The Centre for Folklore Studies in collaboration with the Department of Odia, School of Comparative Tribal Languages and Literatures (SCTLL), KISS Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, organised a special programme to mark the observance of World Folklore Day on 22nd August 2025. The observance was designed to highlight the significance of folklore studies in the field of comparative literature, cultural documentation, and tribal language scholarship, while also encouraging active student and scholar participation.
The session commenced with the Inauguration of the Wall Magazine by the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, KISS-DU, which was made by the students. The wall magazine was envisioned as a creative platform for scholarly expression and representation of folklore traditions, blending both textual and visual narratives. It served as a tangible medium through which students articulated their engagement with culture, heritage, and oral traditions. Following this, Dr. Rasmita Tripathy, Centre Head & Head of the Department of Odia, SCTLL, KISS-DU, introduced the Centre for Folklore Studies. In her address, Dr. Tripathy highlighted the mission and objectives of the Centre, situating it as a specialised academic initiative that undertakes research, documentation, and dissemination of folklore knowledge systems, particularly tribal and regional oral traditions. She also emphasized the Centre’s interdisciplinary scope which facilitates deeper understanding of culture through comparative and critical approaches.
The Welcome Address was delivered by Professor Debashis Bandyopadhyay, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, KISS-DU. Professor Bandyopadhyay underlined the role of the university as a custodian of indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage while urging students and scholars to bridge traditional wisdom with contemporary academic frameworks. He encouraged the Centre and the Department to continue fostering a vibrant academic atmosphere through such observances.
The next segment featured Paper Presentations by Ph.D. Scholars of SCTLL. The presentations spanned diverse themes, offering insights into oral traditions, folk narratives, tribal epistemologies, and comparative folklore studies. This section demonstrated the research depth and scholarly engagement of young researchers at SCTLL, reaffirming the Department’s role as a hub of folklore research and documentation.
In a creative interlude, Students and Scholars recited self-composed and selected poems, many of which were inspired by folk culture, identity, and lived experiences. This part of the programme contributed to the cultural enrichment of the session, adding an emotive and artistic layer to the academic discussions. The literary-cum-academic deliberations were enriched further by remarks from Dr. Nibedita Mohanty, Senior Faculty, Department of Odia, SCTLL. Dr. Mohanty appreciated the organisational efforts and stressed on the importance of embedding folklore into both classroom pedagogy and larger cultural conversations. Her reflections also encouraged students to look at folklore not only as tradition but also as a living practice with contemporary relevance. Dr. Chittaranjan Bhoi, Dean, SCTLL, KISS-DU, joined the proceedings, encouraging faculty and students and underscoring institutional support for folklore studies.
The programme concluded with the Vote of Thanks proposed by Dr. Amulya Ratna Nanda, Assistant Professor, Department of Odia, SCTLL, KISS-DU. Dr. Nanda expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, faculty, scholars, and students whose active participation ensured the observance was meaningful and impactful.
Overall, the observance of World Folklore Day 2025 at KISS-DU was marked not only by academic rigour but also by cultural vibrancy, reaffirming the institution’s consistent commitment to preserving, promoting, and critically engaging with folklore traditions.
