Ravenshaw University's Geography Department recently held a special event, the 3rd Brundaban Chandra Acharya Memorial Lecture, to honour a truly remarkable man. Professor Brundaban Chandra Acharya wasn't just a geography expert; he was a visionary who helped build Ravenshaw Geography Department into an institution it is today. He played a key role to make Geography a relevant subject in Odisha. This annual lecture is a way to remember his lifelong dedication to education and to the field of geography.
This year, on February 4, 2025, Professor Anuradha Banerjee from Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, came to speak. Her talk was on "Issues in Social Sustainability in India: Challenges to Health and Well-Being". It's a really important topic, looking at how we can make sure everyone in India has a healthy and happy life.
Professor Banerjee talked about how India has made great progress in many areas, but still faces big challenges. She highlighted that many people in India struggle with both infectious diseases and diseases related to lifestyle, like diabetes. Similarly, she brought attention about the pressing issue of malnutrition. She explained the hurdles we need to overcome to reach the Sustainable Development Goals related to good health.
Professor Luna Samanta, Chairman, Post Graduate Council, also spoke. She emphasised how important geography is for making good decisions about public policy. She said that to really understand health and well-being, we need to bring together experts from many different fields, not just geography.
The event was also a chance to hear personal stories about Professor Acharya. Dr. Rekha Devi, a former geography teacher at Ravenshaw and one of Professor Acharya's students, shared her memories. Other former students, including Professor S.N. Tripathy, Professor P.K. Das, and Dr. Jagabandhu Sahoo, also paid their respects.
Professor Sibabrata Das, the head of the Geography Department, welcomed everyone. Dr. Siba Sankar Sahu introduced the guest speaker, and Dr. Malini Prabha Sethy gave the official thank you at the end.
It was a packed house! Not only were there students and teachers from Ravenshaw, but also many people who admired Professor Acharya, including his family.
Keeping the Legacy Alive
The memorial lecture was more than just an academic event. It was a warm gathering of people celebrating the life and work of a man who made a real difference. It served as reminder of Professor Acharya's values to inspire future generations to contribute to society. By continuing this tradition, Ravenshaw University ensures that Professor Acharya's legacy of excellence and dedication continues to inspire future geographers and leaders.
