Development of Human Civilization Through the Inclusive Concept of Cultures: Sitanshu Yashchandra

KAPADVANJ | "The development of human civilization is possible only through the inclusive concept of cultures. Cultural segregation only increases humanity’s internal conflicts. The role of education and literature is to eliminate this segregation and create a conducive environment for the development of human civilization," said renowned literary figure Padma Shri Sitanshu Yashchandra on Saturday. He expressed these views as the Chief Guest at the inaugural session of the International Conference organized by the Rajasthan Association for Studies in English at Shah K.S. Arts and V.M. Parekh Commerce College, operated by Kapadvanj Kelvani Mandal. 

He further stated that the Rajasthan Association holding the conference in Gujarat itself serves as an example of cultural inclusion. Dr. Kanji Bhai Patel, a renowned Gujarati poet and major scholar of tribal literature, was the special guest at the event. He emphasized that the current world is so entangled in mutual conflicts that preserving human emotions has become increasingly difficult. He also pointed out that cultural purism is a misleading concept. 

At the beginning of the event, Dr. Gopal Sharma, Principal of the college, welcomed all the guests. Dr. Khushwant Singh Kang, General Secretary of the Rajasthan Association for Studies in English, presented the annual report of the organization, mentioning that the association has 306 lifetime members. He also announced the launch of a student wing within the association and shared that a committee led by Dr. Gautam Sharma would be formed to plan its expansion. 

During the opening session, Prof. Hemendra Singh Chandaliya, Vice-President of the association, spoke on the theme and mentioned that the conference would discuss various aspects of cultural conflicts and inclusion in English literature written about western India, as well as translated literature in English from other Indian languages. The inauguration also saw the release of several publications, including the Rajasthan Association's journal, the conference memento, and books such as "English Studies in Contemporary Era," edited by Dr. Sumer Singh, "Coming of Age" by Palash Sharma, and "When the Seeds Would Sprout," a collection of English poems by Prof. Hemendra Singh Chandaliya.

The conference also featured addresses from Dr. Geraldine Sinyee, a poet and writer from the African country of Cameroon, and Dr. Mahzabeen Sadrivala from Saudi Arabia. The event was hosted by the organizing secretary, Prof. Ambresh Panda, and thanked by Professor Shane Desai from the English department. 

**Main Speaker's Address**

Prof. Santosh Das from Arts and Commerce College, Savli, highlighted that while Eastern and Southern India are recognized as cultural units, Western India lacks such recognition. He pointed out that this conference would be the first to bring Western India into the academic discourse as a cultural unit.

A special lecture was delivered by Dr. S.N. Ayyar, Principal of Arts and Commerce College, Wadaj, Ahmedabad, in memory of the late Prof. S.N. Joshi, former president of the association. He emphasized the importance of cultural diversity and building an inclusive society. 

**Conference Details and Further Sessions**

The two-day conference featured 86 research papers across 12 technical sessions. In addition, two special sessions were held, in which Dr. Khushwant Singh Kang and Kanan Prasad Chennai presented their papers. On the evening of the first day, a poetry session was organized, where renowned Gujarati poet Dr. Hitesh Joshi and Hindi poets Dr. Gautam Sharma, Dr. Gopal Sharma, Dr. Pramila Singhvi, and Dr. Hemendra Chandaliya presented their poems. This was followed by a vibrant cultural performance by the college students. 

**Closing Ceremony and Remarks**

At the closing ceremony, Dr. Harish H. Kundaliya, President of Kapadvanj Kelvani Mandal, said that this was the college's first international event, and it would inspire new energy among students and faculty. Prof. S.K. Singh, Associate Dean at OP Jindal University, Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, addressed the gathering as a special guest, mentioning that in a diverse country like India, cultural identity is a major political issue. He emphasized that the goal of literature is to promote harmony.

Dr. Parul Popat, Head of the English Department at Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar, presented examples of linguistic coordination. The closing address was given by Dr. Sem Kunniperampil, Principal of Arts and Commerce College, Mahmedabad, who discussed the crisis arising from excessive attachment to cultural identity markers in the contemporary world. He affirmed that only an inclusive approach can ensure lasting peace and harmony.

Prof. Ambresh Panda, the organizing secretary, presented the report of the two-day conference, and the program was conducted by Dr. Gautam Sharma. Dr. Shane Desai gave the vote of thanks. Conference participants, including Dr. Suman Shaili from Sambalpur, Odisha, and Dr. Subhash Kamalkar from Goa, shared their thoughts. Dr. Gopal Sharma, Principal of the college, expressed his gratitude to everyone for making the event a success.

The conference saw the participation of 125 delegates from Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and other states. Various technical sessions were chaired by distinguished scholars including Dr. Shivani Banerjee, Dr. J.K. Singh, Dr. Sumer Singh, Dr. Anand Dadhich, Dr. Hitesh Bhatt, Dr. Gopal Krishna Sukhwal, Prof. Kundan Mali, Dr. Khushpal Garg, Dr. Renuka Verma, Dr. Manoj Kumar, Dr. Kuldeep Singh Jadeja, Dr. Prasad Dagavle, Dr. Shankar Lal Dhodi, Dr. Kaushalkishore Sharma, Prof. Sunil Shah, Dr. Narendrapal Singh, Dr. Priyanka MG, and Dr. Chirag Aditya.