SHUBHANGI SHIFA
Ranchi, Aug 26: A two-day seminar titled ‘Eco Criticism’ was organised at the Ranchi Women’s College on the subject of literature and environment. The Chief Patron cum Chief Guest of the seminar on topics like environment, ecology and its relation with literature and conservation was Ranchi University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Ajit Kumar Sinha.
In this seminar, apart from the professors of Ranchi University, professors from other universities and states took part and expressed their views on the relationship of nature and literature, the human beings playing with the ecology and the environment and suggestions for its conservation.
Vice Chancellor Prof Sinha in his address said, “We have mistreated nature a lot and have also harmed it. If we look at the population, we will find that we have been acquiring knowledge from generation to generation, but due to the destruction of the environment and ecology, the passing of literature, culture and knowledge to the next generation also stops.”
He further added, “Earlier, due to the denseness of the Saranda forest, people used to go by lighting torches even in the afternoon of June, however, now people go through it in cars. Hotels are also being built at an altitude of 7000 feet.” He said that being associated with the field of Tasar, he has had an affinity with nature and environment.
Dr Kalidas Mishra, Professor of Sambalpur University, Orissa, talked of the relation of human beings with nature through the quotes of Vedas and Upanishads. He further cited the example of the love and protection of nature of Western writers and said that today humans are playing with nature more in the modern era.
Professor Dr Apoorva Saha, SBK University, Purulia through her data and research, talked of how the destruction of environment and ecology leads to the extinction of literature and language. She said that due to the destruction of forests, rivers, mountains, the original inhabitants of the place are displaced and with that displacement, the knowledge, language, literature and culture of the people there also gradually ends. Dr Saha said that 219 languages have become completely extinct and 197 Indian languages are on the verge of extinction due to the destruction of nature.
Renowned filmmaker and Professor of English at Central University, Dr B K Sinha expressing his views said that environment, nature, man, and literature are intertwined. “We all have dependence on nature and ecology. This is the reason why we worship trees, rivers, hills, forests and animals. Even the subjects of our education are basically environment based. Anthropology, history, geography all subjects are related to environment and nature,” he added.
Dr G S Jha, Head and Dean, Department of English, Ranchi University said, “In our country, religion and living also give the message of love and protection of nature. The word peace is also given prominence in our mantras. Although conservation and peace seem difficult in the modern era, we have to find a solution by communicating with nature and ourselves. A dialogue with nature solves many problems by itself.” He further said that humans have to come out of the thinking of ‘Eko Aham Dwityonasti’.
Samsun Nehar, Principal of Women’s College; Dr Seema Prasad, Professor of the Department of English; Dr Smriti Singh, Deputy Director of Vocational, RU; Dr Vishnu Charan Mahato, Deputy Director, School of Mass Communication; Coordinator Dr D K Sahai, Dr Panchanan Mahato, other professors of Ranchi University and several students of Women’s College were present.
