We are delighted to invite you to the fourth session of the Indian Literature Lecture Series.

This insightful lecture titled “Eternal Echoes: Valmiki Ramayana’s Enduring Influence on Indian Literary Tradition” delivered by Dr. Rakesh Thakur, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India 

 Date & Time: 4 November 2024, 2:00
 Location: Zoom

Join Zoom Meeting: Click here

Meeting ID: 840 9820 6467

Passcode: 048856

About the Lecture

The Valmiki Ramayana, an ancient Sanskrit epic, has profoundly shaped Indian literary tradition, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s cultural consciousness. Composed by Valmiki around 500 BCE, this foundational text weaves a rich narrative of duty, morality, and spiritual quest. Its impact on Indian literature is multifaceted: influencing vernacular retellings, inspiring regional adaptations, and informing artistic expressions. The Ramayana’s thematic concerns – dharma, karma, and bhakti – resonate throughout Indian thought, from classical works like the Mahabharata to modern literary endeavors. Through its exploration of human nature, social norms, and divine intervention, Valmiki’s masterpiece continues to inspire literary innovation, philosophical reflection, and cultural self-expression, cementing its status as a timeless cornerstone of Indian literary heritage. Its enduring legacy underscores the epic’s significance in shaping India’s literary identity.

Speaker Profile

Dr. Rakesh Thakur
Associate Professor, PG Govt. College, Punjab University, India

Dr. Rakesh Thakur is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Post Graduate Government College, Chandigarh. With over 25 years of teaching experience, he has significantly contributed to the academic community through his dedication to education and public service. Dr. Thakur completed his M.A., M.Phil., and Ph.D. in Sociology at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi.

His work extends beyond the classroom, having served as a Master Trainer for the Global Fund at PGIMER, Chandigarh, and as a consultant for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), contributing to the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” campaign. Dr. Thakur has been engaged with many social and cultural programs and acting as the State Nodal Officer for the All India Survey of Higher Education (AISHE) for Chandigarh Administration.

An active research guide, Dr. Thakur has mentored numerous Ph.D. scholars and continues to influence public policy and social research in India.