Conversation With Poet Sudeep Sen Marks Commencement Of 5-Day CBP On Poetry, Pedagogy And Profession At RGNUL
LIVELAW NEWS NETWORK
22 Aug 2022 5:17 AM GMT
5-day International Capacity Building Program (CBP) on "Poetry, Pedagogy and Profession: Understanding Rhyme and Reason across Cultures" commenced at Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab on 20th August 2022. This unique program has been organized with the objective to promote reading, writing, teaching of poetry and to implement NEP 2020 mandate regarding building of competencies. The event is an endeavour of Public Relations and Department of English, RGNUL, Punjab in collaboration with Mary Immaculate College (MIC), University of Limerick, Ireland, Intercultural Poetry and Performance Library (IPPL), Kolkata, State Bank of India, Patiala and Manipal University, Jaipur. Mr Sudeep Sen, internationally acclaimed poet and contemporary voice of Indian Poetry, was the resource person for the inaugural session. Prof Eugene O' Brien, Director, Mary Immaculate Institute of Irish Studies; Prof. Sanjukta Dasgupta, Convenor, Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi; Dr Anjana Neira Dev, Gargi College, Delhi and Dr Basudhara Roy, Karim City College, Jamshedpur were resource persons for the first technical session. Prof. G.S. Bajpai, Vice-Chancellor, RGNUL welcomed the guests on the occasion. Citing Dylan Thomas, Prof. Bajpai remarked,"A good poem is a contribution to reality. It helps to change the shape of universe." While addressing academicians, researchers, students and professionals, he observed that poetry immensely maximized talent and critical abilities. Voicing concern regarding artificial intelligence and impact of new technologies, Prof. Bajpai said that the knack of interpreting poetry and understanding complex issues can fortify competencies.
Mr.Sudeep Sen read poems from his books, Anthropocene:Climate Change,Contagion and Consolation and Fractals. In a conversation with Dr Navleen Multani, Assistant Professor in English and PRO, RGNUL and Dr Jhilam Chattaraj, Assistant Professor, RBVRR Women's College Hyderabad, poet Sudeep Sen spoke about creative process, artistic defamiliarization and language usage. Sen also referred to his recently edited anthology Converse and contemplated on Indian writings. While responding to question regarding challenges in writing poems on social and cultural issues, Mr Sudeep Sen alluded to poet's subtle blurring of semiotic boundaries that explore promises, perils and create an alternative discourse. He also delved into the kind of poetry prominently figuring on Facebook in the present times.
Prof. Eugene O' Brien delivered a discourse on "Poetic Thinking: Towards an Understanding of Language of the Unconscious" during the first technical session. "Poetic thinking is all about knowledge and truth. Poetry accesses the realm of repressed emotions, unconscious desires and prejudices," observed Prof. Brien. Elucidating the conceptualizations of Martin Heidegger, Jacques Derrida, Deleuze and Guattari, Prof. Eugene O' Brien said, "Poetry deconstructs binaries, allows interaction of rational/irrational and makes space for philosophy." Prof. Brien focused on the poetry of Seamus Heaney. Prof. Sanjukta Dasgupta deliberated on poetry as a learning experience. Dr. Anjana Neira Dev, Dr. Navleen Multani and Dr. Basudhara Roy responded to the presentations.
Prof. Anand Pawar, Registrar, RGNUL; Mr Amanjot Singh, Branch Manager SBI; Dr Sidharth Dahiya, Deputy Registrar; Prof Naresh Kumar Vats, Dean Academics, faculty members, research scholars, research associates, students, and academicians from various institutes were also present during the deliberations. Dr Navleen Multani, Coordinator, extended a vote of thanks.
