Bhawanipatna: Maa Manikeshwari University, Bhawanipatna, organized a memorial lecture series on April 16 as a tribute to the university’s first Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sanjay Kumar Satapathy.
Prof. Satapathy played a pivotal role in shaping the erstwhile Kalahandi University and had envisioned introducing the newly established university to the world. Unfortunately, he passed away during his tenure, leaving his dream unfulfilled.
To honour his memory, contribution, and vision, the Prof. Sanjay Kumar Satapathy Memorial Lecture – 1 was held on the theme: “ଅବିଭକ୍ତ କଳାହାଣ୍ଡି ଜିଲ୍ଲାର ଲୋକ ଦେବଦେବୀ ଓ ଲୋକବିଶ୍ୱାସ” (Undivided Kalahandi District’s Folk Deities & Beliefs).
Vice-Chancellor (I/c) Dr. Nibedita Nath chaired the event and spoke about Prof. Satapathy’s goals and aspirations for the university. In her address, she also announced that from this year onwards, the university will host several annual lecture series. The Maharaja Pratap Keshari Deo Lecture Series will be held in October, followed by the Saheed Rendo Majhi Lecture Series in December, and the Professor Bhubaneswar Behera Lecture Series in January.
Deputy Registrar Major Dr. Jayadeb Sahoo delivered the welcome address, praising Prof. Satapathy’s leadership and contributions. Comptroller of Finance Suresh Pidisika spoke on his philanthropic spirit and commitment to higher education.
The first speaker of the memorial lecture series was Major Dr. Ramachandra Mishra. The chosen topic reflected Prof. Satapathy’s deep interest in Kalahandi’s cultural heritage and spiritual consciousness.
During the event, Suhani Naik, a second-year undergraduate student from the Department of Physics, received the inaugural Prof. Sanjay Kumar Satapathy Memorial Talent Award. She was recognized for her academic excellence, talent, extracurricular achievements, and her representation in the Youth Parliament held in Delhi. This award will be presented annually to students demonstrating excellence in diverse fields.
Ms. Pragya Priyadarshani Jena, a postgraduate student of the Department of English, moderated the event, while Dr. Kailash Chandra Das, Head of the Department of Political Science, proposed the vote of thanks.
Faculty members, students, and researchers of the university attended the lecture and paid homage to the beloved former Vice-Chancellor.
