Date: September, 2001

PRESS RELEASE

"The Center for Indic Studies at UMass Dartmouth inaugural Oct 1 and 6, commemorating the birth of Mahatma Gandhi"

The formal inauguration of the Center for Indic Studies at the Universityof Massachusetts Dartmouth will be held October 6 to coincide with the week of Mahatma Gandhi's 132nd birth anniversary on October 2.

A seminar presentation by Professor Makarand Paranjape of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India, on "Altered Desti/Nations: Mahatma Gandhi and Postcolonial Cultures" will precede the inauguration on October 1 from 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m. in the UMass Dartmouth Library Browsing Area ( Parking Lot # 13)

Dr. Paranjape, author of several books both in poetry and fiction, will cover issues pertaining to modernity, globalization, and postcolonial cultures by suggesting that Gandhian ideas of non-violence, satyagraha (truth force), and swaraj (self rule) are an alternate paradigm of human rationality and action.

The formal inauguration program will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 6, in the Main Auditorium. Admission is free and includes lunch and dinner. For further information, telephone 508-910-6630.

At the inauguration, UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Jean F. MacCormack will welcome the students, faculty, and community members, followed by traditional lighting of lamp by Yogi Satyam, who will also give the Benedictory address. The Consul General of India, Mrs. Shashi Tripathy, will speak on behalf of the Indian government, and the keynote speaker will Dr. David Frawley, an Indologist.

After lunch, there will be a slide show by Robert Arnett, author of India Unveiled at 2:30 p.m., followed by a panel discussion on "How Indic Traditions of Pluralism and Tolerance Can Help Reduce Global Conflicts and Violence"

The evening session will begin with a talk by Pandita Indrani Rampersad, a journalist and Professor, on "Role of Women or Family System in the Diasporic Indian Community" at 5 p.m. The talk will be followed by light classical songs and bhajans by Miss Kavita Paudwal's musical group. Dinner will be served after the musical program.

 Last Updated On: 3/29/06