He said that writings in English from Northeast India have of late become an interesting focus in literature and that exploring the works of Northeast India is important because they talk about the culture, history, political and sociological concerns of the region, thus uniting the people. He emphasized that seminars on these areas must lead to fruitful studies and discussions.

In his key note address, Prof. Jyotirmoy Prodhani, Head of the department of English, NEHU eloquently discussed the varied notions extant about the North East and explored the possible definitions of North East Indian literature in terms of geography, politics, ethnicity, culture etc. Dr Anjan Konwar, co-convenor of the seminar, in his vote of thanks expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the stakeholders for their support and cooperation in organising the seminar.

The second day of the seminar commenced with plenary talks delivered by Dr Nasmeem F Akhtar, Associate Professor, Department of English, Dibrugarh University, Professor Bishnu Charan Dash, Department of English, Assam University, Diphu Campus and Dr Arundhati Mahanta, former Head and Associate Professor of Assamese department, Gargaon College, on several significant aspects related to the definitions, inter-relations of regional literature along with the scope and methods of research of Northeast Indian Literature.

Narayan Konwar, Secretary, Higher Education Department, Government of Assam, too joined the meeting on the second day through virtual mode. In his address, he appreciated the endeavour taken by the college to organize the seminar. He also briefed on the responsibilities and initiatives which have to be taken up by the higher educational institutions under the NEP. Over 70 research scholars and academicians from various institutions presented their papers in the six plenary sessions held during the two-day national seminar.

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