A vibrant cultural and educational exchange programme was organised at Dibrugarh Hanumanbux Surajmal Kanoi (DHSK) College (Autonomous) campus on Friday evening, celebrating India’s cultural diversity and literary ties with South Korea. The event was jointly hosted by the Inter-State Foreign Friendship Sub-Committee of Asom Sahitya Sabha, Satadal Sahitya Sabha Branch of DHSK College, DHSK College Students’ Union, and SEIL.
The function was graced by renowned South Korean writer, poet, translator, and film critic Chang Seok Yong, who is also the chairman of the Committee of Korean Arts Critics. A former chairman of the Korean Association of Film Critics and FIPRESCI Korea, Chang previously served as a professor at Seokyung and Dongguk universities.
Delegates from nine different regions of India —West Maharashtra, Konkan, Chhattisgarh, Kashi, North Bihar, Braj, Telangana, South Karnataka, and Himachal Pradesh—participated in the event along with two women representatives. The participants were warmly welcomed at the college gate with traditional Assamese Gayan-Bayan, Bihu, and Mising dances, showcasing the region’s colourful heritage.
Expressing his joy, Chang Seok Yong said, “This cultural exchange is one of the most unique experiences of my life. I will carry the memories of this evening forever.”
Prominent personalities including senior journalist and film critic Manoj Borpujari, DHSK College Principal and Convener of the Sub-Committee Dr Sashi Kanta Saikia, ATDC Chairman Rituparna Baruah, social worker Indra Gogoi, Tengakhat College Principal Jatin Gogoi, and several professors attended the event.
Speaking at the function, Manoj Borpujari remarked, “Such cultural and educational exchange programmes help build strong relationships among diverse communities and create bridges of understanding across regions.”
The evening concluded with an enthusiastic Bihu performance, where the South Korean writer joined college students and delegates on stage. Various Assamese cultural programmes were presented, followed by interactive sessions between the visitors and students.
The entire event was smoothly conducted by Prof Dr Trishna Duwara Kalita, President of the Satadal Sahitya Sabha Branch of DHSK College, leaving an enduring impression of friendship and cultural unity.
Seok Yong Chang is a renowned film critic, acclaimed columnist, distinguished poet, and occasional translator based in Seoul, South Korea. Since 2012, he has led the Committee of Korean Arts Critics and has gained recognition for his prolific writings on cinema, dance, and painting in publications such as Global Economic, Art Review Guide, and Dance Forum. His academic achievements include advanced degrees from Chungang and Dongguk Universities, with teaching stints in cultural criticism at Seokyung and Dongguk. Chang has authored notable books, including “In Search of Korean New Wave in Korean Films” and “Movie Story Reading with Heart”, with his latest, “Riparian Silence”, being a Korean translation of Assamese poems. His extensive list of honours includes the Younghwa Critic Award and the Korea Culture & Art Award, reflecting his significant contributions to the world of art and film criticism.
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