National Seminar on Indigenous Literary Studies and Hegemonic Global Metanarratives organised at Jammu University

A one-day National Seminar on Indigenous Literary Studies and Hegemonic Global Metanarratives organised by the Department of English University of Jammu in collaboration with Prof. D.K. Rampal Memorial Trust was inaugurated in Brigadier Rajinder Singh Auditorium, University of Jammu by the prominent dignitaries of the University and Civil Society. 

Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University was the Chief Guest and Prof Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu presided over the function.  

In his inaugural address Prof Pragati Kumar congratulated the organisers for organising the Symposium in memory of a visionary, academician and administrator, Prof. D.K. Rampal, on a very pertinent and topical theme. In his exposition of the theme he spoke of the socio-political dynamics of the narratives in the context of global perceptions and the importance of contextualising our narratives in our own contemporary reality to reclaim our epistemological space in the global discourse. “Indigenous knowledge systems need modern interpretations and it is such academic deliberations that are essential for reclaiming our narratives” he added. He said that such discussions would orient the young students and scholars to study the indigenous systems and adapt them to the current socio-cultural scenario. 

  In his presidential address, Prof. Umesh Rai commended the Department of English and the Prof. D. K. Rampal Memorial Trust for organizing the symposium on such a vital topic. Prof. Rai described Prof. D.K. Rampal as a distinguished teacher and administrator whose contributions have made a lasting impact in the academic arena. Speaking on the theme he underscored the profound connection between individual's identity and their national and linguistic heritage and stressed the need for promoting indigenous discourses.  “Time has come for us to create our own narrative, moving away from the perspectives imposed by British historians and those who have followed their agenda”,  Prof Rai said and emphasized that each generation should write its own history, not only through literature but also by addressing societal challenges. “The theme of today's symposium is particularly significant, as it highlights the need to establish our own narratives instead of perpetuating those that serve colonial and politically motivated purposes”, he observed.

 Prof. Shravan Kumar, a renowned scholar in the field of Literary Studies, was the keynote speaker. In his address he quoted extensively from the traditional texts like the Mahabharata to explain how indigenous texts are an invaluable source of knowledge that can be harnessed for modern day solutions and sustainable development. He accentuated the fact that all indigenous knowledge systems promote a harmonious world view that is absolutely essential for the contemporary times. He said, “It is time to dig into our indigenous knowledge systems to formulate theories and use the west for data rather than vice-versa as is the case. This is the only way to formulate solutions that our grounded in our reality rather than importing them from the west”.  He further said that it is our own knowledge system that can bridge the deep chasm between humans and humanity that the current western materialism has caused.

Former Vice Chancellor of Jammu University and Executive Member, Prof. D.K Rampal Trust, Prof R.D Sharma also spoke on the occasion, and highlighted the vision and activities of the Trust since its inception. “The various academic and altruistic activities undertaken by the Trust align perfectly with the vision and ethics that late Prof D.K.Rampal emulated in his life and teaching”, he said.

Earlier the programme started with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the dignitaries followed by the formal welcome address by Prof. Sucheta Pathania, Head, Dept. of English, and Convener of the Seminar who also outlined the purpose and structure of the Seminar. 

Prof. Satnam Kour, former Head of English Department, proposed the vote of thanks. Prof Monika Chada introduced the Keynote speaker and Dr Garima Gupta conducted the proceedings.

Later in the day, in the plenary session, Prof. Sudhir Kumar from Punjab University, Chandigarh, Prof Ram Bhau Badode from the University of Bombay, Mumbai and Prof. Geetanjali Rana, Principal GDC, Ramgarh were the esteemed speakers who spoke on various aspects of the theme and emphasised the need to orient the academics and research to more indigenous topics and schools of thought. An insightful discussion with the students and scholars followed the presentations.