School of Comparative Tribal Languages and Literatures Organizes Student Seminar

The Department of Odia, in collaboration with the Centre for Folklore Studies and the School of Comparative Tribal Languages and Literatures (SCTLL), KISS Deemed to be University, successfully organised a Student Seminar on 26th November 2025. The seminar aimed to promote academic dialogue on Odia folk literature, indigenous languages, and tribal representation, while providing a scholarly platform for research scholars. The programme commenced with a Welcome Address by Dr. Rasmita Tripathy, Associate Professor and Head, Department of Odia, SCTLL. In her address, she highlighted the significance of student-led academic engagements in strengthening research aptitude, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of folklore and indigenous literary traditions.

The first scholarly presentation was delivered by Mr. Ramesh Mandinga, Ph.D. Scholar, on the topic “Loka Sahitya Paramparare Desia Bhasha o Sahitya: Eka Adhyayana.” His paper critically examined the role of folk literature in preserving and nurturing indigenous languages and literary forms, emphasizing their relevance in contemporary cultural and academic contexts. The second presentation was delivered by Mr. Sanjit Kumar Kanhar, Ph.D. Scholar, on the topic “Gopinath Mohantinka Katha Sahityare Paraja o Kandha Sampradayara Chitra.” His presentation offered an insightful analysis of the representation of Paraja and Kandha tribal communities in the short stories of Gopinath Mohanty, highlighting literary realism, social consciousness, and ethnographic depth.

The seminar concluded with a Vote of Thanks proposed by Dr. Amulya Ratna Nanda, Assistant Professor, Department of Odia, SCTLL, who expressed gratitude to the speakers, organisers, and participants for their active involvement and scholarly contributions. Overall, the student seminar proved to be an intellectually enriching academic exercise that reinforced the commitment of the Department of Odia and the SCTLL towards promoting research, folklore studies, and indigenous knowledge systems within higher education.