Academicians from across India deliberate on disability discourse; Mungeli gains national recognition
Mungeli: The 19th National Two-Day Seminar organised by Sonkar College, Mungeli, concluded on a grand and dignified note. Held on January 17 and 18, 2026, the seminar focused on the theme “Disability Discourse: A Study” and witnessed the participation of academicians, researchers, principals, faculty members and social workers from Chhattisgarh and several other States. The event is being regarded as the largest and most prestigious national-level academic programme ever organised in the Mungeli region.
According to Sonkar College Director Shiv Aashish Sonkar, the seminar was inaugurated on January 17 in the presence of Dr V. K. Saraswat, Vice-Chancellor of Pt Sundarlal Sharma Open University, Bilaspur, as the chief guest. The programme was presided over by Dr Vinay Kumar Pathak, National Executive President of the All India Disabled Awareness Council and Vice-Chancellor of Thawe Vidyapeeth, Gopalganj, Bihar.
Former Judge of the Chhattisgarh High Court, Justice Chandra Bhushan Vajpai, National General Secretary of the Council Madan Mohan Agrawal, Founder of Sonkar College Santulal Sonkar and Director Shiv Aashish Sonkar were present as distinguished guests.
Academic deliberations in technical sessions
Seminar coordinator Dr Gajendra Tiwari informed that registration began at 9.30 a.m., followed by the inaugural session. The technical sessions commenced at 11 a.m.
The first technical session was chaired by eminent educationist Dr Suresh Maheshwari from Amalner, Maharashtra. The session saw the presence of Dr Ramshankar Bharti (Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh), Dr Anita Singh (Bilaspur) and Dr Vinod Kumar Verma (Bilaspur).
Addressing the gathering, Prof. C. K. Saraswat, Vice-Chancellor of Pt Sundarlal Sharma Open University, said that Sonkar College is continuously striving to fulfil the academic needs of students. Various courses are being conducted at the institution, attracting students not only from nearby districts but also from other regions. He remarked that there is no shortage of talent and that Sonkar College is providing an effective platform to nurture it.
Presiding over the session, Dr Vinay Kumar Pathak described disability discourse as a serious and significant area of research, noting that extensive doctoral and academic work is being carried out on the subject nationwide. He expressed confidence that research scholars from Sonkar College would also make meaningful contributions in this field, terming the seminar the largest of its kind so far.
Participation from multiple States
The second technical session was chaired by Dr Ramgopal Singh of Gujarat Vidyapith, Ahmedabad. Scholars including Dr Meena Soni (Jharsuguda, Odisha) and Dr Payal Lilhare (Niwari, Madhya Pradesh) presented insightful papers during the session.
The cultural evening featured dance and cultural performances by Sonkar College students, captivating the audience and earning widespread appreciation from the dignitaries present.
On the second day, the third technical session was chaired by Dr Meenketan Pradhan (Raigarh, Chhattisgarh). The panel included Dr Shridhar Gauraha (Bilaspur), Lipsa Patel (Sundargarh, Odisha) and Dr Smriti Jain. Speakers lauded the steady progress of the institution and extended best wishes for its future growth.
Kumari Amiya Dubey, a student of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Bilaspur, moved the audience with her paper on disability awareness.
Research presentations and book release
Dr Gajendra Tiwari stated that over 50 research papers were presented during the two-day seminar. Faculty members, researchers and social workers from government and private institutions across different States took part in the academic discussions.
The occasion also marked the release of the book “Viklang Vimarsh Ki Kahani – Part Two” authored by Dr Anita Singh and Anupama Das.
Staff contribution acknowledged
The seminar has emerged as a milestone in the academic history of Mungeli district. The success of the programme was attributed to the dedicated efforts of the Sonkar College staff and members of the organising committee.
The proceedings were conducted by Dr Gajendra Tiwari, while the vote of thanks was delivered by the Founder of Sonkar College, Santulal Sonkar.
