Bhubaneswar : The PG Department of Political Science at Utkal University commemorated the 107th birth anniversary of its founding Head, Professor Sriram Chandra Dash, with a solemn and intellectually enriching event at Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar. Revered for establishing the department’s academic foundations and mentoring generations of scholars, Prof. Dash was remembered for his remarkable contributions to higher education and the advancement of political science in Odisha.
The programme featured a stimulating academic session with eminent dignitaries. Retired IAS officer Shri Vivek Pattanayak, attending as the chief guest, delivered the keynote address titled “Indian Democracy vs. American Anarchy.” He underscored the resilience and continuity of India’s democratic institutions despite persistent challenges, contrasting them with the recent institutional stress, civil unrest, and signs of kakistocracy witnessed in the United States. His thoughtful and balanced analysis was warmly received by the audience.
The guest of honour, Professor Brahmananda Satapathy, former Head of the Department and currently Professor Emeritus at KISS, presented an enlightening lecture on “Extension of Healthcare and Insurance Subsidies: A Controversial Issue in the American Congress.” He explored the contentious debates shaping U.S. healthcare reforms and highlighted how partisan divides hinder the expansion of insurance subsidies. Drawing comparisons with India’s welfare policymaking, he offered a compelling perspective on the dynamics of welfare states.
The event was attended by the current Head of the Department Prof. Dr. Seema Mallik, Associate Professor Dr. Swapna S. Prabhu, Assistant Professor Dr. Nithyananda Barik, faculty member Umesh Chandra Nayak, along with students and research scholars, whose presence added scholarly warmth to the occasion.
The celebration concluded with a heartfelt tribute to Professor Dash’s enduring legacy, reaffirming his pivotal role as a guiding force in the evolution of political science education in Odisha.
