A two-day national seminar on “Gender and Folk Culture” was organised by the School of Women’s Studies (SWS), Utkal University on March 26. The inaugural session was presided over by Utkal University PG Council Chairperson Prof Ranjan K Bal. Director SWS and convener Prof Sabita Acharya introduced the guests and explained the objectives of the seminar.
Keynote speaker Prof Chandrabhanu Pattanayak, Director, Institute of Knowledge Society, Centurian University, in his speech elaborated the etymological meaning of the word “folk”. It was followed by the deliberation of Dr Indrani Majumdar, Centre for Women’s Development Studies, New Delhi. She stressed upon the change in the focus of conceptualisation of folk culture from rural, characterized by no knowledge to urban, computer aided knowledge. Prof Indu Agnihotri, Director, CWDS, New Delhi, was the chief guest of the occasion. In her speech she focused on the different approach and methodology to look at folk culture.
Dr Mahendra Kumar Mishra, State Head of Elementary Education at ICICI Foundation for Inclusive Growth, Chhatishgarh, Raipur gave theoretical concept of folklore and history and development of folklore in Odisha. Odishi dance guru Dr Aruna Mohanty elaborated on the development of classical dance like Odissi. Prof Ranjan K Bal congratulated SWS for organizing the seminar and stressed upon the great heritage of tribal culture of Odisha as well as of the nation.
Dr Mamata Dash, faculty of SWS, coordinated the programme. The inaugural session was concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Prof Swarnamayee Tripathy.