Re-visiting the Panchabhuta: A Trope in Indian Literature(s) and Arts  

Date: 08 February 2018                                                                             Time: 09:00 a.m. – 04:00 p.m.    
Venue: K E Auditorium, Block 4

MA in English with Communication studies, Department of English, Christ (Deemed to be University)  organized a one-day annual seminar, Mèlange on the topic “Re-visiting the Panchabhuta: A Trope in Indian Literature(s) and Arts” on 8 February 2018. In the inaugural ceremony Dr N. Gopalakrishnan, Director, Indian Institute of Scientific Heritage delivered the keynote address on Panchabhuta and a spiritual understanding of it. He elaborated on how not only the Panchabhuta but also the Panchendreeya or the five senses along with the mind are of vital significance.

Yuva Kala Bharathi Dr Rekha Raju, Expert Panel Member – Mohiniyattam, Cultural Ministry, Government of India, addressed the gathering as the Chief Guest. She explained the ways in which a dancer perceives the association of the Panchabhuta as representations of the various Mudras in Mohiniyattam. She mesmerised the audience through a Mohiniyattam performance to demonstrate the ways in which the Panchabhuta are represented in the dance form.

The topic of the seminar demanded personalities and discourses from various fields of studies. Fr. Augustine Thottakara from the field of Indian Philosophy, Mr. C. B. Ramkumar specialized in areas of architecture and sustainable living, Dr Krishnakumar, from the field of Ayurveda and Mr. Vasu Dixit from the field of music were the panelists for the Panel Discussion. The audiences interacted majorly on the possibility of harmonizing the panchabhuta in a fast paced postmodern world.

35 paper presentations by students, faculty and research scholars from across India were held in six different venues in the University. 7 papers were from Christ (Deemed to be University) and the others from institutions like EFLU, St. Joseph’s College, Farook College, Stella Maris College, etc. The papers brought forth an eclectic mix of discourses like Ayurveda, Indian literature(s), film, music, religion, etc. Mèlange2018 also had more than 50 students, research scholars and faculty members from Christ University and other institutions as participants to attend the seminar.

Ms. Aabha Hanjura, popular Sufi and Folk Artiste graced the valedictory session of Mèlange 2018 as the Chief Guest. She emphasized on the primal harmony between Sufi music and Panchabhuta and also sang a few songs for the audience. Dr. Abhaya N. B. Head, Department of English shared her views on certain local cultures that worship Nature as gods and goddesses who protect the people. With a lot of support and guidance from the department, student volunteers and the University Mèlange2018 came to a successful culmination.