Chandigarh-A grand book launch ceremony was held today at the Seminar Hall of ICSSR, Panjab University, Chandigarh, to release the felicitation volume titled Festschrift: A Tribute to the Academic Leadership and Mentorship of Prof. Bhim S. Dahiya.
The volume celebrates the illustrious life, scholarship, dynamic leadership, and inspiring mentorship of Prof. Bhim S. Dahiya, a renowned scholar, critic, literary teacher, and administrator.
In his remarks on the occasion, Prof. Bhim S. Dahiya expressed deep gratitude to his colleagues, students, and the editorial team for compiling the volume, reflecting fondly on his academic journey and emphasizing the vital role of critical thinking, mentorship, and ethical leadership in modern education.
The editors of the volume, Dr. Sushma Arya and Prof. S.P.S. Dahiya, noted that the publication stands as a collective tribute to Prof. Dahiya's lifelong dedication to literary scholarship, academic leadership, and mentorship, celebrating his vast contributions across higher education.
Celebrating a Legacy of Learning, Leadership, and Literature, the newly launched Festschrift commemorates Prof. Bhim S. Dahiya's vast contributions across academic and public spheres.
Prof. Shelley Walia, Retired Professor of English, Panjab University, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest while Dr. Abhai Maurya, Former Vice-Chancellor of EFLU, Hyderabad, attended as the Guest of Honour and Dr. R. C. Kuhad, Former Vice-Chancellor of Central University, Narnaul, chaired the solemn proceedings.
Speeches and academic reflections were delivered by Prof. K. K. Gautam, Prof. Akshay, Prof. Pankaj Sharma, and Dr. Ujjwal Sharma, who shared personal anecdotes and highlighted Prof. Dahiya's profound influence on higher education.
Speakers at the function praised Prof. Dahiya as a visionary educator who preserved high academic standards while nurturing young teaching talent. The release of the ‘Festschrift’ volume marks a milestone in celebrating his enduring mentorship and lifetime commitment to literary scholarship.
The felicitation volume has been edited by Dr. Sushma Arya and Prof. S. P. S. Dahiya and Dr. Prem Singh, Retired Professor of Delhi University, served as a key member of the organising committee.
The ceremony witnessed a large gathering of former students, faculty colleagues, and admirers of Prof. Dahiya. His family members, including his son Tribhuwan Dahiya and daughters Dr. Divya and Dr. Hema, were also present.
Notably, Prof. Dahiya served with distinction as the Vice-Chancellor of Kurukshetra University (1993–1996), Pro-Vice Chancellor (1992–1993), Chairman of the Department of English at Kurukshetra University, and Registrar of Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak. Since 2008, he has served as President of The Shakespeare Association (India).
A leading scholar on Ernest Hemingway, Prof. Dahiya completed his Ph.D. at the University of Cincinnati, USA, where he was awarded the prestigious Taft Fellowship. His pioneering thesis offered an original perspective on the Hemingway hero, challenging established Western critical frameworks.
Beyond academia, Dr. Dahiya represented the Rohat constituency as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in 1982, maintaining an unblemished record of political integrity, moral conviction, and public duty.
Throughout his career, Prof. Dahiya spearheaded numerous national and international seminars, fostering high standards of literary research and mentoring generations of scholars in English literature across Haryana and India.