PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE HELD ON 15-16 June 2019

“Rethinking Mahatma Gandhi: The Statesman, The Writer & Gandhian Writings in Indian Literature”

DAY 1: 15 June 2019

The Researchers’ Association, Odisha organised a two day National Conference on the topic mentioned above at Hotel Akbari, Cuttack on 15-16 June 2019. Professor Rupin W. Desai, former Professor of English, Delhi University, Delhi inaugrated the the conference by lighting the lamp on 15 June 2019 at 10:30 AM. Professor Bijay Kumar Das introduced the theme of the conference. Professor Desai gave the remarks, Professor Desai, Acharya Bhabananda, the Gandhian Thinker, Professor Bijay Kumar Das, Professor Mohan Ramanan, Professor B. Parvathi, Prof. Amitava Roy, Prof. J.N. Patnaik, Prof. D.P. Patnaik and Prof. Ashok Kumar Mohanty launched the Mahatma Gandhi Souvenir at 12 Noon. Dr. Sonali Das compered the programme.

Acharya Bhabananda spoke on the importance of Gandhi as a thinker and his influences on the people in India and abroad. Prof. Bijay Kumar Das delivered a plenary lecture titled "What does Gandhi mean to us in the Twenty First Century?". The session was chaired by Mohan Ramanan.

The highligt of the pre-launch session was the launch of Professor Bijay Kumar Das's book, (ed) "Professional Lives of Ten Illustrious Teachers of English" by Prof. R.W. Desai in the presence of Prof. Mohan Ramanan, Prof. B. Parvathi and Prof. Amitava Roy.

In the post launch session Prof. Mohan Ramanan delivered a plenary lecture titled "Reflections on Gandhi". The session was chaired by Prof. J.N. Patnaik.

The highlight of the afternoon session was Professor M.Q. Khan Memorial Lecture delivered by Professor Rupin W. Desai under the caption, "The Politics of W.B. Yeasts and Rudyard Kipling: Comparisons and Contrasts between Two Outstanding Authors Born in 1865." Prof. C.R. Visweswara Rao, former Vice Chancellor, Vikram Simhapuri University, (AP), recollected his memories of Professor M.Q. Khan. Dr. Pravat Kumar Mishra introduced Professor Desai. Prof. Bijay Kumar Das Chaired the Session and Prof. Ashok Kumar Mohanty Proposed a Vote of Thanks.

In the evening there was the Odishi Dance under the cultural programme. Prof. B. Parvathi, Andhra University was the Cheif-Guest and Dr. Bilkesh Parveen compered the programme.

DAY 2: 16th June 2019

Dr. Sonali Das, Dr. Dolan Roy, Ms. Pratima Das, Dr. Santosh K. Padhy, Dr. Rajendra Kumar, Dr. Braja Kishore Shaoo, Mr. Laxmidhar Panda and Mr. S. Sahoo presented their paper in various Paper Reading Sessions. Professor Ashok Kumar Mohanty, Mr. Laxmidhar Panda and Professor Mohan Ramanan chaired the Sessions.

Prof. Bijay Kumar Das conducted "Workshop on Mahatma Gandhi" at 2:30 PM.

The hilight of the day was the Lifetime Achievement Award given to an extra-ordinary Teacher and Editor of an International Journal, Hamlet Studies,

Professor Rupin W. Desai, former Professor and Head of The Department of English, Delhi University in recognition of his contribution to English studies in India. Professor C.R. Visweswara Rao, the Jury Member gave away the Konark Chakra to Professor Desai and Dr. Sonali Das read out the Memento.

Professor Bijay Kumar Das Chaired the Award giving Session and Professor Ashok Kumar Mohanty proposed a Vote of Thanks.

The two day National Conference was co-ordinated by Dr. Pravat Kumar Mishra, Dr. Jnan Ranjan Padhy, Dr. Bilkesh Parveen, Dr. Premalata Rout, Dr. Ipsita Nayak and Dr. Sonali Das. Professor Amitava Roy and Professor C.R.V Rao gave away the Participation Certificates to the deligates. Dr. Pravat Kumar Mishra proposed a Vote of Thanks.