KATHMANDU, Nepal, October 24, 2026 (KCN): The two-day international conference on “South Asia: Life and Relations” concluded successfully in Kathmandu, Nepal, following extensive deliberations on regional relationships, India–Nepal ties, and the future of humanity.
Held on October 22 and 23 at the National Law College in Sanepa, the conference was organised by the Utkal Political Science Society, Balasore, with support from two registered organisations in Nepal. Professor Anil Kumar Mahapatra, founding president of the Utkal Political Science Association and currently a professor at Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, played a significant role in ensuring the smooth management of the event.
Dr. Ramkrishna Timalsena, Principal of the National Law College and convener of the conference, presided over the inaugural ceremony. Former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nepal, Hari Krishna Karki, attended as the chief guest, while distinguished political scientist Professor Jagdish Sharma, a PhD recipient from the University of Pennsylvania, was the guest of honour.
Six prominent speakers addressed participants during two plenary sessions, while 31 research papers were presented. Professor Sekhar Kottu of Mizoram University delivered the keynote address. Professor Nanda Bahadur Singh, former Vice-Chancellor of Mid-West University, Nepal, attended the closing ceremony as the chief guest.
Renowned philosopher and educator Anand Aditya and former Assistant Inspector General of Police Rajesh Shrestha were specially honoured during the conference.
A compiled volume featuring 23 research papers was also released on the occasion. The volume was edited by Professor Anil Kumar Mahapatra, Dr. Binod Kumar Kar and Dr. Ramkrishna Timalsena.
The discussions primarily focused on the special historical, cultural and diplomatic relationships among South Asian countries, particularly India and Nepal. Participants also engaged in meaningful deliberations on the contributions of Sri Aurobindo and their relevance to the future of humanity.
Dr. Binod Kumar Kar, organising secretary, served as the chief coordinator of the conference. He announced that the next conference would be organised at the Mayfair Hotel in Bhubaneswar and in Bhutan.
More than 60 researchers, academics and experts from India, Nepal and the United Kingdom participated in the event. The 37 delegates from India represented several states and regions, including Odisha, Mizoram, Bihar, West Bengal, Delhi, Kerala, Sikkim and Tamil Nadu.
To provide visiting delegates with an opportunity to experience Nepal’s cultural and tourist attractions, the organisers also arranged a three-day tour.
The conference served as an important platform for academic exchange, regional cooperation and intellectual dialogue, strengthening scholarly connections among participants from different countries.
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