University of Jammu hosts D. K. Rampal Memorial Lecture, celebrating scholarly legacy and advancing discourse on language and ideology

JAMMU: The Department of English, University of Jammu, in collaboration with the Prof. D. K. Rampal Memorial Trust, organized the D. K. Rampal Memorial Lecture titled Language as Discourse: Decoding Complex Contours of Literary Representation today. The event sought to honour the scholarly legacy of Prof. D. K. Rampal while fostering critical dialogue on contemporary theoretical engagements with language, ideology, and discourse.

Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, University of Jammu graced the occasion as Chief Guest and Prof. Roshan Lal Sharma, Head, Department of English, and Dean, Languages, Central University of Himachal Pradesh delivered the keynote address.

Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, in her address, highlighted Professor Rampal’s significant contributions as a scholar, administrator, and institution-builder whose work continues to guide the University’s academic ethos. She noted that strong and principled leadership shapes vibrant institutions and emphasised the need for universities to foster personalities who combine conviction, discipline, and a commitment to meaningful service. Underscoring that all disciplines ultimately work toward the betterment of society, she encouraged students to pursue their goals with integrity, remain connected to their larger purpose, and contribute positively to the world around them.

The lecture was delivered by Prof. Roshan Lal Sharma, Head, Department of English, and Dean, Languages, Central University of Himachal Pradesh. Speaking on the theme Language as Discourse, he offered a nuanced exploration of how language, ideology, and discourse interlock to shape human consciousness and social reality. Drawing on contemporary theoretical frameworks, he posited that discourse functions not merely as linguistic expression but as a complex system through which knowledge, meaning, and power relations are produced, circulated, and contested. His lecture foregrounded the pivotal role of discourse in structuring interpretive practices and influencing socio-cultural behaviour. The address concluded with an intellectually stimulating interactive session, wherein faculty, scholars, and students engaged with the speaker’s insights through probing questions.

An exposition was then presented by Prof. R. D. Sharma on the genesis and vision of the Prof. D. K. Rampal Memorial Trust, highlighting its continued commitment to sustaining Prof. Rampal’s values by encouraging academic excellence through such initiatives.

Earlier, Prof. Ravinder Singh, Head, Department of English, University of Jammu, formally welcomed the gathering and extended warm greetings to the distinguished dignitaries. The proceedings were moderated by Dr. Pallavi Gupta and Dr. Simrajyot Kour, Assistant Professors, Department of English, University of Jammu. The formal Vote of Thanks was presented by Prof. Monika Chaddha.

The event witnessed the presence of eminent academicians and distinguished members of civil society, including Prof. Satnam Kour, Former Head, Department of English, University of Jammu; Prof. Vinay Chauhan, Director, The Business School, University of Jammu; Prof. Garima Gupta, Professor (English) and Head, Department of Journalism, University of Jammu; Dr. Shubhnandan Singh Jamwal; Dr. Vinay Rampal, renowned physician; and Dr. Hari Dutt Sharma.

The programme drew substantial participation from research scholars and students of the Department of English, as well as from various other departments across the University, reflecting the interdisciplinary resonance of the theme.