The Laxman Naik Research Chair in association with the School of Comparative Tribal Languages and Literatures celebrated the birth anniversary of the great freedom fighter Shaheed Laxman Naik on 22nd November 2022.
The celebration was graced by members of the Tribal Advisory Council (TAC), faculty members and research scholars of KISS-DU. Speaking on this occasion, in his welcome address Dr. Kanhu Charan Mahali, Director General, KISS-DU focused on the pivotal role played by KISS- DU in the field of remembering the great personalities of our state in different aspects. He went on to mention the life history of Shaheed Laxman Naik and the initiatives taken by KISS-DU to enhance tribal students of Odisha.
Throwing light on the great freedom fighter like Shaheed Laxman Naik, Dr. Sunaram Soren, Assistant Professor in Santali, KISS-DU inspired and motivated the students by sharing his life and the challenges faced by him during the course of his journey. He also gave stress on three important contributors of our lives – parents, teachers and great personalities. While concluding he encouraged the scholars to carry forward research on the life of such personalities.
Professor Harischandra Sahu, Chair Professor, Santha Kabi Bhima Bhoi Research Chair highlighted the life history of Shaheed Laxman Naik and his ideals in the freedom struggle and requested to follow the foot prints in order to take our nation to a next level.
Dr. Brahmananda Satpathy, Professor Emeritus, KISS-DU addressed the event and talked about various ways of drawing inspiration from Shaheed Laxman Naik. He also talked about his efforts bringing students of Malkangiri district of Odisha to the mainstream society. Moreover, he stated the role of Laxman Naik in his anti-colonial movement against the British and his nationalist ideology, thoughts and mission.
Speaking on the occasion, Professor Deepak Kumar Behera, Vice-Chancellor, KISS-DU talked about the contributions of Shaheed Laxman Naik towards the Adivasi community. Drawing reference from History, Professor Behera focused on the pivotal role played by freedom fighter Laxman Naik in the Satyagraha Movement and Congress National Movement. He also highlighted the hardships, challenges and struggles faced by Laxman Naik during his freedom movement. Professor Behera added that the Tribal Advisory Council (TAC) and the Professors of Practice have been constantly giving suggestions to promote and strengthen the tribal ethos of the University. He concluded his speech by suggesting that we must develop ‘We’ feelings in ourselves to elevate the levels of unity.
The research scholars of KISS-DU also shared their thoughts on the occasion. Research scholars Samita Murmu, Sukul Marndi and Gomeya threw light on the life history of Laxman Naik and requested others to get inspiration from this.
Dr. Rasmita Tripathy, Dean, School of Comparative Tribal Languages and Literatures offered Vote of Thanks. She expressed her gratitude to all those who were present and contributed in making the session a roaring success.
