As Nepal continues to position itself within global academic conversations, the upcoming webinar and seminar represent a significant opportunity to reassess indigenous intellectual traditions and their relevance in contemporary scholarship.
Kathmandu: Kathmandu is set to become a focal point of global academic discourse next month as scholars and researchers convene to examine the intellectual legacy of Prof. Dr. Nirmala Mani Adhikary, one of Nepal’s most influential contemporary thinkers in communication, philosophy, and social theory.
The Golden Jubilee Birthday Celebration Organizing Committee has issued an international call for papers for a two-day academic program consisting of a virtual webinar on May 14, 2026, followed by an in-person seminar on May 15 in Kathmandu. The event seeks to bring together voices from across disciplines to critically engage with and expand upon Professor Adhikary’s body of work.
A Scholar of Expanding Global Influence
Professor Adhikary is widely recognized in academic circles for advancing non-Western paradigms in communication studies. His most prominent contributions include the Sadharanikaran Model of Communication and the Sancharyoga Theory, frameworks that challenge dominant Western-centric models by foregrounding shared understanding, cultural context, and human interconnectedness.
His broader intellectual contributions span a range of theoretical constructs such as Statodynamic Progressivism, State Nation Theory, and the Continuum Approach, all of which aim to reinterpret political, cultural, and philosophical dynamics through a Nepal-centric lens. Scholars note that his work has played a key role in fostering what is often described as the “de-westernization” of communication theory, encouraging more inclusive, multicultural, and multiparadigmatic research approaches.
Beyond academia, Professor Adhikary’s ideas have resonated within Nepal’s public sphere, influencing discussions on national identity, ethical consciousness, and cultural revival.
Themes Reflecting a Diverse Intellectual Legacy
The organizing committee has outlined a broad thematic scope for submissions. Researchers are invited to explore topics including:
- Sadharanikaran Model of Communication
- Sahridayata Philosophy
- Statodynamic Progressivism
- State Nation Theory
- Bhatta Mimamsa Model of Communication
- Sancharyoga Theory
- Continuum Approach
Organizers emphasize that interdisciplinary and critical perspectives are particularly encouraged, reflecting the expansive and integrative nature of Adhikary’s scholarship.
Major Dates and Participation Details
The timeline for participation is structured to accommodate both early-stage and advanced research:
Abstract submission deadline: April 25, 2026
Full paper submission deadline: May 7, 2026
Webinar (English): May 14, 2026
Seminar (Nepali): May 15, 2026
Submissions must include abstracts of 250–300 words and full papers not exceeding 7,000 words, formatted according to APA (7th edition) guidelines. All entries must be original and unpublished.
Participants can register through the official form:
The program is being coordinated by Trishna Acharya under the auspices of the Golden Jubilee Birthday Celebration Main Organizing Committee.
Expanding Access to Adhikary’s Work
To facilitate scholarly engagement, the organizers have also shared a collection of online resources documenting Professor Adhikary’s writings and theoretical contributions:
As Nepal continues to position itself within global academic conversations, the upcoming webinar and seminar represent a significant opportunity to reassess indigenous intellectual traditions and their relevance in contemporary scholarship.
Organizers say the event is not merely commemorative but aims to stimulate rigorous academic dialogue around Professor Adhikary’s theories, encouraging participants to test, critique, and build upon his ideas.
With growing international interest in alternative epistemologies and culturally grounded research frameworks, the gathering is expected to draw attention well beyond Nepal, positioning it as a meaningful contribution to the evolving landscape of global communication studies.
Friday,17 Apr, 2026 
