PASIGHAT, Apr 16: The inaugural lecture of the Literary Luminaries Lecture Series was delivered by the celebrated poet and author, Mamang Dai at Arunachal Pradesh University (APU), Pasighat.
Organised by the Department of English, under the leadership of Dr Razzeko Delley, Associate Professor and Head, the lecture series envisions to facilitate lectures by and interaction with significant literary and cultural figures from the State and outside, to inculcate interest in literature and culture. It also aims to enrich the university’s academic environment by fostering intellectual exchange, fostering a deeper appreciation of literature and its role in shaping cultural discourse.
Mamang Dai, Padmashree awardee and Sahitya Academy Award winner, spoke on the theme ‘Literary and Cultural Traditions of Arunachal Pradesh’. She delved on the deep interconnection between oral traditions, indigenous identity, and the natural landscape of Arunachal Pradesh. Drawing on her own literary works, she offered insights into the evolving nature of regional literature and its place within the broader framework of Indian Writing in English. She also emphasized the significance of storytelling as a living tradition and reflected on how indigenous narratives preserve cultural memory and community values.
The event was attended by the Registrar Narmi Darang, Controller of Examinations, Dr Monshi Tayeng, Dean Academic Affairs Prof P C Jena, Dean Student Affairs Dr Eli Doye, Dr Abani Doley, HoD English (Jawaharlal Nehru College), and other Heads of Departments, faculty members, admin officers & staff, scholars, and students of APU.
The lecture was followed by an interactive session with the audience. This was followed by readings of three of Mamang Dai’s poems by the students from the Dept of English. Following this, there were readings of self-composed poems by the students of the university.
The Controller of Examination addressed the gathering following this wherein he appreciated the speaker’s presence and encouraged the department to organize more of such events.
The Registrar delved on the importance of fostering literary events and also stressed the significance of such an important literary and cultural figure gracing the occasion. (DIPRO)