KATHMANDU, Oct 29: First Asian Studies Annual Conference, aiming to contribute to efforts of intellectual conservation by providing platform to scholars from different parts across the globe, has been organized in Kathmandu.

The three-day conference, organized by Centre for Advance Studies in South Asia (CASSA), is being held at Hotel Shangri-la, Lazimpat. Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Rabindra Adhikari inaugurated the conference. 

The conference has been directed by Prof. Arun Gupta. Prof. Sangita Raymajhi saw research papers and key note addresses by scholars and academicians at the event. About 80 paper presentations have been scheduled from experts coming from different countries including Nepal, India, China, Bangladesh, Germany, Macedonia, and United Kingdom. 

A myriad of issues such as gender, migration, humanitarian regime, media, and violence in South Asia and across the globe  were discussed by scholars of Tribhuvan and Pokhara University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, University of Calcutta, Nagpur, South Eastern, European University and Humboldt University during the event.

“The idea of the conference emerged due to a need to construct our own narratives and studies on the issues of South Asia, from a newer and advanced perspective, by reconstructing and reassessing issues through interactions and discussions,” said Prof. Gupta.

Likewise, Prof. Rayamajhi stated that the idea was conceptualized with an aim to conduct productive discussion on global issues. She added: “We initiated the conference in Nepal as it is a fertile ground for interactions and networking. Seeing a huge number of participation from many parts of the world, it is certainly proved to be true”.

Amidst the presentation on global issues, Renuka Khatiwada designed a photo presentation on ‘Female deities on Urban Spaces’. The presentation unveiled a rigorous study and interpretation of the deities and their varied significances. “The exhibition comprises pictures from the lanes of the Kathmandu Valley including Patan and Boudha. The exhibition particularly sheds light on goddesses who represent different forms of knowledge,” said Khatiwada.