Objectives:
The key objectives of the seminar were:
A) To explore how literary and cultural expressions in the Northeast celebrates the interconnection between man and nature from nuanced and fuller perspectives.
B) To explore the imagination of place and place-attachment in literature and culture of the North East
C) To explore the use of hills, rivers, forests, tress, birds, animals etc. as a theme/ metaphor in literature and culture of the North East.
D) To facilitate a resourceful discussion on environmental issues such as climate change, deforestation, disappearance of flora and fauna, pollution, big dams, man-animal conflict etc. and their representation in art, culture, newspapers, and popular media
E) To re-visit the representation of nature and environment in folklore, folktales, folksongs and folk art of the region
F) To offer an academic platform for the Historical exploration of environmental issues in the region etc.
Description: The inaugural session of the seminar started with the illumination of the ceremonial lamp by Dr. Swadhinata Mahanta, President of the College Governing Body at 10: 00 AM of 30th December, 2024. After the singing of the College anthem and a brief introduction of the resource persons to the audience Dr. Dharmendra Kumar Baruah, convenor of the seminar stated the rationale and objectives of the seminar. After felicitation of the guests, Mrs. Rita Saikia Dutta, Vice- Principal of Tezpur College and chairperson of the inaugural session of the seminar welcomed the guests and participants with a speech. It was followed by the keynote address by Dr. Sanjib Sahoo, Associate Professor of English, Tezpur University. Dr. Sahoo not only re-emphasized the centrality of literary narratives in creating and sustaining a renewed sense of environmental consciousness but also in the role of eco-translation, eco-poetry and eco-linguistics in fostering new ecological awareness in the planet.
The first technical session of the seminar began at 11: 20 AM of 30th December, 2024 and it was chaired by Dr. Sanjib Sahoo, Associate Professor of English, Tezpur University. Altogether 10 participants presented their papers in it. The second technical session held between 1:30 PM and 2: 45 PM in which seven participants from across the country presented their papers was chaired by Dr. Sanjib Kumar Borkakoti, Formerly Associate Professor of Economics, ADP College Nagaon and noted scholar of Srimanta Sankaradeva Studies.
The third technical session of Seminar began with felicitation of Mrs. Rupali Daimari, Associate Professor, Dept. of History, Tezpur College and the chairperson of the technical session. In her brief address Mrs. Daimari highlighted the need of renewing our environmental sensibilities and shift towards a more caring approach while using natural resource. After a brief valedictory session the National seminar came to an end with the offering of vote of thanks by Dr. Dharmendra Kumar Baruah, Assistant Professor of English, Tezpur College and convenor of the seminar.
Outcome: The seminar successfully brought together many useful views on the creation and sustenance of feelings/ imaginations and narratives of eco-friendly/ green ideas and practices at multiple levels. It significantly helped fostering and proliferating a sense of belonging, solidarity and loyalty to nature/ environment among the stakeholders and the students at large.
No of Student present: 50
No of Faculty present: 45
No of Participants: 60
