Ranchi, Jharkhand | February | 12, 2018 :: Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Ranchi Regional Centre, and Ranchi University have organised a lecture on the topic ‘The Nation and its History: Indian Experiences and Interpretation’ by Prof. Evgeniya Vanina of Centre for Indian Studies, Institute of Oriental Studies, Moscow, Russia on 12 February 2018. The lecture was organised at Saheed Smriti Sabhaghar, Central Library Building, Morabadi, Ranchi at 3 pm. Prof. (Dr.) Ramesh Kumar Pandey, Vice Chancellor, Ranchi University graced the occasion as a Chief Guest. The lecture was presided over by Dr. I. K. Chaudhary, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Ranchi University.
Prof. Vanina is a well-known historian specialized in Medieval History. She is an exponent author has produced a number of books both in Russian and English namely. Her well known writings are “Ideas and Society in India, Sixteenth to Eighteenth Century’, ‘Urban Crafts and Craftsmen in Medieval India’, ‘Medieval Indian Mindscapes: Space, Time, Society, Man’ and many research papers on the medieval and colonial history of India.
The lecture by Prof. Vanina was dedicated to nation and its adjustments with its historical past. She spoke about how history plays the most crucial role when it comes to nation-building, as it serves as a consolidation base with a number of heroes and villains on which the majority agrees, with the events of the past that almost all people estimate in a similar way. India, as an ancient culture and, paradoxically, is a rather young nation and state, experienced many problems and conflicts in its encounters with its past. The country is heterogeneous with respect to its ethnicity, society, and culture and there are various interpretations of its history. She has brought to light how the diverse historical interpretations served the national unity.
Dr. I.K. Chaudhary expressed his pleasure for being a part of this lecture. He said, “The narration of Indian Ancient History has its roots in the age of Vedas. The Rig Veda has the indication of the word raashtra even before it came to any political usage.” He congratulated Prof. Vanina for conducting her research so religiously within India and spreading her interpretations through the lecture.
Dr. R.K Pandey applauded the efforts of Russia and highlighted on Russia’s contribution towards India. He was impressed by the speaker’s address in Hindi language.
Shri S.K Satpathy, Principal Secretary to the Hon’ble Governor of Jharkhand graced the occasion and was opined to be present on the same. He wished IGNCA, RRC best for the future and promised to be a part of such constructive lectures in future.
A large number of Professors, scholars, researchers, and students attended the lecture, asked the questions and presented their remarks on the subject. Dr. Bachchan Kumar, Regional Director, IGNCA, RRC welcome the speaker Prof. Evgeniya Vanina, the honoured guests andl the spectators who were present on the occasion.
