IIM Sambalpur hosts International Seminar on Freedom Struggle & Sustainable Management

The event aimed to shed light on the heroic resistance of Veer Surendra Sai, an unsung hero in the Indian freedom movement, and the Kudopali Massacre, both significant yet often overlooked historical events in western Odisha.

The Rangavati Centre for Excellence in Culture and Sustainable Management at IIM Sambalpur, in association with the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi, recently organized a one-day international seminar titled ‘Unknown Aspects of Freedom Struggle; Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Management in Indian Knowledge System’. The seminar aimed to explore the lesser-known facets of India's freedom struggle in western Odisha while emphasizing the region’s cultural heritage and its relevance to modern-day sustainable management practices.

Highlighting Lesser-Known Aspects of Freedom Struggle in Western Odisha

The event aimed to shed light on the heroic resistance of Veer Surendra Sai, an unsung hero in the Indian freedom movement, and the Kudopali Massacre, both significant yet often overlooked historical events in western Odisha. The seminar also focused on the cultural richness of the region, emphasizing the pivotal role of its traditions and knowledge systems in promoting sustainable practices.

By bringing together scholars and experts from across the world, the seminar served as a unique platform to discuss academic papers, keynote speeches, and presentations that bridged historical narratives with contemporary sustainability practices. The objective was to document indigenous knowledge systems and promote interdisciplinary research on India’s cultural and historical legacy.

Distinguished Experts from Across the Globe Attend

The seminar was graced by several eminent scholars and experts, including:

• Professor Dr Phoebe Koundouri, Chair of the UNSDSN Global Climate Hub, Greece
• Professor Otaviano Canuto, The Brookings Institution, USA, and former VP of the World Bank
• Dr. Tamar Bagratia, Tbilisi State University, Georgia
• Professor Dil Rahut, Vice Chairman, Asian Development Bank Institute, Japan
• Professor Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur

These international experts applauded the efforts of the Rangavati Centre for Excellence in advancing research on culture and sustainable management, acknowledging the centre's focus on exploring uncharted areas in both fields.

In his inaugural address, Professor Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director of IIM Sambalpur, expressed his pride in the establishment of the Rangavati Centre for Excellence. He highlighted the centre’s commitment to supporting top-tier research in culture and sustainable management. Professor Jaiswal emphasized that the centre has undertaken research on diverse subjects, including the inclusivity of the weaving business, untold stories of armed and non-violent freedom struggles, and contemporary trends in cultural and sustainable management in western Odisha.

“The multidisciplinary approach at the Rangavati Centre has allowed us to foster globally recognized studies in Sambalpuri art. The centre is also in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP 2020),” Professor Jaiswal remarked. “We are not just generating knowledge; we are distributing it on an international level, fostering a deeper understanding of India’s culture and sustainability practices.”

Two Engaging Sessions: Freedom Struggles and Culture

The seminar featured two insightful sessions:

1. Freedom Struggles and Culture
   This session, conducted by experts such as Alok Bhoi, Shri Birendra Jhankar, and Dr. Bibhudutta Mishra, focused on the unknown regional resistance and the freedom struggle of lesser-known historical figures from western Odisha. The session brought forward stories of bravery that are often overshadowed by more mainstream narratives of India’s freedom movement.
2. Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Management
   The second session, led by Shri Dukhi Sebak Sahu, Shri Rajesh Jhankar, Sraban Kumar Bag, and Shri Bhavani Sankar Bhoi, explored the relevance of indigenous heritage and how it can be incorporated into modern-day sustainability practices. Discussions highlighted the intersection of culture and sustainability, emphasizing the role of traditional knowledge in creating environmentally sustainable solutions.

Release of Research Report and Compendium

The seminar also marked the release of a research report and compendium that documented the key findings and insights discussed throughout the event. The publication serves as a valuable resource for future academic work on India's freedom struggle and the importance of cultural heritage in the context of sustainable management.

Platform for Thought-Provoking Discussions

The seminar saw the participation of over 100 scholars, researchers, and students, resulting in dynamic and thought-provoking discussions. The event successfully fostered a deeper understanding of India’s freedom struggle, especially in the context of western Odisha, while also addressing the importance of preserving and promoting cultural heritage for a sustainable future.

Organizational Efforts and Acknowledgements

The event was coordinated by Dr Sujit Kumar Pruseth from IIM Sambalpur, with the vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Hemachandra Padhan, also from IIM Sambalpur. Both emphasized the importance of such academic gatherings in facilitating knowledge exchange and enhancing the visibility of lesser-known aspects of India’s historical and cultural legacy.

In conclusion, the international seminar organized by the Rangavati Centre for Excellence at IIM Sambalpur successfully brought together experts, scholars, and researchers to explore and discuss the cultural heritage and historical struggles of India, while also highlighting the importance of these aspects in contemporary sustainable practices.

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