Location : College
The year 2024 marked a historic milestone in the world of Hindi literature as one of its most revered literary stalwarts, Padmashri Dr Ramdarash Mishra, completed a glorious hundred years. A name synonymous with poetic grace, philosophical depth, and cultural resonance, Dr Mishra has carved a niche for himself through decades of relentless literary contributions. Honoured with numerous national accolades and literary distinctions, he stands tall as a guiding force in contemporary Hindi literature.
To pay homage to this towering figure and to reflect on his expansive literary journey, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College organized a two-day International Seminar on 12 -13 November 2024, titled “Sahitya Ki Shati Upasthiti: Ramdarash Mishra.” The event was held under the aegis of the Department of Hindi and brought together a diverse constellation of writers, scholars, critics, and literature enthusiasts from across India and abroad. The seminar aimed not only to celebrate literary legacy of Ramdarash Mishra, but also to engage critically with the multiple dimensions of his thought-provoking oeuvre.
The inaugural session set the tone for an intellectually rich experience. Illustrious writer and Padma Shri awardee, Ramdarash Mishra, graced this historic occasion with his esteemed presence. The event was graced by distinguished guests, including the Former Union Education Minister of India, Mr. Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, who served as the Chief Guest. His address highlighted the spiritual and socio-cultural relevance of Ramdarash Mishra’s work in today’s world. Eminent literary personalities such as Mr. Surendra Sharma, Ms. Mamta Kaliya, Prof Jitendra Shrivastava, Prof. Ramdev Shukla and several other renowned scholars offered their insights into the poetic and narrative landscapes crafted by Mishra Ji.College Chairman S.Tarlochan Singh and principal Prof. Gurmhinder Singh underlined the historic importance of this event.
Day One was devoted to four comprehensive academic sessions, each delving into a unique aspect of Dr Mishra's writings. The sessions were titled:
1. Ramdarash Mishra ka Kavya-Lok
2. Ramdarash Mishra ke Sahitya Mein Stree
3. Mishra Ji ka Anudit Sahitya
4. Ramdarash Mishra ka Kathethar Gadya Sahitya
These sessions featured scholarly papers, interpretative discussions, and interactive dialogues. The exploration of gender dynamics in his works, the poetic universe he created, his contributions to translation literature, and his prose narratives were thoroughly examined by academicians and students alike. The environment was charged with intellectual fervor and genuine admiration for the depth and diversity of centenary writer’s writings. Day Two unfolded with equal intensity and was marked by vibrant academic engagement. The focus shifted to paper presentations, which were conducted in hybrid mode—accommodating both in-person and virtual participants. Three parallel sessions were also held fostering a collaborative academic spirit.
The fifth and sixth academic sessions were dedicated to:
1. Ramdarash Mishra Ka Katha Sahitya
2. Ramdarash Mishra Ka Kavya: Geyata evam Chhand Vidhan
Participants presented research papers reflecting the evolution of Mishra Ji’s storytelling techniques and the lyrical and rhythmic aesthetics of his poetry. These sessions saw contributions from young scholars and seasoned critics, offering diverse perspectives and fresh interpretations. The seminar provided an encouraging platform for emerging voices to engage with the monumental legacy of Shri Ramdarash Mishra.
The event culminated with the Samapan Satra (Valedictory Session), where heartfelt tributes and reflections were shared by the organizing committee, participants, and invited dignitaries.
