On 26 December 2024, the Teoman Duralı Conference Hall hosted the South Asian Culture and Literature Event, an initiative led by the Comparative Literature Department and supported by the Umran Academic Research Association. This event marked a significant milestone as the Comparative Literature Department introduced, for the first time, an Indian Literature course for undergraduate students. Dr. Rahmi Oruc and Rajeev Kumar, who teach this course, organized the event to further this pioneering initiative.
As part of the event, Mr. Mijito Vinito, the Consul General of India in Istanbul, along with his delegation, paid an official visit to our President, Prof. Atilla Arkan. During the visit, potential areas for further collaboration were discussed, highlighting the growing academic and cultural ties between Turkey and India.
The event began after the official visit with a literary and cultural exhibition showcasing South Asian culture and literature and its role in shaping society and civilization, raising awareness about South Asian traditions among the participants. Activities like “henna art” by Rawan Alagawany and Rabia Khalid added a vibrant touch to the program.
The program featured speeches from distinguished guests, including Consul General Mijito Vinito, Vice-President Prof. Özcan Erkan Akgün, Head of the Library Department Sönmez Çelik, and Head of the Comparative Literature Department, Assist. Prof. Emine Hoşoğlu Doğan. Rajeev Kumar, who moderated and led the event, proposed forming a South Asian Student Club to bridge the academic gap in Turkey and foster further engagement with South Asian studies.
The event concluded with the screening of the film Mirza Ghalib, which portrays the life of the great Urdu poet during the reign of the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar. Guests were also treated to South Asian delicacies and refreshments, providing a fitting end to this culturally enriching experience.
