International Conference at Eastern University
View(s):An International Conference titled “Challenges & Importance of Intangible Cultural Heritage in times of War & Postwar” currently in progress at the Swamy Vipulananda Institute of Aesthetic Studies, Eastern University, Batticaloa, will end today. The 3-day Conference which commenced on Friday (16) had eminent scholars and academics presenting some 120 conventional Research papers and papers with performance pieces or visual art presentations on the aforesaid theme.
As an institute which promotes Performance and Visual Arts Studies, it hosted the Conference to track the roots of Cultural Identities, Socio-Cultural Lifestyles of different communities in the island. Eastern University Vice Chancellor T. Jayasingham, Prof S. Mounaguru and Colombo University Senior Lecturer N. Selvakumaran were the Chief Guests on the opening day of the Conference. The Conference will conclude with a field trip to Paduvaankarai, to study the landscapes and rich identities of the region.
“Cultural Heritage has extended its meaning and the importance of Intangible Cultural Heritage has been recognised as a vital aspect in the Socio-Cultural life of humankind. People, collectively, have the habit to perform, celebrate, entertain and educate too. All these aspects generate knowledge and skill. Generations follow these practices, and add and omit, according to their circumstances, as well as create, innovate, critique it too,” the Organisers noted in their introductory remarks on the Conference.
The Organisers believe this international conference provided space for evaluating the state and role of Intangible Cultural Heritages in times of War and Postwar, in order to make the practices as a medium for Social Transformation. - Theva Athiran