Central University of Jammu Hosts Two-Day National Seminar on Vanvil K. Ravi’s Creative World

Jammu, 31 August 2024: Under the joint aegis of the Hindi and Other Indian Languages, Department of Central University of Jammu and the Tamil Cultural Research Center, Palakkadu, Kerala, a two-day national seminar titled “Vanvil K. Ravi’s Creative World and Indian Languages” was inaugurated recently. The event took place under the esteemed guidance of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Central University of Jammu, Prof. Sanjeev Jain.

The seminar was graced by renowned poet, litterateur, and senior advocate Vanvil K. Ravi, who served as the chief guest. In his opening address, Ravi eloquently described poetry as a spontaneous expression of the heart, likening it to a flower surrendering its fragrance to the air. He emphasized that in a multilingual country like India, literature serves as a unifying thread that binds diverse cultures. Reflecting on his own journey from Tamil Nadu to Jammu, Ravi highlighted how poetry transcends geographical boundaries and personal identity.

Prof. Yashwant Singh, Registrar Central University of Jammu, extended congratulations to the Hindi and Other Indian Languages Department for bridging the North-South divide through this seminar. He also expressed gratitude to the Tamil Cultural Research Center, Palakkadu, and commended Vanvil K. Ravi for his outstanding literary contributions. Prof. Yashwant, also noted that efforts would continue to connect South Indian languages, including Tamil, through future university programs, acknowledging the Chancellor’s connection to Tamil heritage.

Dean of Languages, Prof. Vandana Sharma, highlighted the significance of literature in life and touched upon the profound emotions expressed in Vanvil K. Ravi’s poetry. The seminar commenced with the lighting of lamps, followed by Saraswati Vandana and Tamil songs performed by students.

The Head of the Department and Director of the seminar, Prof. Bharat Bhushan, formally welcomed the attendees. Mementoes were presented to poet Vanvil K. Ravi and the Coordinator of the Tamil Cultural Center, P.S. Raja, along with symposium proposer Dr. Amit Kushwah, Assistant Professor at Punjab Central University. In return, the Tamil Cultural Center honored several key figures, including Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. Sanjeev Jain, Registrar Prof. Yashwant Singh, Dean Prof. Vandana Sharma, and other distinguished guests.

The program was conducted by Dr. Vandana Sharma, Assistant Professor of the Department, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Associate Professor Dr. Shashikant Mishra. The first day of the seminar concluded with a session presided over by Prof. Neelam Saraf, Acharya of the Hindi Department (Retired), University of Jammu.

Special speakers, including Dr. Amit Kushwaha, Dr. Bharat Bhushan Sharma, Dr. Amita Gupta, and research scholars from Punjab Central University and Central University of Jammu, presented their papers. The day concluded with the national anthem.