46th International Literary Conference Begins in Janakpur Focusing on Ramayana's Cultural Significance

Janakpur. The 46th International Literary Conference has commenced in Janakpurdham. Organized by the Nepal Literary Association (LYAN) in collaboration with Rajarshi Janak University, the conference, starting today, is centered on the theme 'Ramayana: Intercultural Narrative, Ethical Dialogue, and Living Tradition'.

Inaugurating the conference, Vice-Chancellor of Rajarshi Janak University, Prof. Dr. Amar Prasad Yadav, stated that the conference would be fruitful in disseminating the message of the Ramayana, a religious scripture that establishes crucial foundations for human life's moral values, social harmony, and cultural unity.

He mentioned that the themes, stories, and messages of the Ramayana remain highly relevant in today's modern society and expressed confidence that this conference would play a role in further strengthening knowledge exchange and research.

At the event, Patron of the Nepal Literary Association Prof. Dr. Shridhar Prasad Lohani, Prof. Dr. Shridhar Gautam, Dean Dr. Binod Sah, Prof. Dr. Laxman Ganwali, Dr. Khum Prasad Sharma, and Director of the Rajarshi Janak Study-Research Center Prof. Dr. Ram Khelawan Sah, among others, shared their views on the importance of the Ramayana.

They highlighted that the Ramayana serves as a bridge connecting various cultures, noting that its study can promote intercultural understanding, coexistence, and moral values.

Prof. Dr. Krishnachandra Sharma presented a working paper titled 'Ramayana Tradition in South Asia,' analyzing various versions, traditions, and the regional impact of the Ramayana. He shed light on the diverse forms and cultural influences of the Ramayana in different South Asian countries and stressed the necessity of preserving its living tradition.

The Chairman of the program and Registrar of the University, Associate Professor Satyanarayan Sah, stated that the conference would further solidify academic research, literary discourse, and cultural understanding. He added that such international programs would help establish Nepal as a center for knowledge and culture.

Researchers, litterateurs, and cultural experts from various countries, including Nepal, India, Bangladesh, China, and Germany, are participating in the conference, which will run until Sunday.