Gonda: A seminar on “Contemporary Relevance of Tulsidas Literature” was organised at the Lalita Shastri Auditorium of Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Degree College, Gonda, to mark Tulsidas Jayanti. The programme featured noted Hindi scholar and former Head of the Department of Hindi, Prof Shailendra Nath Mishra, as the chief guest and keynote speaker.
Addressing the gathering, Prof Mishra described the Ramcharitmanas as a “constitution of human life” and discussed the global relevance of Tulsidas’s literary works. He also referred to differing views regarding the birth of Tulsidas and highlighted the importance of the Awadhi language and the role played by the Ramcharitmanas in its development.
Prof Mishra emphasised the importance of the older generation and the responsibilities of young people in contemporary society. He said the younger generation should study the Ramcharitmanas and other works of Tulsidas to strengthen values such as social unity, love, humanity, civility and ethical conduct. He also referred to various research works undertaken on Tulsidas literature.
Welcoming the guests and introducing the theme, Prof Jaishankar Tiwari, Head of the Hindi Department, discussed different views surrounding Tulsidas’s birth, life struggles and birthplace. He also examined the relevance of Tulsidas literature in the context of contemporary society, particularly the growing use of artificial intelligence, its potential benefits and its possible adverse effects. He stressed the importance of understanding life values through the Ramcharitmanas.
The programme was presided over by Acting Principal Prof Jitendra Singh, who spoke about the importance of Tulsidas literature in shaping youth consciousness. He highlighted the continuing relevance of the poet’s ideas and values for young people.
The programme began with Saraswati Vandana and a welcome song presented by students. Prof Shailendra Nath Mishra was welcomed with a bouquet, while Acting Principal Prof Jitendra Singh honoured him with a memento and commemorative plaque.
Prof Arvind Kumar Sharma, Head of the Department of Zoology, proposed the vote of thanks and urged students to use social media to share information about places associated with Tulsidas literature and make this cultural heritage more accessible to the wider public.
Pushkar Babu and Shubhi Pandey also shared their views on the literary contributions and contemporary significance of Tulsidas. The programme was conducted by Dr Mukta Tandon, while Dr Rekha Sharma, Head of the Department of Botany, brought the event to a close with the National Anthem.
The programme was attended by Shivakant Mishra Vidrohi, Surendra Singh Jhanjhat, Dr Rekha Sharma, Dr Mamta Shukla, Dr Harish Shukla, Shiv Poojan, Shravan, Krishna Mohan Tiwari, Pinky Shukla, Sufi Gondvi, Rambharos, Shankar Dayal and several other faculty members, along with hundreds of students.
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