We are honoured to share that Prof. Md. Shahidur Rahman, Head of the Department of English, Varendra University, delivered the keynote speech at the monthly seminar organized by the Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CIR), Varendra University, titled “Reading Lao Tzu in a Multidisciplinary Way: Developing an Eastern Gaze.”

The seminar commenced with opening remarks by Mr. Abu Yusuf, who provided a concise overview of the seminar theme and introduced the speaker. In his introduction, he highlighted the speaker’s remarkable academic excellence and outstanding administrative contributions.

The Honorable Vice-Chancellor of Varendra University, Prof. Dr. Md. Khademul Islam Molla, formally inaugurated the seminar, extended his best wishes for the event, and honored the speaker.

The keynote presentation was delivered by Prof. Md. Shahidur Rahman, Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Science, and Head, Department of English, Varendra University. Through an insightful intellectual and philosophical discussion, he explored Lao Tzu’s ideas from a multidisciplinary perspective and emphasized the importance of developing an Eastern gaze in understanding literature, philosophy, culture, and knowledge systems. His engaging presentation inspired meaningful reflection and scholarly discussion among the participants.

The seminar concluded with closing remarks by the Chair of the session, Prof. A. H. M. Rahmatullah Imon, Director, Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CIR). He expressed his appreciation for the thought-provoking presentation and underscored the significance of such academic initiatives in promoting interdisciplinary research and intellectual engagement.

The event was gracefully hosted by Ms. Sadia Sabrina Alam, whose coordination contributed to the smooth and successful execution of the program.

The seminar witnessed active participation from faculty members, students, and researchers, making it a vibrant and intellectually enriching academic gathering.