Mungeli: The 19th National Two-Day Seminar organised by Sonkar College, Mungeli concluded successfully with great academic dignity and enthusiasm. Held on January 17 and 18, 2026, the seminar was based on the theme “Disability Discourse: A Study”, and witnessed participation from academicians, researchers, principals, professors and social workers from Chhattisgarh and various other states across India. This event is being regarded as the largest and most prestigious national academic programme ever organised in the Mungeli region.
College Director Shiv Ashish Sonkar informed that the seminar was inaugurated on January 17 in the august presence of Dr. V. K. Saraswat, Vice-Chancellor, Pt. Sundarlal Sharma Open University, Bilaspur, as the Chief Guest, and was presided over by Dr. Vinay Kumar Pathak, National Executive President, All India Disability Awareness Council and Vice-Chancellor, Thawe Vidyapeeth, Gopalganj (Bihar). Eminent dignitaries including Justice Chandra Bhushan Vajpayee (Former Judge, Chhattisgarh High Court), Madan Mohan Agrawal (National General Secretary, All India Disability Awareness Council), Santulal Sonkar (Founder, Sonkar College) and Shiv Ashish Sonkar graced the occasion as special guests.
In-depth Academic Deliberations in Technical Sessions
Seminar Coordinator Dr. Gajendra Tiwari stated that after registration at 9:30 am, the inaugural session was conducted, followed by technical sessions from 11:00 am onwards. The first technical session was chaired by renowned academician Dr. Suresh Maheshwari from Amalner, Maharashtra. Distinguished participants included Dr. Ramshankar Bharti (Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh), Dr. Anita Singh (Bilaspur) and Dr. Vinod Kumar Verma (Bilaspur).
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Prof. C. K. Saraswat highlighted that Sonkar College is continuously striving to fulfil the academic needs of students by offering diverse courses, attracting learners not only from nearby districts but also from other regions. He remarked that talent is abundant and only needs a proper platform, which Sonkar College is successfully providing. Presiding over the session, Dr. Vinay Kumar Pathak emphasised that disability discourse is a serious and significant area of research, with high-level studies being conducted nationwide, and expressed confidence that researchers from Sonkar College would also make valuable contributions in this field.
Wide Participation from Across the Country
The second technical session was chaired by Dr. Ramgopal Singh of Gujarat Vidyapith, Ahmedabad, with insightful presentations by Dr. Meena Soni (Jharsuguda, Odisha) and Dr. Payal Lilhare (Niwari, Madhya Pradesh).
During the cultural evening, students of Sonkar College captivated the audience with vibrant dance and cultural performances, earning widespread appreciation from the dignitaries present.
On the second day, the third technical session was chaired by Dr. Meenkatan Pradhan (Raigarh, Chhattisgarh). The dais included Dr. Shridhar Gauraha (Bilaspur), Lipsa Patel (Sundargarh, Odisha) and Dr. Smriti Jain, all of whom praised the institution’s progress and wished it a bright future.
A special highlight was the presentation by Kumari Amiya Dubey, a student of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Bilaspur, whose article on disability awareness deeply moved the audience.
Over 50 Research Papers Presented; Book Released
Dr. Gajendra Tiwari informed that more than 50 research papers were presented during the two-day seminar, with active participation from faculty members, research scholars and social activists from government and private institutions. On this occasion, the book “The Story of Disability Discourse – Part Two”, authored by Dr. Anita Singh and Anupama Das, was also formally released.
Landmark Event in Mungeli’s Academic History
This national seminar has emerged as a milestone in the academic history of Mungeli district. The success of the event was made possible through the collective efforts of the entire staff and organising committee of Sonkar College. The programme was conducted by Dr. Gajendra Tiwari, while the vote of thanks was delivered by the Founder of the institution, Santulal Sonkar.