A two-day National Seminar 'From Stone to Story' Begins at Fakir Mohan University
Balasore, 29 May (Krushna Kumar Mohanty) A two-day national seminar titled “From Stone to Story: Perspectives on Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Heritage” began today at Fakir Mohan University. Organized by the Department of History and Archaeology, the seminar was inaugurated in a session chaired by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Santosh Kumar Tripathy.
The event was formally inaugurated by Professor Byomakesh Tripathy, Vice-Chancellor of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU), Amarkantak. In his keynote address, he emphasized the need to re-examine the embedded narratives within India’s and Odisha’s rich heritage. He elaborated on the significance of reconstructing and conserving heritage through modern approaches, increasing public awareness, fostering interdisciplinary research, and building collaborative academic frameworks.
Joining as the chief speaker, Dr. Jeevan Kumar Pattnayak, a senior archaeologist from the Excavation Branch–IV of the Archaeological Survey of India, Bhubaneswar, delivered an insightful presentation on India’s archaeological wealth. He critically examined the workings of the ASI, relevant heritage laws, and issues concerning tangible heritage, while urging for more rigorous analysis and documentation.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Santosh Kumar Tripathy, in his presidential address, reflected on the imperative to safeguard both the visible and intangible dimensions of Odisha’s and India’s cultural history. He stressed the importance of accurate documentation of historical narratives and highlighted the shared responsibility in protecting heritage for future generations.
Professor Bhaskar Behera, Chairperson of the Postgraduate Council, discussed the university’s vital role in cultural preservation. He emphasized how academic platforms such as this seminar contribute meaningfully to heritage discourse and awareness.
The seminar was convened by Dr. Pabitramohan Nayak, who delivered the welcome address and introduced the guests. Co-convener Dr. Shikhashree Ray presented the seminar’s objectives, its academic relevance, and the key areas of focus in her introductory remarks.
The seminar unfolds a rich and diverse academic discourse encompassing themes such as ancient heritage, archaeology, iconography, architecture, and indigenous art. It also delves into linguistic traditions, medieval social customs, religious narratives, feudal structures, and manuscript culture. Further sessions are examining colonial legacies within modern heritage, post-independence narratives, artistic evolution, and the intersection of diaspora and nationalism. Oral traditions and the impact of globalization on cultural memory are also being explored, alongside discussions on archival practices, heritage resilience during conflict and disaster, and the urgent need to conserve digital and virtual heritage in the contemporary age.
The program was conducted by Dr. Rajashree Dutta, while Dr. Akash Mallik extended the vote of thanks, bringing the inaugural session to a close.
