The Department of English, School of Comparative Tribal Languages and Literatures (SCTLL), in collaboration with the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), KISS-DU observed English Day on 23rd April 2026. Professor Prafulla Mohanty, Kendriya Sahitya Akademi awardee and former Principal of Ravenshaw Autonomous College, Cuttack was invited as the Chief Guest.
Dr. Chittaranjan Bhoi, Dean, SCTLL in his welcome address presented a brief profile of the University and introduced the Chief Guest. Speaking on the occasion, Professor Mohanty shared insights on Shakespearean tragedy and drew connections with Dharma, Artha and Kama. He threw light on the key aspects of a Shakespearean tragedy. Quoting from The Tempest “We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep”, the distinguished invited speaker reflected on the transient nature of human existence. Drawing further reference from King Lear, he illustrated how the abuse of power operates, remarking that the very act of misusing authority is often what is perceived as power. Professor Mohanty’s deliberation was followed by question and answer session.
Earlier, a Quiz Competition was also organized to mark the Birth Anniversary of Shakespeare. At the Prize Distribution Ceremony, Ashwinikanta Singh (PG I) was honored with the first prize, Mousumi Pradhan (UG II) received the second prize, and Sonali Pradhan along with Kinilata Pradhan (UG II) were jointly felicitated for securing third place. The program also featured recitations of Shakespeare’s writings especially Sonnet 118 by Sandhya Madangi, Sonnet 154 by Sahadev Sabar, along with a monologue from As You Like It performed by Niranjana Lakra, a research scholar of the Department of English.
While proposing the Vote of Thanks, Dr. Ratnaprava Parija, Head, Department of English, SCTLL expressed her gratitude to the invited speaker for sharing his insights, faculty members, scholars and students. She also thanked the organizing team who had played a seminal role in making this event a success.
