The India Post, Chandigarh, 6th Feburary, 2009 :The University School of Open Learning, P.U. organized first Special Lecture under the Chairpersonship of Prof. S.K. Sharma. Prof. Anil Raina, Chairperson, Dept. of English was invited to speak on ‘Marxism and Literature’. Prof. Raina premised his talk on the focal areas namely Marxism in general and its application to literature.
While focusing on Marxism, he pointed out that it is not restricted to the contribution made by Karl Marx but is inclusive of interpretations of Marx given by the Marxist scholars. Giving a lucid account of Marxism he began by elaborating his views on dialectic materialism, modes of production and relations of production. He categorically said that Marx was not against capitalism but condemned the ill effects of capitalism. His scientific theory of socialism gave an objective view of socialism.
According to Prof. Raina a proper understanding of Marxism does not require us to take a pro Marx or anti-Marx stance but to respond to his position. Dwelling upon the impact of Marxism on literature, Prof. Raina said that author is to be understood as a Social construct or a product and hence a spokesperson of the age he belongs to. The challenge before the authors is not to interpret the world but to change it.
The talk was followed by inter active session from the faculty on the decline of Marxism, impact of Marxism on the forms of Literature and Literature comprising account of Supremacy of Economic Factors.
Prof. Raina advocated that flexibility of the capitalist philosophy may to an extent be held responsible for descend to Marxism. However, Marxism continues to be relevant especially during the current Era of Economic Crisis according to Prof. S.K. Sharma, Chairperson, University School of Open Learning.
In a other lecture on “The Role of Literature in the Context of Globalization”, senior Prof. Amarjit Singh Kaang of Kurukshetra University bemoaned the dehumanization and cultural pollution in a fast globalizing scenario. He was delivering the lecture at the University School of Open Learning, earlier known as the Dept. of Correspondence Studies, P.U.
Prof. Kaang said that human values and cultural heritage were being neglected and being replaced by “re-mix” culture and sheer vapidity. The new generation was totally ignorant about their heritage and cultural uniqueness. Since literature was repository of the most cherished values of a society, its degeneration reflected the degeneration of society. Prof. Kaang called for responsible action on the part all those who had a stake in the stability and creativity of our Society. Prof. Kaang said that literature should find its voice again and strive for truth, universality and beauty.
Earlier, Prof. S.K. Sharma, Chairperson, University School of Open Learning introduced the speaker. The lecture was followed by vibrant discussion.