NAGPUR: Indian literature thrives on principles of unity in diversity and the biggest example of it are our various religious scriptures. We don’t consider diversity and unity to be different. In fact, they are two sides of the same coin, said Indranath Choudhari, a noted thinker and professor of comparative studies at Delhi University, on Thursday. Choudhari was speaking at the inaugural function of the three-day international research seminar titled ‘Bharatiya Sahitya: Chintan aur chunotiyan’ at Guru Nanak Bhavan, Nagpur University campus, off Amravati Road. History and challenges of languages like Hindi, Sanskrit, Urdu, Marathi and English with context to Indian literature will be discussed at the seminar over the next two days. “Indian literature is inclusive of all. Western literature speaks about binary beliefs since it is not in its culture to have multiple scriptures. But the Indian system has always thrived on multiple belief systems and our scriptures speak for it,” he said. Choudhari said, “Our culture has taught us to ask questions and our literature is a compilation of all answers thus found. It is our culture to learn by asking questions as having discussions and arguments are part of upbringing.” Former HoD of Goa University Anand Patil, noted playwright Mahesh Elkunchwar, assistant professor at varsity Manoj Pandey, HoD of Lucknow University Suryaprasad Dixit and professor of Pashto and Urdu from Afghanistan AK Rashid were present. Elkunchwar, professor of playwriting at Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), spoke about the resemblance between 15/2/2019 ‘Unity, diversity are two sides of Indian literature’ – Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/unity-diversity-are-two-sides-of-indian-literature/articleshowprint/67999730.cms 2/2 playwriting and literature. “Playwriting is a craft that needs to be mastered and one has to learn how to create drama on paper. It has its own quintessential grammar and style without which the play will lose its essence. If it is good, the drama will be accounted as literature,” he said. Bumpy start to seminar Dignitaries were visibly miffed as the seminar started almost two hours behind schedule. Taking a note of this, Elkunchwar said, “I wanted to speak more about playwriting and its context with literature. But we have time constraints and I will refrain from talking since the programme began late.” Professor Dixit from Lucknow did not get a chance to deliver his speech for lack of time. To add to this, not a single international delegate turned up at the event that raised many an eyebrow.
TNN | Feb 15, 2019 t