National Webinar on ‘Literature as Sahitya: An Indian Perspective’
REPORT
Department of English, G.M.N. College, Ambala Cantt. organized a National Webinar on
‘Literature as Sahitya: An Indian Perspective’ on Jan. 11, 2021. More than 120 participants
comprising of distinguished faculty members, scholars and students from various Colleges
and Universities all over India participated in the Webinar.The webinar aimed at initiating a
dialogue among reputed scholars, faculty and students to explore newer meanings of Sahitya
and the way it is interpreted in the perennial stream of Indian tradition or Parampara. The
Keynote speaker of the webinar was Dr. Ashok Chaudhary, Principal M.N. College, Shahbad.
The Resource Person of the webinar was Dr. Ashima Shrawan, Assistant Professor, Shri
Bhagwandas Adarsh Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, Haridwar.
The event started with an inaugural address by Dr. Raj Pal Singh, Principal, G.M.N. College,
Ambala Cantt. He extended his warm welcome to the Keynote speaker, Resource Person and
the participants of the webinar. He highlighted the progress of the college in academics,
sports and cultural activities in the past decades. He also emphasized on the upgradation of
infrastructure and the use of modern technologies in teaching learning in the college. He
congratulated the Department of English for organizing the Webinar and appealed to the
entire faculty, students and other stakeholders to work collectively to take the college to
newer heights of success.
In his Keynote address, Dr. Ashok Chaudhary appreciated the efforts of Dr. R.P. Singh, and
the English Dept. of G.M.N. College for organizing such an illuminating and eventful
Webinar. He shared his insight on ‘Literature as Sahitya: An Indian Perspective.’ He
interpreted Sahitya as something which denotes togetherness, commonality, putting things
together. He gave the reference of Bharatmuni’s Natyashastra according to which Literature
deals with eternal truths of man.
Resource Person, Dr. Ashima Shrawan, enlightened the participants with her deep knowledge
and research on Indian aesthetics and theories and classical Indian literature. She defined
Sahitya as something which deals with the welfare of all. According to her, literature is a
medium for union of people across nations, caste, class etc. She discussed about Bhartrihari’s
Vakyapadiya and the relevance of Indian aesthetics in offering a comprehensive way of life.
She shed light on Kavyaprakash, Alankara and Theory of Rasa. Her reflections on Indian
aesthetics and theory were enriching for the participants. She extended her thanks to the
Principal and the Department of English, G.M.N. College for organizing such an insightful
webinar on Literature.
The session was concluded by a vote of thanks from Ms. Kamlesh, Assistant Professor,
G.M.N. College. She expressed gratitude to the Keynote speaker and the Resource Person for
giving their precious time for the Webinar and sharing their insights on the theme of the
Webinar. She also expressed her thanks to the Principal, Dr. R.P. Singh for giving his
valuable time, support and blessings. The Webinar was convened by Dr. Anju Jain, Vice-
Principal and HoD, English Dept. and Dr. Nishtha, Assistant Professor. Dr. Anshu
Chaudhary, Assistant Professor, was the Co-Convener of the webinar. Dr. Jyoti Sorout,
Assistant Professor was the Organizing Secretary. Organizing Committee comprised of Dr.
Amit, Ms. Kamlesh, Dr. Saroj, Mr. Shyam Raheja.
