2nd National Symposium on “Popular Literature in Cinema” Successfully Inaugurated at ASBM University
Bhubaneswar, March 8, 2025: The ASBM Centre for Theatre and Film in Education, in collaboration with ASBM School of Liberal Arts, successfully hosted the 2nd National Symposium on “Popular Literature in Cinema: Challenges & Triumphs in Literary Films” at the Central Auditorium of ASBM University. The symposium was inaugurated by the honourable Founder and President of ASBM University, Prof. Biswajeet Pattnayak.
The grand inaugural session was graced by eminent personalities from the world of academia, literature, and cinema. Notable among them were Prof. Surjya Kumar Misra, Former Dean, BPUT & Film Director; Prof. Mrinal Chatterjee, Eminent Writer, Journalist & Director, IIMC Dhenkanal; and Shri Susant Misra, National Award-winning Actor & Film Director.
The event commenced with a floral welcome for the esteemed guests, followed by a soul-stirring performance of Bharat Geetika – An Ode to Mother India. The symposium was formally inaugurated shortly thereafter. Dr. Ananya Dash, Convenor, introduced the dignitaries, setting the stage for an intellectually enriching discussion.
In his Welcome Address, Prof. Ranjan Kumar Bal, Vice-Chancellor of ASBM University, extended heartfelt gratitude to the distinguished guests and attendees, emphasizing the university’s commitment to fostering dialogue on cinema and literature.
Prof. Kalyan Shankar Ray, Vice-President, ASBM University, provided a prelude to the symposium, highlighting the importance of literary adaptations in films and their cultural significance. He shed light on several works of art in literature that have been adapted into movies and expressed that those are epic creations, powerful enough to teach the mystery of life.
The session featured engaging addresses from the Guests of Eminence, each sharing their insights on the intricate relationship between literature and cinema:
- Prof. Surjya Kumar Misra discussed the evolution of literary films and their impact on Indian cinema.
- Shri Susant Misra reflected on the challenges filmmakers face in adapting literature into compelling cinematic experiences.
- Prof. Mrinal Chatterjee delved into the role of journalism and literature in shaping cinema narratives. He also added that literature is the main provider in all eras and cinema is its child. An author plays a pivotal role in creating imagery. The challenges in creating literature and making films were also dealt with analytically in this seminar.
The Presidential Address was delivered by Prof. Biswajeet Pattanayak, Founder & President of ASBM University, who lauded the symposium’s theme and its role in fostering interdisciplinary discussions. He deeply delineated the beauty of literature and cinema and how they contribute together to fruitful productions for human life and existence. He emphasized that literature and cinema never fail to impart knowledge, influencing every human mind in the universe by evoking emotions that give birth to many lofty works of art.
The inaugural session concluded with the presentation of mementos to the esteemed guests, followed by a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Swagat Patel, Co-Convenor.
In the afternoon, one physical and one online plenary session were organized, where 68 research scholars from different universities and colleges presented their research papers. Prof. Surjya Kumar Misra, Prof. Mrinal Chatterjee, Prof. V. Bijay Kumar, and Prof. Manmath Nath Samantaray joined as Chair and Co-Chair, respectively, in these two sessions.
Prof. Phalgu Niranjana, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Prof. Smaraki Pattanayak, Principal Director, Deans and Heads of the Schools, teachers, and professors, along with the delegates and students, participated in the programme.