“University, universe and universal man are interrelated with each other and are indivisible. There is no difference between the common and the cosmic and the very purpose of the university is to unite everyone,” observed Governor and Chancellor of the FM University Prof Ganeshi Lal in his address on the occasion of 24th foundation day of the university on Monday.
He urged everyone to work for ending the existing inequalities and discrimination prevalent in the society and contribute towards building a “Swarnim Bharat”.
Appreciating the traditions and culture of Odisha, he said that since time immemorial, Odias are nature-lovers as reflected in the festivals such as Raja and Car Festival of Lord Jagannath.
Minister of Odia Language, Literature & Culture, Tourism Aswini Kumar Patra as guest of honour said the Fakir Mohan University and Fakir Mohan are the pride of every Odia. Everyone should work hard to make this university one of the best in the State and the world.
Local MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi described Fakir Mohan Senapati as one of the leading figures in the world of literature.
Eminent Indian author Perumal Murugan, referring to the positive values of literature, said “Where politics and religion divide humanity, it’s literature that only unites because literature has the ability to transcend all borders.” He stressed upon translating texts across Tamil and Odia languages for better literary transactions between the two States.
Murugan was conferred with the Fakir Mohan National Literary Award-2022 constituting of a cash award of Rs one lakh and one and a citation by the university.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Santosh Kumar Tripathy said the university is bracing for farmer-centric works laying emphasis on research on paddy, pies and betel which are extensively cultivated in Baleswar district.
Prof Munesh Chandra Adhikary gave the welcome address.
Several persons who excelled in various fields were felicitated. They included Mrutyunjay Mohapatra (scientist, Cyclone Man), Gajendra Prasad Sahu (artist) and Dr Dilip Behera (young writer).