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NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Environmentalism and Its Cultic Affiliations in Buddhismf
DIPTANGSHU DUTTA GUPTA, Post-Graduate Student, Department of History,
Jadavpur University, West Bengal, India
Abstract:
Legend says that the Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya under which Prince Siddhartha meditated to
attain enlightenment to become the Buddha sprang up from soil as a sapling on the day
Siddhartha was born. Notions of environmentalism are integrally linked with Indic religions
since the earliest times starting with the g Veda where verses are dedicated to deities,
personifying different aspects of nature. This paper deals with environmental ethics as reflected
in Buddhist literature and images. It deals with the critical reading of the Pali and Mahayana
Buddhist texts (like the Jtakas, the Tipiakas and the Prajpramita Stras) while doing a
comparative study with Buddhist iconography to understand notions of environmentalism.
Early Buddhism took great care to detail the natural descriptions associated with the Buddha’s
life. Even after his death not before until the first century CE, his iconographical
representations were aniconic ones seen through flora and fauna as the Bodhi tree and the
elephant respectively. In fact, important Buddhist sites were associated with sites of natural
importance, which in turn were associated with the Buddha’s life. In this procedure, the paper
also aims to find out different cultic traditions associated with the worship of earthly deities
associated with nature, whose personification got manifested in texts, iconography and their
related cultic traditions. This gives an idea of the presence of marginal cults (within the
Buddhist ambit) associated with the worship of natural elements and ideas whose later
development served as the formation of cults of Paraabar, Mrc, or the Pacarak deities.
This paper will also try to address some key relevant contemporary issues of climate and
environmental changes as had been dealt with in the past focusing from the perspective of
Buddhist studies and history, how nature shaped Buddhist thought and ideology.
Keywords: Buddhism, Environment, Nature, Cult, Text.
Bio-note:
Diptangshu Dutta Gupta is a Post Graduate Student of History at the Department of History,
Jadavpur University, Kolkata. He completed his majors in History from the Department of
History and minors in International Relations from the Department of International Relations
at Jadavpur University in 2022.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Subverting the Male Gaze: Titane (2021) and the Abject
BILAL KHAN, Postgraduate Student, The English and Foreign Language University,
Hyderabad, India
Abstract:
The concept of the male gaze given by Laura Mulvey has been discussed thoroughly regarding
cinema. Mulvey has arguably given a platform for a psychoanalytical framework that discusses
the role of the woman inside the frame. Julia Ducournau in her Titane (2021), a psychological
drama using body horror interestingly elucidates Mulvey’s theory. The film starts with an
obvious use of the male gaze where the woman protagonist becomes the bearer of the look. But
in between, the film shifts to a different gaze altogether. Being part of the New French
Extremity movement Ducournau’s film is a continuation of her other controversial projects like
Raw (2016). The gaze is not just questioned but an anti-male gaze is presented to the spectator
where the term woman itself comes into question. The paper attempts to analyse this shift in
gaze and the uniqueness of this approach to filmography where the spectator is allowed inside
the frame but only to be horrified by the body horror elements of the text itself. This analysis
will use Mulvey’s articulations to understand the anti-male gaze and try to present a kind of
filmography that is not determined by the male gaze. The body horror elements are also
subversive as they are used to present a nonheteronormative form of sexuality and gender on
the screen. Even though the movie discusses quite a lot of nonconformist gender ideology the
paper will be focused on the abovementioned gaze and its implication regarding Mulvey’s
formulations.
Keywords: Mulvey, Male Gaze, Spectator, Gender, Body Horror, Psychoanalysis.
Bio-note:
This is Bilal Khan (he/him), a post-graduate student from The English and Foreign Language
University, Hyderabad, India. The student is doing an MA in Literary and Cultural Studies at
the university. The student also held the position of Associate Editor in the magazine, Your
Voice, published by The Dialogue Box, a research-oriented platform where he had also
published several blogs. His research interests lie in fields like cultural studies, popular culture,
film studies, psychoanalysis and reception theories.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Defeating Poverty and Social Stigma Through Sports: A Study of Gender
and Society in Jean Duffy’s Soccer Grannies
SWAPNANEEL BASU ROY, Student, MA English, Saint Xavier’s College
(Autonomous), India
Abstract:
There are countless inspiring stories of people or a community who becomes victorious against
the issues of the societies. This is evident in Jean Duffy’s non-fictional book Soccer Grannies:
The South African Women Who Inspire the World. The book accounts the story of Rebecca
Ntsanwisi, affectionately known as Mama Beka, who defied the social convention and started
a soccer team for the women in her community. The text explores the lives of the group of
elderly South African who found empowerment through playing soccer. These women dealt
with challenging socio-economic conditions such as poverty and social stigma for being elderly
women to take up the playing field. Sport was used as a means to improve their physical and
mental well-being, highlighting their resilience and joy that they found in the sport together.
Jean Duffy, through their stories, sheds light on broader social issues while celebrating the spirit
and determination of these inspiring women. This paper examines how sport becomes a means
of fighting against the socio-economic issues and gender dynamics in the patriarchal society.
To substantiate the thought, the issues faced by these women will be studied to signify the
gender stereotypes and the poverty-stricken society. The analytical purview extends to the
journey of the Soccer Grannies and how they inspire not only the women, but also men coming
from poverty.
Keywords: Gender, Poverty, Social Stigma, Socio-economic, Sport.
Bio-note:
Swapnaneel Basu Roy is presently pursuing a postgraduate degree in English Literature at Saint
Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Kolkata, He is particularly fascinated by how literature
engages with and influences the general populace. He actively seeks to broaden his intellectual
horizons by acquiring knowledge in diverse fields like Sociology, Science, and Film studies,
endeavouring to establish meaningful connections between these disciplines and the realm of
literature.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
The Ethnographic Imagination and Film Studies
Sudha Padmaja Francis (Sudha K F), PhD Scholar, Dept of HSS, IIT Palakkad
Abstract:
Visual Anthropology scholarship on cinema has expressed certain puritan concerns when it
came to the ethnographic image, even from scholars who had a critique of the positivistic
approach to ethnographic films, especially to do with the difficulty in delineating methodology
and content in films. My attempt will be to also understand how the process of ‘looking’ also
puts together that is at once aesthetic/formal and political/ ethical, but might not confine itself
to the rigid formulations of ‘reflexivity’ in Anthropology. Rather, an interdisciplinary approach
is needed to understand the relationship between the ‘image’ and the ‘real, that is medium
specific and has its own narrative strategies, in non-fiction/documentary/ ethnographic cinema.
Keywords: cinema, ethnographic imagination, reflexivity, interdisciplinarity, image, realism
Bio-note:
Sudha Padmaja Francis is an independent filmmaker, researcher, copyeditor residing in
Palakkad, Kerala, India. She has worked in editorial capacities at various organizations. She
has made a short fiction and few documentary films, which have screened at several festivals
in the world. She has published her poetry and translations in various journals. She is currently
pursuing a PhD in Social Anthropology at IIT Palakkad.
Endangered Folk Theatre
VENKATA REDDY MACHA, Research Scholar, Department of English, GITAM,
deemed to be University, India & Dr. JOSEPH RATNA JAYAKAR T, GITAM, deemed
to be University, India
Abstract:
In the present world, nothing moves away from the spear of change through the effect of
Science and Technology. It has influenced all most all the areas of the arts, cultures, and
traditions. It is not just confined to one place. As an omnipotent, it has affected all. Coming to
folk culture is one of the ancient cultural forms and a rich source of culture and practices all
over the world when it comes to Telangana has abundant sources and a variety of folk culture,
and a majority of it is in oral form. Hence, it has a threat of extinction. The origin of it is
unknown to us. It is as old as civilization. We are responsible for preserving this traditional oral
culture as one of the rarest literary art forms. It has an excellent scope for research too. Our
towns and cities are less likely to encourage folk culture, and there are hardly any folk theaters
in our modern cities. These art forms are confined to remote villages, and Telangana’s less
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
prevailed urban cultural areas. Even today also, Chindu Plays are well known in Telangana. In
the Telugu States, we call them names such as Baagotham, bogatham, Aata, Naatakam,
Veedhinatakam, Yakshagaanam, Ilaata, Bailata, and Bommalaata.
Keywords: Influence, art, culture, tradition, folk, ancient, oral, extinct, endanger
Bio-note:
15 years of teaching English at Govt. Degree College he is the author of SARANGADHARA
full play-2016, THE TRIBAL KING Narrative-2016, THE MIGHTY AMAR SINGH Play-
2017, THE PORTRAIT OF RUSTIC LIVES Collection of One-Act plays-2018, THE
BASKET OF CUSTARD APPLE a Book of Collective Poems-2017, The Wild Wail a full play-
2018, all these manuscripts were published by Ad Litteram International, double-blind, peer-
reviewed, refereed, E-journal ISSN:24566624. Besides he has been acting as the reviewer of
ISJOA, IJOA, and Manjeer Journals.
Portrayal of Everyday Struggles and Triumphs in R. K. Narayan’s Selected
Short Stories
DR. P. MENAKAPRIYA, Assistant Professor, JSS College of Arts, Commerce, and
Science, Mysore, India
Abstract:
R.K.Narayan skillfully portrayed the realities of life every human encounters in day-to-day life
in the fictional town of Malgudi through his short stories. The present study focuses four short
stories from Narayan’s Under the Banyan Tree: ‘All Avoidable Talk’, ‘A Horse and Two Goats’,
‘Dodu’, and ‘A Career’. Sastri, in ‘All Avoidable Talk’, believes his friend’s prophecies which
warn him to avoid all quarrels, as they may threaten his personal and professional life. This
story focuses how Sastri struggles to avoid unnecessary talks and restore his reputation with
his owner to attain normalcy. Muni, in ‘A Horse and Two Goats’, an elderly goat herder,
confronts challenges for daily survival. When he meets a foreigner, a linguistic
misunderstanding leads to a sarcastic but beneficial solution, as Muni unwittingly benefited
from the sale of a horse statue. In ‘Dodu’, an eight year old boy, Dodu, badly needs money and
struggles to become an entrepreneur to earn some. He faces many difficulties but his
determination pays him at the end. ‘A Career’ is narrated by the Talkative Man, who offers a
job to a young man named Ramu when he owns a provision store, without knowing that this
decision will lead to the complete destruction his career. The story further moves how the
Talkative Man is betrayed and fate also betrays Ramu. Through a simple yet profound narrative
style, Narayan illustrates the everyday lives of his characters with humor and irony. The vivid
descriptions he paints of Malgudi and its inhabitants provide cultural insights that can be
enjoyed by readers all over the world. In reflecting the essence of humanity and society,
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Narayan highlights the characters’ struggle and triumph in a universal way. Besides
entertaining, Narayan’s stories teach us valuable lessons about culture, resilience, and integrity.
Keywords: Human Experience, Humour and Irony, Cultural Insights, Everyday Struggles,
Resilience.
Bio-note:
Dr. P. Menakapriya is an Assistant Professor in the PG Department of English at JSS College
of Arts, Commerce, and Science, Mysore. She has over eight years of experience. She is keenly
interested in teaching novels, dramas, short stories, and grammar and is inclined towards
writing stories and translation.
Gendered Violence and Psychosis in Phobia (2016)
DR SAPNA DOGRA, Assistant Professor (English), Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government
Degree College Sunni, Shimla (Himachal Pradesh University)
Abstract:
Phobia (2016) is an Indian psychological thriller that depicts an artist as the protagonist with
who suffers from ‘Agoraphobia’. Agoraphobia is a type of psychosis that has anxiety disorder.
The patient suffers from extreme fear of situations of entrapment. The heroine of the film
suffers gendered violence. The interplay between her experience and the restricted space she
occupies is hard to miss. This causes emotions of helplessness and embarrassment.
The paper looks at the nuanced portrayal of psychosis and the interplay between
restricted spaces and gendered experiences. Also, there are constant feminist undertones as the
symptoms of the disease can correlate with the condition of women’s oppression. The film
depicts a situation where mental illness is not stigmatized with an underlying reference to the
nexus between art and illness.
Keywords: Psychosis, Phobia, gender, space, Mehek, Radhika Apte, stigma, Feminism.
Bio-note:
Dr Sapna Dogra completed her BA and MA in English Literature from the University of Delhi.
She obtained her MPhil and PhD from Jawaharlal Nehru University. She is working as an
Assistant Professor (English) in the Department of Higher Education, Government of Himachal
Pradesh since 2018.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Participation of Women in Hindu Rituals: A Case Study of Maha Shivratri
in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India
VARNIKA SHARMA, Research Scholar, Doon University
Abstract:
This paper aims to comprehend the function and involvement of females in MahaShivtratri (an
annual renowned international fair that is held for 7 days starting with the Hindu festival of
Shivaratri, in the Mandi town ) , as well as the rituals they undertake for the deities. The
research was conducted at Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. The researcher attended a seven-day
MahaShivratri festival at Mandi Himachal Pradesh, the study conducted was ethnographic in
nature. Various interviews were carried out with Develus (Attendees with deities ) , Pradhan
(Head of the committee) of the deity committees, Gur (Shamans) , Purohits(Priest and Preistess
of temples) , Bajantris( Musician with palanquins of deities) the study explores the societal
construct around female involvement in rituals and the existence of menstruation taboos.
Furthermore, it also identifies the contrasting viewpoints of males and females about the
allocation of roles and involvement between the genders. The study was conducted during
MahaShivratri fair from March 8, 2024 to March 15, 2024 at Mandi in Himachal Pradesh.
Throughout history, women have predominantly been seen as dependents or slaves, lacking
equal legal status. The analysis in this study applied the Feminist Theories of Simone De
Beauvoir and Nivedita Menon
Keywords: Female roles, Mahashivratri at Mandi, Hindu rituals, Menstruation Taboo.
Bio-note:
She starter her doctoral studies in media and communication studies at Doon University in
2023. She has qualified by the MH SET and UGC NET, and I have also delivered a paper at a
national conference held by IMS University. She has seven years of expertise in the field of
public relations. I have also volunteered overseas in Italy, where She worked with refugee
children, and She has worked with NGOs that support children and animals.
Echo of Self and Cultural Identity in Easterine Kire’s Fictions
ISHITA HALDAR, Assistant Professor, Sambhu Nath College, India
Abstract:
Easterine Kire is a prolific author who was born into the Angami Naga clan and has authored
many books. Kire sets out on a deep journey among her vast collection of books to forge a
meaningful bond with her Naga ancestry and capture the spirit of living in highlands. Her works
of literature explore deeply rooted cultures, Identities, taboos, rituals, customs, festivals, oral
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
traditions, and rules that are unique to a certain location. In her historical book “Mari” (2010),
Easterine Kire, a contemporary voice of cultural literature of North East India, uses her own
personal narrative to rebuild and depict the remarkable Battle of Kohima, which took place in
1944. She delineates the conditions of Kohima by utilising the specific memory of aunt Mari.
This paper also considers how the onslaught of the battle affects Mari’s personality and cultural
identity as well as the communal persona of the Naga people. Again, Kire’s “Don’t Run My
Love” (2017) deftly integrates myths, traditions, cultural identities, and the rural setting into
the lives of love and horror with grace, lyrical words, folklores, and a deep understanding of
human nature. This research paper conducts a thorough examination of both fictions and
emphasizes how the historical and cultural context is portrayed in both works. This study also
looks into how the text places itself in a pre-Christian period before the entrance of the British
and the evangelical campaigns that followed. The goal is to appreciate how important memory
is to maintain and create the cultural exchanges and identities of generation that has been
traumatized by its past.
Keywords: Angami, Cultural Identity, Taboos, Oral Traditions, And Folklores.
Bio-note:
Assistant Professor of English in Sambhu Nath College. Pursuing Ph.D. from Seacom Skills
University, Bolpur, Birbhum. Qualified NET. Presented papers in several National and
International Conferences. Published papers in UGC Care Listed Journals and book chapters.
Food as a Cultural Bridge: Understanding Cross-Cultural Relationships in
“Climbing the Mango Trees”
TUHINA THAKUR, Masters student, Adamas University, kolkata, India
Abstract:
This paper explores the role of food as a cultural bridge in Madhur Jaffrey’s memoir “Climbing
the Mango Trees,” highlighting how culinary practices facilitate cross-cultural understanding
and relationships. The study examines specific instances where food acts as a medium for
cultural exchange, fostering empathy and connection between diverse groups. By analyzing
Jaffrey’s detailed descriptions of traditional Indian dishes and their adaptations in different
cultural contexts, the research underscores the universal language of food in bridging cultural
divides. The memoir’s narrative reveals how shared culinary experiences create spaces for
dialogue and mutual respect, transcending socio-political and ethnic boundaries. Furthermore,
the study delves into the historical and socio-political contexts that shape these culinary
interactions, exploring the impact of colonialism, globalization, and migration on Indian
cuisine and cultural identity. The research paper argues that Jaffrey’s memoir not only
documents personal and familial memories but also serves as a testament to the power of food
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
in promoting cross-cultural understanding and harmony. By situating “Climbing the Mango
Trees” within broader discussions of food studies and cultural anthropology, this research
contributes to an enhanced appreciation of the complex interplay between food, culture, and
social relations.
Keywords: Food as a cultural bridge, Cross-cultural relationships, Cultural Identity, Food
Studies and Culinary Exchange.
Bio-note:
As a dedicated master’s final-year student, I am deeply immersed in the world of food and
culinary arts. My academic journey is fueled by a genuine passion for culinary literature, where
I explore the intricate narratives and histories that shape our gastronomic experiences. With an
unwavering enthusiasm for all things food-related, I constantly seek to expand my knowledge
and skills, delving into the diverse flavors and techniques that define global cuisines. Whether
I’m experimenting with new recipes or dissecting the cultural significance of a dish, my love
for food drives me to uncover the stories behind every meal. Through this journey, I aspire to
blend academic insights with culinary creativity, ultimately contributing to the vibrant tapestry
of food culture.
Bharat Mata: A Symbol of Asexuality, Inclusivity and Advocacy for Same-
Sex Marriage in Contemporary India
DISHA, Ph.D. Scholar | Senior Research Fellow, Dr. K. R. Narayanan Centre for Dalit
and Minorities Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
Abstract:
This paper explores the iconic representation of Bharat Mata, a national personification of
India, through the lens of asexuality, inclusivity, and the advocacy of same-sex marriage.
Initially emerging in the context of the Swadeshi movement and popularised by Abanindranath
Tagore’s 1904 painting, Bharat Mata symbolises resistance, unity, and the cultural revival
during British colonial rule. Traditionally depicted as a divine, maternal figure, Bharat Mata
diverges from conventional portrayals of motherhood and sexuality, embodying a form of
asexuality that challenges normative frameworks. By emphasising her spiritual purity and
nurturing qualities over sexual connotations, Bharat Mata transcends gender-specific and
reproductive roles, fostering a broader understanding of identity and national pride. This
reinterpretation aligns with contemporary asexual studies, highlighting her detachment from
physical desires and societal expectations. Furthermore, Bharat Mata’s inclusive symbolism
and non-discriminatory love make her a potent cultural advocate for same-sex marriage in
India. Her serene, non-sexual gaze and independence from traditional gender roles reflect
acceptance and equality, principles fundamental to the argument for same-sex marriage. By
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
recontextualizing Bharat Mata as a symbol of unity in diversity, the paper underscores her
relevance to modern discussions on gender, sexuality, and nationhood. This reinterpretation not
only enriches our understanding of Bharat Mata but also supports a more inclusive and
compassionate vision of society, celebrating diverse expressions of human connection and
reinforcing the principles of unity in diversity.
Keywords: Bharat Mata, Asexuality, Inclusivity, Same-Sex Marriage, Symbolism.
Bio-note:
As a committed Ph.D. Scholar at the Dr. K. R. Narayanan Centre for Dalit and Minorities
Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, India, I began my academic journey at Miranda House,
University of Delhi, India, completing my Bachelor’s degree, and later earned a Master’s
degree in History from Indira Gandhi National Open University, India. Supported by the
Government of India as a Senior Research Fellow, I explore queer history, identity, and the
moral fabric of the Victorian era, with a focus on Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code. My
research extends beyond academia, with presentations at global conferences sparking dialogue
and connections across continents. Published works and Anticipated publications will
contribute to understanding gender, sexuality, and identity in historical contexts, reflecting my
enduring commitment to uncovering marginalised narratives and advancing knowledge.
Looking into Rural India: A Critical Study of P. Sainath’s Everybody Loves
a Good Drought
Surya Prakash Verma, Assistant Professor, Baiswara Degree College, Lalganj,
Raebareli, UP
Abstract:
This article takes upon the quest of investigating P. Sainath’s influential text, Everybody Loves
a Good Drought (1996). The article tends to critically analyse the themes such as agrarian
distress, caste dynamics, governmental policies, and the agency of marginalised communities
in the context of contemporary India. By examining power, inequality, and resistance within
Sainath’s storytelling, the study provides a detailed understanding of the challenges faced by
rural populations, including land tenure, indebtedness, and social exclusion. Additionally, it
critically assesses the theoretical frameworks supporting Sainath’s analysis, placing his work
in the context of broader academic discussions on development. Using an interdisciplinary
approach, it records on how structural forces and historical legacies influence the experiences
of rural communities in modern India. This research contributes to ongoing academic and
societal dialogues, emphasizing the importance of addressing systemic inequalities and
promoting inclusive policies for rural development that are directly or indirectly related to the
current agrarian crisis in India
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Keywords: Agrarian Distress, Caste Dynamics, Inclusive Policies, Marginalized
Communities, Rural India.
Bio-note:
Surya Prakash Verma is an Assistant Professor of English at Baiswara PG College (An
Associated College of the University of Lucknow), Lalganj, Raebareli. He completed his PhD
in August 2023 from the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Roorkee, India.
His area of interest includes Silent Cinema, Modern Theatre, and Agricultural Studies. ORCID
ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0059-4713
Tracing the trajectories of Folk Textiles in South and South East Asia
HAIMANTI BAGCHI, Folklorist & Independent Researcher, IGNOU, New Delhi, India
Abstract:
Weaving or textiles could be seen as trans-generational mnemonic devices, which have
traditionally been a medium of expression and represent collective cultural identities as well
lay the socio-cultural fabric of the oral histories, memories, traumas and resilience of a
community. In this paper, I would be placing the trajectories of these textiles from South and
South East Asian Countries, their precarity, which transcend geopolitical borders, set in the
contemporary times. The techniques, motifs, process, colors and the skillful weaves of
Indonesian and Cambodian ‘Ikat’ as well as Indonesian, Malaysian and Hmong ‘Batik’ textiles,
represent intricately designed visual motifs, representing the cultural production of narratives,
characterizing the problematic identities of not only weavers and consumers within the
community but also acts as a way of internalizing a sense of collective belonging, edifying
symbol of transcending belief systems, showcasing various intersectionalities and
positionalities within these communities, strongly positioning itself on a global map. Some
textiles transcend geo political boundaries and become a medium of cultural expression
through the diffusion of regional and cultural metamorphosis, like- ‘Tenun’, the sacred textile
of Indonesia and in Malaysia it represents luxury and as a precious memory aid to the daughter
gifted during her marriage.
The folk textile industry provides a discursive trajectory of how heirloom fabric, a
cultural artefact or a mnemonic device can not only be eco-sensitive but also resilient across
communities, acting as trope of a sustainable economy acting in sync with the nature. This
paper will also scrutinize the homogenized modern market trends, rampant commodification
and the economic struggles of the artisans which have thus affected the production of such folk
textiles. It will also delve into case study of revival of these folk textiles and constant efforts
by the communities to evolve and prove their fading identities.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Keywords: Ecofriendly, Folk Textiles, Indigenous Knowledge System, Sustainable textile,
Pop culture.
Bio-note:
Haimanti Bagchi is a Folklorist and an Independent Researcher focused to generate awareness
on folk culture, indigenous ecology and its preservation through different modes of storytelling
techniques in the corporate world as well as before live audiences to provide a state of
equilibrium to marginal communities, by identifying their rich culture as an initiative to
conserve them. Her poems and short stories have been part of various anthologies and digital
platforms like Smashwords USA, TMYS Review, Readomania, Scarlet Dragonfly, Ukiyoto
Publishing House, Shades Publishing, The Quill House and others. Her recent poetry collection
‘Autumn of Life’ by Authorspress has received accolades worldwide. She has presented her
research papers for International conferences at eminent Institutes and Universities like IIT
Ropar, Pondicherry University, SRM Chennai, Swamy Saswathikananda College, Poothotta,
Kerala and Ramkrishna Mission, Narendrapur, Kolkata.
Dismantling The Novice Mind Through Violence: A Comprehensive Study
on Parzania
DEBASMITA MAHAJAN, Assistant Professor, Dinabandhu Andrews Institute of
Technology and Management (affiliated to MAKAUT), Kolkata, India
Abstract:
This paper will postulate about the unfortunate episode of the infamous Godhra riots that
occurred in 2002 by taking into account the film Parzania (2005) directed by Rahul Dholkia.
The plot of this film revolves around a ten-year-old Parsi boy named Parzaan Pithawala who
lives in Ahmedabad with his family comprising his father Cyrus (Nasiruddin Shah), mother
Shernaz (Sarika) and younger sister Dilshaad (Pearl Barsiwala). Parzaan aspires to be a
renowned cricketer and his sole companion is his sister to whom he narrates about an
imaginative land named Parzaania, where the inhabitants would face no hindrance to consume
unlimited chocolates, ice-creams and could lead a life as per their whims. However, Parzaan’s
life takes a drastic turn when one day, his colony gets attacked by an infuriated mob which
massacres numerous people mercilessly. Though, Shernaz and Dilshaad manage to escape
from the crime spot, Parzaan goes missing. Cyrus and Shernaz along with their daughter look
for the missing boy in every possible place however Parzaan was nowhere to be found. There
was nobody who came to their rescue; besides Allen, a scholar from America who was staying
in Ahmedabad for the completion of his thesis on Mahatma Gandhi. Parzaan’s parents and all
the other victims of this catastrophic event gather the courage to go to the court and narrate the
carnage they had witnessed. Was Parzaan ever found? How did the incident of Parzaan missing
have an impact on the minds of his sister Dilshaad? Moreover, how the concepts of gender,
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
caste, creed and religion, has an impact on the society that eventually affects the novice mind
of a child This paper will be an attempt to examine the violence- induced trauma faced by a
child owing to religious intolerance and communal riots.
Keywords: Trauma, Violence, Religion, Riots, Gender.
Bio-note:
She is Working as an Assistant Professor at Dinabandhu Andrews Institute of Technology and
Management (affiliated to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology).
A Review of Cultural Inconsistencies in the novel, The Crow Eaters By
Bapsi Sidhwa
V. JIBIN MONISH, Ph.D Research Scholar, Department of English, Thiruvalluvar
University, Tamil Nadu, India
Abstract:
Culture is an integral aspect of our civilization that encompasses several social institutions,
such as religion, art, caste, class, economy, race, ethnicity, and more, all of which play a
significant part. Culture has a key part in shaping national identities since it serves as the
driving force behind the cohesive social system. In addition, culture can be examined by
analysing the diverse aspects of social rituals, religious beliefs, and numerous legal institutions.
Art, including literature, serves as a repository of human lifestyles and psychological patterns
throughout history, greatly influencing the formation of cultures. Bapsi Sidhwa, as a prominent
figure in literature, has significantly contributed to the liberation of human civilizations by
loosening cultural constraints. The Crow Eaters serve as advocates for change, effectively
reducing conflicts among different religious and ethnic communities. The concepts portrayed
in the novel “The Crow Eaters” can significantly impact the cultural intricacies that exist in the
South Asian milieu.
Keywords: Dialectics, Ethnicity, Hybridity, Society, Clash.
Bio-note:
Mr. V. Jibin Monish, Ph.D Research Scholar of English at Thiruvalluvar University, Vellore
and very much interested in literature. I have also published my research articles in reputed
journals and also one of my article is cited in Google Scholar and Research Gate. I have also
participated and presented research paper in National and International Conferences and
Seminars. I wish to publish more research articles in UGC and SCOPUS indexed Journals in
the upcoming days.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
M.N. Roy Radical Humanism: A Blueprint for modern society?
MRINAL DUTTA, Assistant Professor( Selection Grade), BHB College, Sarupeta,
Barpeta, Assam, India
Abstract:
M.N .Roy’s Radical humanism vision suggests a clear plan of the modern civilization meaning
individual freedom social justice, and rational further evolution of man. About spiritual
freedom’s realization, Roy insists that it has not yet emerged from the sphere of the abstract
until rationality and science interact with morality and ethics. Thus, the ideological orientation
of Roy reflects the liberty and responsibility of individual together with the crying need for the
organization of society in which people will not interfere with others’ lives but will try to
cooperate with them. He also differs with the authorities of the state evident in the capitalist as
well as the communistic system hence his preference for a system where power belongs to the
people and therefore must be answerable. Education is still at the forefront of Roy’s mechanism
and is postulated as a phenomenon that would allow people to discharge their acquisitive role
and become useful citizens. Thus, the education model he prophesies is secular, scientific and
humanistic, which encourages rationality and has an enquiry spirit. In the economic aspect,
Radical Humanism calls for work integration or state initiatives in conjunction with self-
organizations or initiatives but with everyone’s well-being into consideration, including fair
distribution of resources, although without leaving out the liberty of creativity and enterprise.
These meanings suggest that there is a necessity for all the countries to be at cooperation not
at competition when it comes to matters regarding economy so as for a better and happier
human society to be theoretically conceived as noted by Roy. In other words, as the title
implies, M. N. Roy’s Radical Humanism offers a vision of a dreamer attempting at creating a
system that would provoke a dialogue of how to preserve individual liberty and the general
welfare, where both ethical reason and democracy prevail.
Keywords: Radical Humanism, Civil Liberty, Equality, Ethical, Civilization.
Bio-note:
Mr Mrinal Dutta working as a Assistant professor(Selection Grade) in B.H.B .College, Srupeta,
Barpeta Assam. He is participated 50 numbers of FDP both National and International Level.
He is presented 25 papers both National and International level. He is published 24 article in
National and International level Journal and 5 article are published in UGC care listed journal
group-1. He is also participated 9 course which is under HRDC and MMTC . Mr. Dutta is
attend different workshop ,Training program etc. .He also involved in different core committees
of the college.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Diasporic Sensibilities in Amitav Ghosh ‘s novel The Shadow Lines
DR. R.DEVI RAJA PRIYA, Assistant professor, M.V.Muthiah Government Arts College
for Women Dindigul, Tamil Nadu
Abstract:
Diaspora writers have established a trend since the country’s independence and readers from
all around the world are drawn to Diaspora literature, regardless of language, style, literary
form or technique. Diaspora is an emerging term in literature; needless to say it has gained
tremendous popularity across the globe.Diaspora refers to a large group of people who share a
cultural and regional origin but are living away from their traditional homeland. Diasporas
come about through immigration and forced movements of people. Amitav Ghosh is one of the
best-known Indian Writers in English . This paper shows the analysis of Amitav Ghosh ‘s novel
The Shadow Lines that, recounts the story of the narrator’s coming of age in Calcutta and the
sweeping impact of political violence on his life through Diasporic experience.
Keywords: Diaspora, Migration, Partition, Struggles, Political Violence.
Bio-note:
Dr. R. Devi Raja Priya, is an Assistant Professor of English, M.V.Muthiah Government Arts
College for Women , Dindigul, Tamil Nadu
Decoding Media Texts: a Study of the Changing Dynamics of Bengali
Popular Culture Through the Select Volumes of Desh Magazine
MANISH SARMA, Ph.D Research Scholar, ICFAI Universit, Tripura, India
Abstract:
The research article aims to understand and reflect how media texts chiefly the Bengali literary
magazines have documented a generation’s cultural evolution, its changing aspects, popular
and emerging trends. Content and discourse analysis for both literary and non literary texts
shall be employed as textual strategies. The media texts chosen for the study is Desh, one of
the distinguished literary magazines published in Bengali language. Methodological tools of
ethnography, cultural anthropology shall be applied in the study. Conceptual framework of
representations and popular culture will be particularly instrumental in capturing the changing
dynamics of the selected decade. The time frame selected is the decade of early 90s. The study
thus aims to analyze the contents-essays, articles, advertisements and short stories or novels
published in the magazine in order to attempt an epistemological approach to establish the
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
validity of the media texts as representative tools in documenting the change and continuity in
the context of popular culture in Bengali society.
Keywords: Media Texts; Popular Culture; Literary; Non Literary; Change and Continuity.
Bio-note:
Mr. Manish Sarma is a PhD Research Scholar in the Faculty of Liberal Arts since 2021. He has
received his Master Degree in English Literature in 2012 specializing in Post Colonial
Literature from Tripura University, a Central University and a Bachelor Degree from MBB
College in 2010.
Performance as Activism and Protest: A Vessel for Social Resilience and
Resistance
BRITTNEY S. HARRIS, Assistant Professor of Applied Theatre (Performance and
Community Engagement), Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia
Tech)
Abstract:
Sub-Theme(s): Art and Society; Human Rights and Global Justice; Narratives and Society
“Let Me Tell You a Story...” These words hold power, as each of us has a unique story
influenced by our experiences. Narrative-based storytelling has the ability to captivate and
transport audiences, evoking strong emotions and reactions and the stage provides a vessel for
artists to explore their narratives, including questions about morals, society, and spirituality.
Artists of color use the stage to share stories of communities that have been oppressed,
undermined, or underserved. Doing so helps the audience connect with these narratives on a
deeper level and remember them long after they have been told. These artists are both artistic
and political influencers in our world, playing a significant role whether they choose to or not.
Like a compelling narrative, the act of “protest” possesses the extraordinary ability to
whisk the audience away to another era or location, stirring up intense emotions and responses.
It has the capacity to enthrall and involve the audience, making them an indispensable part of
the narrative that seeks to bring about change and improvement. Whether as a self-reflective
tool or autoethnographic tool, which includes using journals, looking at archival records -
whether institutional or personal, interviewing one’s own self, and using writing to generate a
self-cultural understanding—using artistic expression as a form of activism clarified for me
how performance can educate people about their attitude and mindset towards current
conditions and work towards change.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
This proposal emphasizes the ‘performance of protest’ and the importance of the
performing arts in advocating for social justice and civil, environmental, and human rights.
This is achieved through storytelling and collective sharing to promote civic engagement,
dialogue, and community problem-solving.
Keywords: Performance As Activism; Activism; Social Justice; Global Justice; Narratives Of
Change.
Bio-note:
Brittney S. Harris is an internationally recognized Assistant Professor of Applied Theatre in the
College of Art and Architecture at Virginia Tech. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Acting
with an emphasis in Cultural Enrichment from the University of Georgia. She has over a decade
of experience in Applied Theatre, focusing on Race and Performance, Performance as
Activism, and Devised Community-Engaged Theatre.
Her PaR (performance as research) work explores the detrimental effects of vicarious
trauma from social media on the personal psyche and examines how narrative-based
storytelling can be a means for social resilience and redemption. Brittney’s work has featured
at several national interdisciplinary conferences and fringe festivals, including the Association
for Theatre in Higher Education Conference (ATHE), Northeast Modern Language Association
Conference (NeMLA), Mid-America Theatre Conference (MATC), Women’s Theatre Fringe
Festival of NC, and Black Theatre Network.
Dressing Dogs: Examining Species Equivalence and Agency in Pet
Fashion of Pet Influencers - Tika and Bodhi
KARISHMA SURESH, Research Scholar, Newman College Thodupuzha, Mahatma
Gandhi University, Kerala, India
Abstract:
Pet fashion has seen an exponential growth in the twenty-first century, expanding well beyond
traditional leashes, collars, and name tags to include high-fashion clothing, accessories, and
furniture. This burgeoning culture has given rise to pet influencers - animals with substantial
social media followings, particularly on Instagram. These pet influencers, often dogs, cats, or
rabbits, highlight pet fashion trends, endorse products, and share their activities through their
owners, referred to as pet parents. This phenomenon has gained significant momentum post-
pandemic, fostering a new level of indulgence among the younger population, who increasingly
regard pets as family members. This shift is evidenced by the purchase of exclusive clothing
and the creation of mini-me looks to express adoration and love for these new family members.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Such practices cater to the trend of pet hominization, prompting questions about the
implications of dressing animals in human-like fashion.
This paper aims to explore whether the trend of pet fashion represents a step towards a
posthumanistic view of species equivalence or if it diminishes the agency of animals. By
examining the social media accounts of prominent pet influencers, Tika (@tikatheiggy) and
Bodhi (@mensweardog), this study aims to determine whether pet dog fashion contributes to
erasing the boundaries between human and non-human or if it intensifies the fetishisation of
humans through the theoretical frameworks of posthumanism and bioethics.
Keywords: Pet Fashion, Pet Influencers, Species Equivalence, Agency, Human/Non-Human
Binary.
Bio-note:
Karishma Suresh is a research scholar at Newman College Thodupuzha, specializing in fashion
studies within the discipline of English. She holds a B.A. in Functional English, an M.A. in
English Language and Literature, and a B.Ed. in English. Karishma was the first-rank holder
for her undergraduate programme at Kannur University in 2019. She has briefly worked as an
Assistant Professor at Mahe Cooperative College of Education and Technology, Palloor and as
a Spoken English Tutor at Team Interval. She has cleared competitive examinations for teacher
eligibility including NET-JRF, GATE, SET and C-TET. Karishma has presented papers at both
national and international conferences and has published works in the areas of fashion,
memory, thing theory, and gender.
Women’s Health and Reproductive Restraints in Popular Periodicals of
Colonial Bengal
Tapti Roy, Research Scholar, PhD Research Scholar, Department of English, Jamia
Millia Islamia, New Delhi
Abstract:
One of the pillars validating the colonial administration in India was the British racial
superiority founded upon effeminacy and racial degeneracy of the native Bengali men. The
aspect, a European import was textually reinforced through speeches, literary works, and
scientific treatises, thus situating native Bengali men as pusillanimous caricatures.
This however initiated a surge of retaliation where internalising the aforesaid
imputation, the contemporary periodicals explored to isolate the causes for such degradation
and simultaneously chastised the youth for their perceived sloth, debauchery, and other
improper indulgences. The reformist measure further initiated sexually active married women
into their folds to replenish their otherwise frail, sickly, diseased stock. Through a deluge of
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
articles published in popular periodicals, the reformists, mostly Brahmos, advising several
means to lead a healthy life in order to accomplish healthy amounts of superior quality sperm
for assuring successful conception. Simultaneously, periodicals intended majorly for women
readership contained advisory on maintaining optimum health standards for women to be able
to birth robust offspring.
The paper, as an objective, would analyse such textual biomedical techniques employed
by reformists to effect a social upheaval by eugenically wiping out undesirable characteristics
from an otherwise intellectually superior racial stick of Bengali men. The paper, undertaking
majorly archival research, will focus on journals such as Chikitsa Sammilani, Swasthya
Samachar, Bamabodhini Patrika, and Antahpur to explore the textual control over
dissemination of information exercised by the reformists.
Taking into account the views expressed by Partha Chatterjee, Sumanta Banerjee, and
Anindita Ghosh the paper will aid in understanding the extent of agency available to women in
relation to access to colonial healthcare besides studying the attributes at stake for women in
the course of adapting suitably to the official reformist native culture.
Keywords: Effeminacy, Racial degeneracy, Conception, Slothfulness, Ignorance of women
Bio-note:
Tapti Roy is pursuing a PhD in the Department of English, Jamia Millia Islamia. Her broad
focus area is colonial Bengal. Currently, she is working on the nexus of gender and colonial
medicine in the works of Banaphool.
Shaping Assamese Identity: The Role of Neo-Vaishnavism and Satra
Institutions in Cultural Nationalism
DR. RUMI ROY, Assistant Professor, Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies-TC,
Delhi, India
Abstract:
In the 15th century, the socio-cultural fabric of India, including Assam, faced degradation and
corruption, which led to widespread malpractices in the name of religion. At this critical
juncture, Srimanta Sankardeva, a spiritual leader, social reformer, and cultural luminary,
emerged in Assam, initiating a Neo-Vaishnavite movement that transformed Assamese society.
This paper explores how Sankardeva’s Neo-Vaishnavism, with its inclusive philosophy and
dynamic institutions like Satras and Namghars, played a pivotal role in shaping Assamese
identity and fostering cultural nationalism. The movement not only revitalized Vaishnavism
but also integrated diverse ethnic groups into a cohesive Assamese nation. Through innovative
cultural initiatives such as Bhaonas and Borgeets, Neo-Vaishnavism defined and preserved
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Assamese culture. This study delves into the managerial structure and modern relevance of
Satras, highlighting their multifaceted role as cultural centers, proto-type Panchayats, and
forums for decentralized planning and decision-making. Additionally, the paper examines the
economic impact of Neo-Vaishnavism, focusing on the empowerment of women and its
contribution to a progressive, egalitarian society. Ultimately, the research aims to underscore
the significant role of Vaishnavism and its institutions in the formation of Assamese identity
and their enduring influence on the region’s socio-cultural landscape.
Keywords: Cultural centre, Satra, Borgeet, Vaishnavism, Assamese Identity.
Bio-note:
Dr. Rumi Roy, M.Phil, Ph.D., with 9 years of teaching experience, is currently at Vivekananda
School of Law, VIPS-TC Delhi. An alumna of the Centre for Political Studies, Jawaharlal
Nehru University, she has published widely in national and international journals of repute and
Scopus Web-indexed journals and has been recently invited as a resource person at IIT-
Kharagpur. She is a life member of CEGR and a former member of the British Association of
South Asian Studies
.Bridging Cultures: Examining the Working and Living Conditions of Chin
Refugees in Lawngtlai Town, Mizoram
JULIET F LALZARZOLIANI, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, The
ICFAI University, India & MICHAEL B LALSANGLURA, Student, MA Economics,
Department of Economics, The ICFAI University, India
Abstract:
The northeastern states of Mizoram have become a sanctuary for Chin refugees fleeing
Myanmar due to the ongoing insurgency and severe human rights violations by the Tatmadaw
(Myanmar’s armed forces). Since March 2021, over 30,000 refugees have sought refuge in
Mizoram, where the state government and NGOs offer shelter, clothing, food, and education.
Despite shared ethnic origins and cultural similarities, these refugees encounter significant
challenges in accessing basic amenities.
Keywords: Chin refugees, Myanmar, Lawngtlai Town, Mizoram, Refugee Camps, Living
Conditions.
Bio-note:
Juliet F Lalzarzoliani is currently working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of
Economics at The ICFAI University Mizoram, Aizawl. She specializes in agriculture, health
economics, and gender and inequality.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Michael B Lalsanglura is a research scholar in the Department of Economics at The ICFAI
University Mizoram, focusing on socio-economic research with an emphasis on marginalized
communities and migration studies.
Memes and Emotions: Cultural Theories and Rasa in Digital Media
HEEMAL PANDEY, Research scholar, Govt. D. B. Girls’ P.G. College Kalibadi Chowk,
Raipur, Chhattishgarh, India
Abstract:
Meme culture has emerged as one of the most popular forms of expression in today’s digital
world. This paper explores the intersection of meme culture with Freud’s Theory of Humor and
Mikhail Bakhtin’s concept of the Carnivalesque. It examines how memes serve as a mechanism
for the collective release of societal frustrations and the use of mockery to critique societal
norms. By analyzing the psychological and social functions of memes, the paper highlights
their role in providing emotional relief and facilitating social critique. Additionally, the paper
delves into the Indian aesthetic concept of Rasa, exploring how memes evoke emotional
responses and contribute to a shared cultural experience. The concept of Bhava (emotional
states) and Rasa (aesthetic experience) from Bharata’s Natyashastra is applied to understand
how memes, evoke specific emotions and create a collective resonance among audiences. By
integrating these cultural theories, the paper provides a comprehensive understanding of how
memes function as a powerful medium for emotional release, social commentary, and cultural
expression in the digital age. This interdisciplinary approach offers a new perspective on the
emotional and cultural impact of digital media.
Keywords: Meme Culture, Carnivalesque, Rasa Theory, Indian Aesthetics, Digital culture.
Bio-note:
Heemal Pandey is a passionate research scholar with a deep love for classical arts. Alongside
her work in theatre, she enjoys reading, watching classical performances, and learning from
esteemed gurus. For Heemal, dance is a form of prayer and a way to connect with the divine.
As an author, Heemal has written several books and has participated as an international
panellist in various discussions. She holds the prestigious Bhasa Vibhusan in Hindi and is
proficient in over seven languages, showcasing her remarkable linguistic abilities. Her
dedication to her craft and cultural heritage shines through in all her endeavours.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
From Ballads to Borderlands: Steinbeck’s Integration of Music and
Migration Themes
PRERNA PAWAR, Research Scholar, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University,
Delhi, India
Abstract:
Art, including literature, visual arts, and music, often becomes a medium for migrants to
explore and express their displaced memories. John Steinbeck through his works tried to
process the complexities of migration, navigate their sense of identity, and foster a sense of
belonging and solidarity among migrant communities.
Steinbeck strategically incorporates music into his works to evoke memory, create a
sense of nostalgia, and explore the themes of longing, escape, and the process of forgetting. By
incorporating musical references like ‘I’ll Fly Away’ and ‘The Battle Hymn of the Republic’ in
The Grapes of Wrath, ‘On the Road Again’ in Of Mice and Men and employing the power of
music to tap into emotions and collective memory, Steinbeck enhances the depth and resonance
of his narratives. Steinbeck by incorporating music and symphonies created a space of evasion,
oscillating between remembering and forgetting an individual and collective past.
The paper will try to unravel how Steinbeck through music explores the impact of
memory on individuals and societies, examining how memories shape personal identity and
influence the collective consciousness in works like Of Mice and Men, Cannery Row, and The
Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
Keywords: Memory, Migration, Music, Humanity, Displacement.
Bio-note:
Prerna Pawar has done her MPhil (English Literature)from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha
University, Delhi and currently pursuing her PhD in English Literature. My research area
revolves around John Steinbeck’s works, river narratives, and travel writings.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Staying Apart Or Living Together?: Exploring Planetary Precarity,
Posthuman Subjectivity, and Future Possibilities of (Co)Existence in
Parasyte: The Maxim
SAIKAT PRADHAN, PhD Scholar and UGC Junior Research Fellow, University of
North Bengal
Abstract:
This paper delves into the questions of (co)existence in an era of rapidly evolving technoscape
and accelerating planetary deterioration with particular reference to the Japanese animated
series Parasyte: The Maxim (2014). As humans have evolved as a species and gradually
assumed power and knowledge over other creatural life, exerting dominance on non-human
nature has been one of humanity’s most consistent traits, something which has ranged from
simple subordination to outright cruelty, even termination of other species for survival, whether
through meat consumption, accumulation of capital or satisfying other fundamentally “human”
needs. In fact, our current geological epoch of the Anthropocene is viewed by many as the peak
of this long-standing history of human intervention on non-human life forms, i.e. animals,
plants, insects and other phenomena of a more-than-human kind. Importantly, the anime
speculates a future where alien parasites gradually start assuming control over mankind and, in
most cases, devour other humans for survival and sustenance. In this paper, I argue how the
anime’s portrayal of the alien, non-human “other” poses fundamentally existential questions
that not only entail human and more-than human lifeworlds but also everything that lies in
between. Using Michel Serres’ argument for a non-parasitic and reciprocal “natural contract”
between human and non-human nature and Donna Haraway’s notion of “companion species,”
my presentation considers the possibility of (co)habitation, mutual care and interspecies
kinship in the 2014 animated series. In addition, it dwells on the life-affirming possibilities as
well as repercussions of a “posthuman” assemblage/subjectivity as a result of synergic fusion
with non-human life form(s), one that can have far-reaching implications in an era of
catastrophic climate change and global environmental crisis.
Keywords: (Co)Existence; Planetary Deterioration; Posthuman Subjectivity; Creatural Life;
More-Than-Human Kind.
Bio-note:
Saikat Pradhan is a PhD student and UGC Junior Research Fellow in English Studies at the
University of North Bengal, India. He obtained his M.A. in 2022 from the University of
Calcutta and B.A. in 2020 from Vivekananda College, Kolkata. Some of his research interests
include posthumanism, environmental humanities, architecture and urban planning, cultural
geography and anthrozoology. His current transdisciplinary research seeks to investigate the
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
more-than-human worlds of biotechnology and natureculture, while foregrounding a critique
of capitalism and articulating architecture’s need to incorporate the other-than-human in our
current geological epoch of the Anthropocene.
The Impact of Cinema on Society: Identifying the Glorification of Toxic
Masculinity and Violence, Presented as Reflection of Societal Realities, in
Animal and Angamaly Diaries
VAIDEHI RAJAGOPALAN, Research Scholar, Research Scholar, VIT-Ap University,
Andhra Pradesh, India
Abstract:
This research paper embarks on a journey into the nexus between art and society in the context
of influence of films on societal perceptions and behaviours. As one of the most prevalent and
influential forms of media, films play a crucial role in embedding messages into our
consciousness. The inclusion of themes such as gender inequality and violence are common
while capturing reality in movies. For instance, the Bollywood movie Animal (2023) and the
Mollywood movie Angamaly Diaries (2017) both address aspects like gender inequality,
violence, and toxicity masculinity. Although it is essential to incorporate such motifs for the
depiction of real-life characters and incidents in a patriarchal society, the problem occurs with
the intention behind their inclusion in movies, whether it is as part of the realistic portrayal or
for glorification. Animal (2023) which centres on the character of a hardened son of a powerful
industrialist (Ranvijay Singh) and Angamaly Diaries (2017) which revolves around the
rivalries between two male gangs, glorify toxic masculinity and violence. By employing a
qualitative analysis of the two selected movies, this paper aims to point out the glorification of
these themes in movies, in the name of reflection of societal realities, while considering the
broader impact of cinema on society.
Keywords: Glorification, Realistic Portrayal, Societal Perceptions, Violence, Toxic
Masculinity.
Bio-note:
Vaidehi Rajagopalan is a first-year research scholar in English at VIT-AP University,
specialising in film studies. Her research focuses on the erotic capital of female protagonists in
Malayalam movies. Vaidehi has qualified UGC NET and GATE in English and holds a second
rank in MA English from the Central University of Punjab. She has published two papers,
including one in a UGC-CARE listed journal, and has contributed a book chapter. Her
academic interests encompass film studies, gender studies, and queer studies. Vaidehi’s
commitment to exploring the intersections of gender and cinematic representation positions her
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
as a promising scholar in her field. She strives to contribute significantly to contemporary film
criticism and gender discourses through her nuanced research and publications.
The Ghosts of Naxalbari: a critical study on the invisibility of women in the
Naxalbari leadership
RABINA CHATTERJEE, Research Scholar, Diamond Harbour Women’s University,
West Bengal, India
Abstract:
This work tries to illuminate on the role of women in the Naxalbari leadership from a
Gramscian perspective. It explores that to what extent did the intellectuals involve, the tribal
and peasant women within the ambit of leadership. It is undeniable that women played an
indispensible role in the Naxalbari movement. Numerous literatures suggest that the Naxalbari
rebellion was an embodiment of women empowerment. It provided a voice, an egalitarian arena
to the disempowered tribal and peasant women to assert their worldviews. Some unstructured
interviews of women revolutionaries like Shanti Munda and Leela Kishan suggests that how,
for the first time, they felt empowered by intrinsically taking part in the movement and how
they were identified as actors of revolutionary change by their ideological leaders. They added
that how they felt a ‘sense of freedom’ by identifying themselves as ‘revolutionaries’, thereby
actively taking part in the Guerilla squads, evolving beyond their traditional roles, which was
narrowly limited to the domestic sphere. However, this work observes that how certain
patriarchal tendencies in the intellectual leadership, in a subtle manner, subordinated the
cultural perspective, i.e. the question of gender and women leadership in the rebellion.
Additionally, it showcases that how the primary literature of the movement nowhere
emphasises on the question of gender, thus pushing the role of women to the periphery of the
movement. It finally concludes by arguing that how on the basis of the ‘class’ factor over the
‘cultural’ factor, there has been a marginalization of tribal women making them ‘subalterns’ of
their own rebellion. Hence, on the basis of a mixed-method (review of primary literature and
ethnographic study of tribal women who participated in the Naxalbari rebellion), this work
assesses the role of women and their dialectical relation with the question of leadership and
egalitarian participation in the movement.
Keywords: Subaltern, Tribal Consciousness, Women Empowerment, Naxalbari Rebellion.
Bio-note:
Rabina Chatterjee is a Reseach Scholar of Political Science at Diamond Harbour Women’s
University. She is also working as a Faculty member of Political Science at Heritage Law
College, Kolkata. She has completed her graduation from Bethune College (University of
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Calcutta) and her Masters in Political Science from Presidency University, Kolkata. She has
authored numerous research articles on Western Political Thought and Subaltern Studies.
Indigeneity And Gender In Dalit Narratives - Sites For Decolonization
ARIMITRA DEBROY, Post-graduate student, St. Xavier’s College Autonomous, West
Bengal, India
Abstract:
The mainstream literary tradition, which is largely a product of the cultural hegemony of the
‘savarnas’ and aided only Brahminical knowledge production, fuelled a casteist tradition in
India that conditioned the Dalits into a ‘culture of silence’. Even when Dalit literary movement
emerged as an ‘intellectual propaganda’ for the construction of a Dalit-consciousness against
the psychological and physical devaluation of them, hardly any attention was paid to the gender
perspective and indigenous tropes. The interplay of indigenous tropes and gender in Dalit
narratives not only just subvert the grand narrative of the casteist traditions but also reconstruct
Dalit reality that counters gendered narrative by male Dalit writers. This ‘double’ de-
Brahminization of the Dalit narratives employ tropes that often are sidelined in the canon, like
that of oral tradition, narratives based on intergenerational memories and bodies that becomes
a paradoxical site for both double marginalization, sexual and physical exploitation as well as
the embodiment of indigenous art forms. Even when Gopal Guru asserts that Dalit women ‘talk
differently’, the scope of such an assertion can be expanded to include not just gendered bodies
but also the representation of Dalit consciousness via proximity to nature, local music,
artworks, dance forms and the primacy of the body in the process of turning art into resistance
against the Manusmriti. This striving towards dismantling the casteist literary tradition can
further be studied as an extension of the narratives of decolonization that question spaces and
sites of hegemonic power as loci for colonial manipulation of history, cultures, domesticity and
body. This paper intends to study indigeneity and gender in works of Dalit writers like Bama’s
“Sangati” and “Karukku”, Namdeo Dhasal’s poems, Kalyan Rao’s “Antarani
Vasantam”(Untouchable Spring) and Urmila Pawar’s “The Weave of My Life: A Dalit
Woman’s Memoirs”, and examine these narratives as sites of decolonization as it counter the
colonial discourse manoeuvred into the mainstream casteist literary traditions.
Keywords: Indigenous Tropes, Gender, Dalit Discourse, Decolonization, Body Politic.
Bio-note:
Arimitra Debroy is a Postgraduate student of English Literature pursuing her studies from St.
Xavier’s College [Autonomous], Kolkata. She has written an article titled ‘ The Blood-Stained
Cup: Migrant workers in Qatar’ under Refugee Watch Online. She has previously presented
three of her papers in different seminars that include topics such as Dalit literature, a re-
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
imagination of Indian myth in the context of Partition and a graphical analysis of Neil Gaiman’s
work. She has also presented a paper under Inmind Support international conference on
Travelling Transmission and Transgression, 2024. She has won several awards in fields of
creative writing and debate competitions and is also the content head for Xaverian Theatrical
Society for the session 2024-25. She takes keen interest in fields of Dalit studies, gender
studies, psychology, theatre, Indian literature, popular culture, queer literature and culture
studies.
Non-Historical Native Perspectives: Thinking with A Modern Native View
KATERI SMITH, MA, Institute of American Indian Arts, Seth Regensburg
Abstract:
As it pertains to the Native Americans, a historical perspective has been the norm. How did
these people live as opposed to how they live? This focus on history and historical perspectives
leads one to forget the current situation of this diverse and evolving group of people. There
were hundreds of groups pre-contact and even today there are 574 tribes and entities which
make up the board category of “Native American and Alaskan Native.” By using other
disciplines rather than just history we can see into and with a more focused eye on the modern.
By looking with an Indigenous eye we can seek to discover the world. In this presentation we
will discuss the harm of using only a historical perspective and work to see the modern using
sociology and philosophy to see a new perspective on Native American Identity.
Keywords: Native American, History, Anthropology, Perspectives, Identity.
Bio-note:
Kateri Smith, MA is a historian and museum worker whose focus is on Native American
History and more specifically about historical representations of Native Peoples.
Seth Regensburg is a writer who currently lives on the ancestral land of the Pueblo people
and has sought to bring diverse perspectives to his writing.
Social Media: A Proletarian Weapon in Conflict Against Capitalist Media
Bias and Oppression
Zenith Khan, Research Consultant, Institute of Study and Development Worldwide,
India
Abstract:
The paper examines the use of social media through the lens of Karl Marx theory, in which he
posits that the class controlling the means of production also controls intellectual production.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
However, social media despite certain limitation has come across as a disruptive force to the
current traditional media structure, which are owned by priviate entites to serve certain vested
interested for their economical gain. Karl Marx coined the term “proletariat” to describe the
class of workers who are dependent on the sale of their labour to survive since they do not own
the means of production. This paper focuses on Palestinian journalists as proletarian subjects,
using social media to sell their stories and counter traditional media narratives. Here, the focus
is on journalists utilizing social media to promote their stories, not materially, but to ensure
their voices are heard and acknowledged, contributing to their intellectual and existential
survival. It will look into the case study of current Palestine- Israel war, and the use of Social
Media by Palestinians to counter the traditional media rhetoric trying to down play the
condition in Gaza. Through the case study analyses the paper tries to illustrate how the
proletariat might regain control over intellectual production, opposing capitalist dominance
serving specific economic and political interests and promoting a more equal media.
Keywords: Media, Conflict, Violence, Society, Proletariat.
Bio-note:
Zenith has completed her Master in Defense and Strategic Studies from Central University of
Gujarat in 2022 and has been working as a researcher remotely at IFSD, Sydney on climate
security. She is also a fellow of Network for Advanced Study of China (NASC) Fellowship at
Takshahila Institution. She completed her Bachelor’s in Journalism and Mass Communication
from MSU, Vadodara in 2020. She likes to combine the knowledge she received both in
Bachelors and Masters in her research work.
Uncovering the Route of Kerala’s Art Journalism through Various
Narrative Styles
SRUTHI K S, Research Scholar, Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed University,
Cheruthuruthy, Kerala, India
Abstract:
This article delves into the rich tapestry of Kerala’s art journalism, exploring its distinctive
narrative styles and their evolution over time. Art Journalism in Kerala has played a vital role
in documenting and analyzing various forms of artistic expression, from traditional to
contemporary. By analyzing historical developments, stylistic elements and the societal impact
of Art Journalism, this study aims to highlight its contributions to the cultural landscape of
Kerala. Through a comprehensive review of literature, interviews with key figures in the field,
and content analysis of representative works, this paper illuminates how Art Journalism in
Kerala has shaped perceptions, promoted discourse and preserved artistic heritage.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Keywords: Art Journalism, Narratives and Society, Cultural Interactions and Identity, Art and
Society.
Bio-note:
Sruthi K. S, is a media professional. She is also a writer, social activist, professor and
researcher. She authored four books Thanichayavalude Vedapusthakam, Nizhal Chayangal,
Naalvazhikal (Poems), On Air (Articles) and also writes features and articles in periodicals.
She is doing research in Art Journalism. Sruthi serves as the Civil Defence Warden of Kerala
Fire and Rescue Services since 2019. She also worked as Sub Editor, Journalist, Assistant
Professor and Public Relations officer.
Demystifying the Notion of Freedom and Choice in Democracy
ZAIRU NISHA, Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, Ramanujan College,
University of Delhi, India
Abstract:
Freedom of choice is a prerequisite principle of democracy, yet the empirical question is does
democracy value choice? Also, whether politicians and people in common, give value to
individual choice in the formation of collective decision-making. The deep-rooted tension
between individual freedom and the right to collective decision-making is a grave challenge
democratic societies have been facing even today. The question becomes more relevant in the
politics of post-independent India which has a persistent diverse form of democratic regime.
The imaginaries of modern Indian democracy revolve around the distinct identities of class,
caste, ethnicity, religion, language etc. and its socio-political order is always dominated by a
group of collective identities that could deteriorate or develop the Indian ethos, and jeopardize
individual choices and social equality. This scenario perplexes many political thinkers such as
Marxists, libertarians and Republicans. They try to comprehend its basic nature and trajectory
in a limited way. However, the dominant questions related to social structures, political
efficacy, historical consciousness and practical reasoning that are part of political theory are
either ignored or not properly addressed. Charles Taylor, in his writings, addresses these issues
and provides new insights and methods to understand the democratic struggle in post-
independent India and the significance of individual freedom. He claims that the strength of a
powerful democracy resides in its citizen’s autonomy to make their conscious choices. The
paper is an attempt to critically analyze the questions and meaning of individual freedom in
modern Indian democracy to comprehend the various facets of human reality. I argue that the
recognition of an individual choice is crucial for the life of heterogeneous democracy and for
overcoming its limitations. In doing so, I will make use of Taylor’s insights on social
imaginaries, multiculturalism, politics of recognition and alternative modernity to develop my
argument.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Keywords: Charles Taylor, Choice, Democracy, Freedom, Social Imaginary.
Bio-note:
Zairu Nisha is an Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, Ramanujan University,
University of Delhi, Delhi, India.
Perceived Social Support and Psychological Well-being of Undergraduate
Medical Students: A Cross-sectional Study
NAVYA SANKEERTHANA CH, Assistant Professor, GITAM(Deemed to be) University,
Hyderabad, India
Abstract:
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to ascertain the relationship between perceived social
support and psychological wellbeing among undergraduate medical students. The individuals’
perceived social support is analysed as a predictor of their psychological well-being.
Methods: Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (Zimet et al. 1988) and Oxford
Happiness Questionnaire (Hills & Argyle, 2002) were used to collect the data. The study used
a descriptive research design and survey method of data collection. The sample for the current
study was drawn using purposive sampling. The undergraduate medical students studying from
a medical college, Vizianagaram during the academic year 2023-2024 have participated in the
study. The data comprises of total 41 male and 103 female students (n=144).
Results: The predictor variables in the study is Perceived Social Support and criterion variable
is Psychological well-being. The regression analysis showed that perceived social support is a
significant predictor of psychological well-being, and the model as a whole is statistically
significant in explaining the variability in psychological well-being (R² = .32, β = .86 p<.001).
This indicates that as the involvement of family increases, psychological well-being also tends
to increase.
Conclusion: The results of the study indicated that perceived social support was revealed to be
a significant predictor of psychological well-being for undergraduate medical students.
Keywords: Perceived Social Support, Psychological Well-Being, Undergraduate Medical
Students.
Bio-note:
She has worked as Junior Research Fellow(2016) at Defence Institute of Psychological
Research (DIPR),(DRDO), New Delhi. She has passed Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
examination conducted by University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi , December-
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
2015. Worked as Assistant Professor (On contract) in department of psychology, Central
University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi, Karnataka during 16/06/2022 - 15/05/2023. Currently
working as Assistant Professor in department of psychology, GITAM (Deemed to be)
University, Hyderabad.
Memory and Trauma: The Japanese Tea Ceremony and Cultural
Narratives in the Comic Hyouge no Mono
AADYA S A, Research Scholar, Dept. of English, University College, University of
Kerala, Kerala, India
Abstract:
The following paper looks at the complicated relationship between memory, trauma, and the
Japanese Tea Ceremony as an innovative tool of representation and reception of historical and
cultural events, traditions, and collective memories. The tradition of the tea ceremony is dated
back to the 9th century but was not completely configured until the 16th century by the master
of tea, Sen no Riky. It includes the four main Japanese values—harmony, respect, purity, and
tranquillity. The present work analyses the ways in which the tea ceremony acts as a material
service containing collective cultural memory, transmitting tradition between generations by
the most highly ritualised practices and aesthetic principles. The paper goes on to explore the
role it has placed in historical trauma: times of war through natural disasters and social
upheaval.
This paper attempts to demonstrate how Hyouge no Mono, by lacing historical authenticity
with creative storying, has been able to achieve a nuance in views concerning Japan’s Sengoku
era through the evaluative narrative structure, character development, and visual aesthetics.
The way in which the comic book represents the tea ceremony as a cultural artefact and
simultaneously as a metaphor for power relations offers a deep insight into the sociopolitical
background of that age. This paper will further endeavour to find out how Hyouge no Mono
helps an audience from across cultures and geographies identify themselves and succeed in
providing an idea of what Japanese history and culture stand for. Subtly done with painstaking
effort in details and a great effort to maintain a coherent storyline, Hyouge no Mono attempts
to preserve a historical memory by calling on the viewer of today to consider the relationship
between history, culture, and identity.
Keywords: Memory, Trauma, Tea Ceremony, Japanese, History, Narratives.
Bio-note:
Aadya S A, known by the pen name Aadya Sain, is a research scholar at the Department of
English, University of Kerala and author, Japanese tutor, poet and translator. She has published
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
many Japanese haikus with its translation in Malayalam and English. She has co-authored the
short story translation collections “User Manual for Losers” (from Malayalam to English),
Koneko, and The Lion and the Dog (from Russian to Japanese), published by the University of
Kerala. She also translated the Japanese poem “Hajimete Ko Ni” by Hiroshi Yoshino to
Malayalam as “Ente Aadyathe Kunjinu.” She co-authored Kerala’s first-ever Queer writings
with the poem “Vandukal Parakkendathillatha Udyanam.” She won the Japanese speech contest
conducted by the Japanese Ministry of Culture in 2023.
Art and Society
NAINA SHARMA, Ph.D SCHOLAR, K R Mangalam University, Gurugram
Abstract:
The ancient Indian scriptures, collectively known as the Vedas, offer invaluable insights into
the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Indian subcontinent. The Agamas, the Natya Veda, and
the Natya Shastra hold a pivotal role in shaping cultural and social paradigms. The Agamas,
with their comprehensive liturgical and ritualistic frameworks, provide a robust foundation for
the spiritual and philosophical dimensions of society, promoting ethical values and community
cohesion. The Natya Veda, regarded as the fifth Veda, and the Natya Shastra, an ancient Indian
treatise on performing arts, extend these principles into the realms of drama, dance, and music.
Together, they transcend mere entertainment, serving as conduits for moral education, social
reflection, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Through their intricate synthesis of art and
spirituality, these texts foster a holistic development of individuals, enhancing societal harmony
and continuity. Their enduring relevance underscores the essential role of the arts in promoting
a balanced and enlightened society, enriching both personal and collective human experience.
Keywords: Agamas, Vedas, Natyaveda, Natyashastra, Dvijas, Bharatanatyam, Dramatic
Science, Kalakshetra.
Bio-note:
Naina Sharma also a PGT history in K R Mangalam world school GK -2. Also a train classical
Bharatanatyam dancer from Sri Ram Bhartiye Kala Kendra (Mandi house). An enthusiast in
ancient history. Currently writing thesis on Women of Indian knowledge system.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Tailoring Teacher Trainees for Health Promotion: A Socio-historical
Analysis of B.Ed Programme in Kerala, India
ANJALI MERIN JOSEPH, Senior Research Fellow in Sociology, Department of
Sociology & Social Work, CHRIST (Deemed to be University) Bangalore, Karnataka &
JOGY GEORGE, Department of Sociology & Population Studies, Bharathiar
University
Abstract:
Teaching is a profession beyond the scope of deciphering educational material to students. It
involves promoting a holistic approach ranging from the social and behavioural development
of students to the evolution of their worldviews and attitudes from the academic discourses.
Teacher education programmes are essential for teacher trainees to attain the training and
capacities to adapt to this holistic approach. Health literacy has been an integral element for
teachers to effectively engage with students, and to understand their physical and mental well-
being. With the state of pandemic and new types of epidemics increasing in this world, the need
for teachers to have health education gains more significance. It should begin with teacher
training. Therefore this qualitative study explores the presence of health promotion practices
within the teacher education programme. The study employs a multimethod approach utilising
data collected through analysis of relevant literature, observations and interviews with teacher
trainees from B.Ed colleges in Kerala. The research questions of the study are: (a) Does the B.
Ed programme appropriately structured to generate valid health conceptions among teacher
trainees, (b) What are the components of curriculum through which teacher trainees obtain
appropriate health information, and (c) How the B. Ed programme guides the teacher trainees
to appraise their health conceptions. Through a socio-historical analysis driven by these
research questions, the study delves into the encapsulation of health notions in the upskilling
process of B.Ed teacher trainees within its historical and social contexts.
Keywords: Health Promotion, Education, Teacher Education, Health Literacy.
Bio-note:
Anjali Merin Joseph is a Senior Research Fellow in Sociology at the Department of Sociology
and Social Work at CHRIST (Deemed to be University) Bangalore. Her areas of interest are
sociology of education, marginalisation and democracy.
Jogy George is a Junior Research Fellow in Sociology at the Department of Sociology
and Population Studies at Bharathiar University, Coimbatore. His research interests include
sociology of health, education and media.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Decoding Sport as A Tool Of Domination and Resistance in Imperial Assam
Tea Plantation in Mulk Raj Anand’s Two Leaves And A Bud (1937)
SRIYA SARMA, Phd Research Scholar, Indian Institute of Information Technology,
Guwahati, India
Abstract:
Since the Edwardian era, sport was an integral part of British imperial culture. It was considered
as a powerful tool of Europe’s civilizing mission in its colonies. Britain’s cultural dominance
over its colonies was reinforced by the development of the sport. The playing of rugby and
cricket defined the British world against uncivilized natives. Further, crucial features associated
with colonial sports like physical courage, moral uprightness, stoicism in the face of adversity
classified it as a masculine game and its practice was identical to the demonstration of Empire’s
patriarchal ideologies in its former colonies. In the imperial tea plantation of Assam, sporting
culture was enmeshed with the plantation culture of colonial Empire. Several sports ranging
from cricket, hockey, billiards, polo, horse-riding were played in the colonial tea plantations.
At once, this imperial sporting culture showed the supremacy of the civilized colonial culture
and also initiated a power structure that consistently tried to dominate as well as exploit the
human as well as non-human agencies of the colonized societies. The aim of this paper is to
examine how in Mulk Raj Anand’s novel Two Leaves and a Bud (1937) the imperial sporting
culture appears as a colonialist trope and the novel’s critique of these imperial attitudes widely.
Further, this study is influenced by postcolonial discourse analysis that consistently engages as
well as resists the colonialist ideologies.
Keywords: Imperial Sports, Tea Plantation, British Empire, Post Colonialism, Assam.
Bio-note:
Sriya Sarma is an optimistic research scholar in the Department of Humanities and Social
Sciences (English Literature), Indian Institute of Information Technology, Guwahati. She
received her BA in English from Cotton University, Guwahati and MA in English from Tezpur
Central University, Napaam. Her research interests centre around colonial and postcolonial
fictions, Empire studies, Gender studies.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Conflict, Violence and Peaceful Resolution: A Philosophical Outlook
DR. BAISHALI MAJUMDAR, Assistant Professor, Cooch Behar Panchanan Barma
University, West Bengal, India
Abstract:
Conflict raises from deprivation or feelings of injustice. Sometimes it has some real basis or
some imaginary ideas. In a democratic country like India, there are different reasons for giving
rise to a conflict. When conflicts are not resolved by negotiation or any constitutional means,
then it turns into violence. However, now-a-days we are perceiving conflict or full-fledged
violence not merely in our country but also it spreads all over the world. There are some
procedures through which conflicts can be resolved. Although religion and peace education can
play the significant role to prevent conflict as well as violence. In a peaceful society, there will
not be any kind of exploitation, injustice, war. Today each and every citizen being in the global
family wishes to live in the peaceful atmosphere and this would be possible by following only
the Gandhian philosophy. These is the time to observe the International Day of Non-violence
on 2nd October that is the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. The message
of the day is spreading non-violence, public awareness, endorse the yearning for a culture of
peace, tolerance. These are all the significance of this day. The main strategy of this paper is to
explore the meaning of the terms ‘conflict’ and ‘violence’; what are the sources of conflict;
what are the process of conflict resolution in Western perspective as well as Gandhian peaceful
resolution in Indian perspective. How religion and peace education are effective to resolve
conflict and the active role of United Nations Organisation (UNO) for establishing global
peace.
Keywords: Conflict, Violence, Resolution, Religion, Education And UNO.
Bio-note:
Dr. Baishali Majumdar is an Assistant Professor of Philosophy and the Co-ordinator of the
Certificate Course in Rabindra Sangeet and Nazrul Geeti, Cooch Behar Panchanan Barma
University, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, India.mShe was the 1st class 1st in Philosophy
(honours) and 1st class 2nd in P.G. from the University of North Bengal, qualified NET and
SET and pursued Ph.D. Degree from the University of North Bengal with JRF from Indian
Council of Philosophical Research. Within the ten years of professional experience, she has
performed the duties of the Officiating in-charge of the Controller of Examinations as well as
Assistant Controller of Examinations of Cooch Behar Panchanan Barma University. She has
published the papers in National and International Journals, attended National as well
International Seminars, delivered lectures in different platforms.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
The Role of Structural violence in Perpetuating Ethnic Conflicts: a
Comparative Analysis
HEENA, Ph.D Student, Department of Political Science, Maharaja Sayajirao
University, India
Abstract:
The paper will present the role of structural violence in perpetuating ethnic conflicts through a
comparative analysis of three significant case studies: the Rwandan Genocide, the Israeli-
Palestinian Conflict, and the Rohingya Crisis in Myanmar. Structural violence, a concept
developed by Johan Galtung, refers to the systematic ways in which social structures harm
individuals by preventing them from meeting their basic needs. This paper argues that structural
violence manifested through economic, legal, and social inequalities, plays a critical role in
maintaining and intensifying ethnic tensions, often leading to violent conflict.
The study begins by outlining the theoretical framework of structural violence and its
intersection with ethnic conflict theories. It then examines each case study, highlighting the
specific forms of structural violence that have contributed to the persistence of ethnic
hostilities. In Rwanda, colonial legacies and land distribution policies deepened ethnic
divisions, while in Israel-Palestine, legal and economic inequalities continued to fuel the
conflict. The Rohingya Crisis is analyzed through the lens of citizenship laws and economic
disenfranchisement, which have systematically marginalized the Rohingya population.
Through comparative analysis, the paper identifies common patterns of structural
violence across these conflicts, while also noting key differences shaped by regional and
historical contexts. The study concludes that addressing structural violence is crucial for
achieving sustainable peace in ethnic conflicts, emphasizing the need for comprehensive policy
interventions that target the root causes of inequality and exclusion. The findings have broader
implications for understanding the role of structural violence in other forms of conflict and
offer pathways for future research.
Keywords: Keywords: Structural Violence, Ethnic Conflict, Comparative Analysis.
Bio-note:
Heena is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Political Science at Maharaja Sayajirao University, with
a focus on in-depth research and analysis of political structures and theories. Her academic
journey is complemented by over six years of teaching experience, during which I have served
as the Head of the Humanities Department at a CBSE school. In this role, she leads curriculum
development and implement innovative teaching methodologies that foster critical thinking and
inclusivity among students. Her passion for education is further demonstrated by her active
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
participation in academic conferences, including presenting a paper on ‘The Politics of Cultural
Revivalism’ at the 60th All India Political Science Conference. She is committed to advancing
the field of political science through both my research and her dedication to nurturing future
scholars and informed citizens.
Unconventional Kinship: Exploring the ‘Solarpunk Creatures’ of Hope in a
Sustainable Future
SAYANTANI SENGUPTA, Assistant Professor, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata
Abstract:
Solarpunk is an emerging sub-genre of science fiction that envisions and works towards
developing a sustainable future interconnected with nature and community. In a solarpunk
world, technology and nature are in harmony rather than in conflict with each other. The
ultimate goal of this genre of science fiction is to work towards a future of coexistence, which
appreciates and acknowledges our kinship with other beings, as an alternative to dystopian
gloominess. Solarpunk Creatures, a recent anthology of solarpunk short stories introduced the
readers to a host of more-than-human protagonists including robots, AI, unconventional
creatures, comet and so on.
This paper intends to explore two unique more-than-human protagonists of the short
stories titled “Hunting for Rain” by Lyndsey Croal and “An Inconvenient Unicorn” by
Geraldine Briany Hunt. While the first one, a robotic dog searches for rain in a drought-ridden
place, “An Inconvenient Unicorn” showcases this magical creature who evokes hope and tells
us the importance of preserving the wild. This paper will further delve into some of the
prominent themes like community building and technopositivism and argue that these
narratives are not mere imaginations and source of passive entertainment but tools of revolution
and evolution.
Keywords: Solarpunk, Nonhumans, Kinship, Technopositivism, Sustainability.
Bio-note:
Sayantani Sengupta is an Assistant Professor at NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata. She is
also pursuing her PhD from St. Xavier’s University on solarpunk literature. Her area of interest
is ecofiction, solarpunk movement and literature.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Art and Society
LAISHRAM SUSHIL, Research Scholar, Department of fine arts, Tripura University
Abstract:
From the earlier period onwards, art and society have a deep relation. As art is the reflection of
a society where human beings lives in. It is said art is an expression of ideas, beliefs and
feelings. Its the artist who plays the role of a medium between art and the society. Because
artist himself or herself lives in the society where he or she is gone through those experience
which strikes in their mind and evoke their emotion also. Human beings are influenced by
their environment whether it is their taste, class, gender or race which come under the culture.
In art culture hold an important part, as culture define the society. Different society means
different culture. Every society have their own culture. Which came from the people beliefs
and the practice they follow. In earlier period artist do art work as form of semiotic of a society.
Later artist start to express their feelings and ideas through their artwork. In today’s rush and
stressful life which people lives, art gives a moment to enjoy and keep their mind peace. It is
the society which keep inspiring the artist to create good and relevant artwork of the society.
Without inspiration artwork doesn’t have the taste and it’s became lifeless. It’s the society
where the inspiration are found and exists.
Keywords: Society, Expressions, Beliefs, Environment, Influence
Bio-note:
He is a Research Scholar, UGC-net, Master in Sociology,. He has done Masters in Painting.
Echoes of Care: A Study of the Representation of Caregiving in Cynthia
Kadohata’s Kira Kira
SNIGDHA SUBHRASMITA, Research Scholar, Department of Humanities and Social
Sciences, IIT Roorkee, India
Abstract:
This paper endeavours to investigate the representation of caregiving in the novel Kira Kira
(2004) by Cynthia Kadohata, with a specific focus on the role of the caregiver and the attendant
implications on their personal and professional lives. The narrative of the novel centres on the
protagonist, Katie, who assumes the role of caregiver for her terminally ill sister, Lynn. It
presents the emotional and physical burdens of caregiving, highlighting the challenges faced
by caregivers often thrust into this role without adequate preparation or compensation.
Additionally, the paper explores how caregiving impacts caregiver-care recipient relationships
and alters one’s perceptions of family and the meaning of life. This study uses literary analysis
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
to explore caregiving themes and the presentation of the caregiver’s experience. Findings are
expected to increase knowledge of caregiving difficulties and challenges as shown in literature
and how they mirror real-life caregiver struggles. Moreover, the study investigates the cultural
setting of the Japanese - American community and how it shapes caregiving norms and beliefs.
Keywords: Caregiving, Terminal Illness, Care Experience, Care Recipient, Japanese-
American Community.
Bio-note:
Snigdha Subhrasmita is a doctoral research fellow at the Indian Institute of Technology,
Roorkee, specializing in Health Humanities. She holds an M.A. in English Literature from The
English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. Her research interests include Illness
Narratives, Narrative Medicine, Bioethics, Memory Studies, and Communal Storytelling.
Recently, she has been appointed as an Assistant Professor in the Government of Odisha.
The Emergence of Islam: Illuminating the Submission to Allah
WASIM AZAM, Research Scholar, Banaras Hindu University, India
Abstract:
Islam is not a religion but a spirit to Allah. It is a path of eternal love and divine peace. It is an
Arabic word which seems to have been derived from the word Aslama, meaning to submission.
It focuses on the spirit of giving oneself entirely to Allah. It leads to an illumination of the
supreme power. Muslim is an adherent name to Islam. Muslim is an Arabic word, meaning to
one who gets submission to Allah. Islam is a path of dedication to Allah. In Islam, there is a
concept of monotheism where only Allah is the greatest and the most merciful. Allah is the
most beneficient, the ever-living, and the self-subsisting. As every religion shows that love is
a vital point to reach out to Allah, Islam also lights the perpetual love. In every religion, there
is love, yet love has no religion. Allah can be perceived through the power of divine love. The
submission to Allah is an evocation of love. The realization of Allah is possible only through
the path of love. The path of love becomes celestial when two lovers are dedicated to each
other at any cost without any conditions. Where the illumination of unconditional love, there
is the realization of Allah. The divine path of self-realization is an exhilaration of Islamic
mysticism, encompassing Sharia, Marifa, Tariqa, and Haqiqa. Islamic mysticism leads to
etiquette of truth and knowledge. Islamic asceticism is a practice of mysticism, revealing the
unheard message of love and peace that leads to the light of the whole cosmos.
Keywords: Islam, Allah, Love, Submission, Mysticism.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Bio-note:
Wasim Azam is currently enrolled in Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi for Ph.D. course. He
has completed MA English from BHU and B.Ed. from VBSPU. He is a dabbler of spirits in
composing poems and sometimes penning articles and stories as well. He cracked India’s
toughest teaching exam UGC NET-JRF in the year of 2023. He has Certificate course on Yoga
and qualified Persian certificate course from BHU. He has written various research papers
published in the reputed journals with ISSN that are either peer reviewed or UGC approved.
He has also written book chapters published in the reputed edited book with ISBN. He has
accomplished many online courses in different fields from various online platforms provided
by Government and Private Organization.
The Stench of Rotten Meat and Bones : The Self, the Object, and the Abject
in the Narrative of Jibanananda Das’s Malloban
SAMPRITI BHATTACHARYYA, Ph.D. Research Fellow, Department of Humanities
and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur,
West Bengal & MALLIKA GHOSH SARBADHIKARY, Associate Professor,
Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Engineering Science
and Technology, Shibpur, West Bengal
Abstract:
This paper, through a psychoanalytic and narratological study of the novel Malloban (1973),
attempts to investigate how Jibanananda Das employs the narrative trope of the abject that
haunts the margins of socio-cultural-linguistic landscape and beckons to the other side of one’s
identity. The abject, according to Julia Kristeva, is a “primal repression” associated with
something that “disturbs identity, system, order”. The state of abjection can be produced when
the idea of selfhood is distorted, cast out, or cast aside by the ‘other’. This ‘other’ in Malloban,
is not only maternal but also a larger sociopolitical, linguistic, and psychological landscape
where the narrator’s separation anxiety, psychosexual anomalies, malaise of the urban conjugal
life serve as nuanced spaces of threat, incorporating forms of individual and collective trauma.
This entails a breakdown in meaning, resulting in a disjunction between ‘self’ and the ‘other’,
life and death, abject and the real. Malloban revolves around this dialectic, gradually
recognizing the abject as an extension of himself, thus adding further layers of obscurity to the
narrative of identity. The paper seeks to unfurl how Das’s narrative upturns the power dynamics
of the society and strives to proffer a fresh study that substantiates the supremacy of the
carnivalesque in the novel that subverts the social and linguistic order thereafter. This paper
tries to explore this understudied narrative aspect of Malloban and show how a narrative’s
proximity to abjection, use of vile idioms, street diction, mentions of disease, death and dirt,
acts of spitting and vomiting, bawdy and disturbing at times, stand out as the means to portray
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
a linguistic protest against the polished tongues of a time and also mark the turning of a poet
to a reticent urban novelist, naked and raw with all his angst, standing at the threshold of an
inexplicable existential crisis.
Keywords: Jibanananda Das, Narrative, Abject, Self, Other, Identity, Carnivalesque
Bio-note:
Sampriti Bhattacharyya is a Ph.D. Research fellow (UGC-JRF) in the Department of
Humanities and Social Sciences, IIEST, Shibpur. Her research interest primarily lies in the
Writings of Jibanananda Das, Translation Studies, Trauma studies and memory studies and
Modernism in Literature. Besides her exceptional academic credentials, she has received
plaudits for her creative writing. Sampriti’s first book of poetry Pahaare Ashanti Holey (When
the Mountains are Disturbed) was published in 2021 followed by Pickles and Prayers in the
year 2023. She is also a trained vocalist and a painter whose paintings lean mostly towards
semi-abstract edges.
Navigating City through Anomalous Profession: Representation of Lived
Experiences of Urban Poor Women in an Indian Documentary
AMRITA TALUKDAR, UGC-JRF PhD Research Scholar, IIT PATNA, India
Abstract:
In the last couple of decades due to modernization and industrialization India has witnessed an
escalating growth of internal migration from rural to urban areas, especially in megacities.
However, in a bid to attain a better livelihood, a significant portion of this migrant population
lives in impoverished marginal settlements like slums with poor infrastructure and unhygienic
conditions. Therefore, their journey from obtaining a home in the city to have ability to feel the
city as home is widely different from those people who live in the big mansions of the city. The
article wants to probe into the gender dynamics of the Indian slum narratives through
examining a PSBT (Public Survey Broadcasting Trust) India documentary, Mera Apna Sheher
(My Own City) (2011) directed by Sameera Jain. It solely focuses on the lived experiences of
those women who belong to the weaker socio-economic section in the city. It shares the
narratives of some women who are professional drivers emerging especially from the slums of
Delhi. Despite living a life of uncertainty and absurdity, these women showcase resilience to
precarity through taking an anomalous profession which is typically meant for men. As a result,
their narratives of navigating the space they inhabit as well as the city reflect how daunting it
is for them to absorb the male-gaze in their quotidian existence. We have employed the feminist
standpoint theory as a conceptual lens which enables us to critique individualistic and
essentialist claims promoting communication and solidarity among differently situated women.
This article argues that the lived experiences of these women who daily navigate an intersection
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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ABSTRACT VOLUME
of spatial dynamics, as depicted in the documentary can challenge and transform the
stereotypical portrayals of slum narratives by (re)presenting the unromanticized realities of
their precarity and how these representations can potentially incite a transformation of urban
futures in India.
Keywords: Gendered Precarity, Urban Poor, Resilience Through Anomalous Profession,
Indian Documentaries.
Bio-note:
Amrita Talukdar is an UGC-JRF scholar, currently pursuing my PhD in the Department of
Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Patna. Her research interest
includes Gender Studies, Literary Urban Studies, Precarity Studies, and Indian and South-
Asian Female Travel Writings.
Naturally towards Nurture: The Eco Feminist Trailblazers in ‘Grandma
Gatewood’s Walk’ and ‘Wild’
USHA SRIKANTH, Assistant Professor, Presidency College, India
Abstract:
‘Grandma Gatewood’s Walk’ speaks of the hike that Ms. Emma Gatewood undertakes, a hike
through the Appalachian Trail, the world’s longest footpath, at the age of sixty seven, in 1955,
leaving behind her household of eleven children and twenty three grandchildren from Gallia
County, Ohio. She escaped from her thoughts and memories of an abusive marriage. She
became a celebrity and was captured by leading newspapers; she escaped from the abuse of her
husband only to find kindness in strangers and the terrain. Years later Cheryl Strayd undertakes
a hike of the Pacific Crest Trail in 1995, she escaped the memories of her mother who
succumbed to cancer and also escaped her own self that she did not recognize. She writes that
she regained herself in the midst of nature. Both these woman go on these long and exhausting
hikes only to feel rejuvenated and exhilarated, they reinvented themselves to become heroes in
the eyes of the world. Her book ‘Wild’ inspired many women to take this hike as a sport. This
commonly became famous as the ‘Wild’ effect.
The experiences of these two women is very different from one another yet equally
awe-inspiring, the beauty of the experience is that they found in the wilderness the most
precious thing that they had lost deep down, a connection with themselves.
Ecofeminism movement explores the interconnection between women and nature,
mainly oppression of women and nature by patriarchy. Women were denied access to the
wilderness as it was mainly dominated by men. This paper attempts to compare the two books
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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ABSTRACT VOLUME
‘Grandma Gatewood’s Walk’ by Ben Montgomery and ‘Wild’ by Cheryl Strayd and analyse
them from an ecofeminism critical theoretical viewpoint.
Keywords: Ecofeminism, Gender, Gender Geography, Feminism, Patriarchy.
Bio-note:
She is an Assistant Professor teaching English to undergraduates, she has been in this
profession for the past seventeen years and have taught English Literature and Language at
various levels. She pursues a keen interest in writing poetry and short stories and love traveling,
my topic for my post-doctoral studies stems from this interest in discovering new places and
reading books. She is especially interested in women and their work areas that deal with
feminist geography and ecofeminism. Her paper compares two solo travellers and their quest
for spirituality, it speaks of the journey from outside to inside and how Mother Nature curates
this inner journey.
Modernization Without Westernization: The Influence of Hallyu on
Cultural Integration in North-East India
PRERNA GUHA, Independent Researcher
Abstract:
With globalization at its prime, cultural hybridization has found its footing universally.
Offering a blend of traditional South Korean culture along with Western culture, the South
Korean wave or Hallyu has been chasing the spotlight as an alternative form of modernization
that does not compel one to forsake their inherent heritage while adopting another culture.
South Korean wave’s cultural invasion into the whole of India is recent unlike its decade-long
entry and pervasiveness in India’s North East, particularly, among the young. The militants’
ban on satellite Hindi TV networks and the distribution of Hindi films in state-run theatres and
homes had led to the emergence of South Korean media. Much of this cultural invasion also
stemmed from the attributes of resemblance as well as the degree of familiarity of South Korean
dramas, films, fashion, music, and style that gave impetus to curiosity and keenness in the
youth of India’s North East. Unlike the cultural affinity identified by the people of North East
India with South Korea, there is an evident lack of cultural intimacy between them and the
mainlanders. As a result, it causes a hindrance in establishing a sense of understanding and
attachment to Indian popular culture and entertainment.
Hence, this article explores the increasing popularity and dynamics of the cross-cultural
interaction between Hallyu and the emergent popular culture in North-East India by analysing
the terms on which the cultural proximity between these two geographically distant locations
was bridged and strengthened. Therefore, this paper concludes that South Korean media’s
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
representation of Korean culture, fashion trends, cuisine, make-up, dramas, and films acts as a
catalyst to leave an imprint on the impressionable youth of India’s North-East.
Keywords: Hallyu, India’s North-East, South Korean Culture, Cultural Integration, Cultural
Assimilation.
Bio-note:
Prerna Guha, born and currently residing in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, is a postgraduate in
English Literature from Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, formerly KIIT (Deemed to
be) University. As an independent researcher, her scholarly research entails domains such as
film studies, screen cultures, popular culture, diaspora studies, Asian American studies and
children’s literature. Along with a paper publication, she has presented six of her research
papers in international webinars and conferences. Beyond the realm of literature, she has a
profound interest in poetry, film, entertainment, music, and travelling.
Dismantling the Nature/Culture Binary in the Nature Writing of Helen
Macdonald and Erica Berry
MONALISA JHA, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Lady Brabourne
College, West Bengal, India
Abstract:
This paper shall explore twenty first century Nature writing, with special reference to Helen
Macdonald’s Falcon and Erica Blair’s Wolfish: Wolf, Self and the Stories We Tell About Fear,
in order to parse how significations of what is understood by the ‘wild’, and how the non-
human is understood or defined, is a function of human cultural constructs. It shall trace what
a practice of living with the non-human may represent, as exemplified in these texts, and how
traditional hierarchies of human/animal may be dismantled by thinking about the non-human
in ways which do not automatically privilege anthropocentric paradigms. As human thought is
ineluctably centered on narratives, on which stories we choose to focus on, and how we choose
to deliver them, this paper posits that alternative narratives of the non-human, which challenge
the binaries of nature/culture, human/nonhuman, predator/prey, or civilisation/wilderness
might provide for an ontological shift which focusses on a more ethical and responsive way of
being in the hazardous present, marked by environmental crisis and precarity. The chosen texts
focus on the falcon and the wolf, two animals which have been inextricably woven into the
human cultural landscape as idea and concept, and challenge the normative ways of thinking
associated with them to unravel the causes and effects of such thought. They also challenge
boundaries of genre by combining elements of personal memoir, culture studies, and historical
exploration, thus paving the way for a new kind of narrativity, which offers a fresh way of
interrogating the Anthropocene.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Keywords: Nature-Writing, Anthropocene, Non-Human, Precarity, Ecology.
Bio-note:
Ms. Monalisa Jha is currently working as an Assistant Professor in English at Lady Brabourne
College, Kolkata. Her areas of interest include Autobiography Studies, Gender Studies,
Contemporary Indian Writing in English, American Literature, and Myth Studies.
One is also not born but rather becomes, a man; A study of Jehangir’s life
STUTI SHARMA, Research Scholar, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University,
Amarkantak, India
Abstract:
The title of this paper “One is also not born but rather becomes, a man; A study of Jehangir’s
life” is inspired from Beauvoir’s famous declaration in The Second Sex. She wrote, “One is not
born but rather becomes, a woman” quoting a girl’s transformation into a meek, submissive
and dependent woman due to the long process of socialization. This paper extends the similar
discourse around men. It examines a boy’s transformation into a tough and stoic man. For this,
the study chooses Jahangir, from Mistry’s Family Matters. It aims to analyze his life and
influences which contributed in shaping his masculine identity. It explores how his expressive,
sensitive and affectionate childhood turns into a more hardened and stoic manhood.
The paper introduces the topic, outlines the novel’s story to explore Jehangir’s
masculinity. It also reflects on the ideals of masculinity as presented by men around him. It
shows his progressive disconnect from his mother, which is surprisingly accepted by her as a
normal masculine coming-of-age process. Moreover it talks how she unknowingly nurtures
faulty ideas of masculine shame and masculine honor for him.
The paper concludes, either boy or a girl, both fall prey to the societal expectations
shoved upon them since childhood. It is the society which signals boys to be tough, aggressive
and stoic. Hence, a surge in the number of men struggling with anger, depression and
hopelessness is evident. The elder members of families play pivotal role in instilling these ideas
in boys, imbuing them with problematic notions of masculine shame and masculine honor.
Jehangir’s final words “Yes,” I say. “Yes, I’m happy.”, marked with his emotional numbness,
reveals the impression of restrictive masculine socialization on him.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Keywords: Men and Masculinity, Gender Roles, Masculine Shame, Masculine Honor and
Family Matters.
Bio-note:
Stuti Sharma is enrolled as a research scholar in the department of English and Foreign
Languages of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak. Her work is dedicated to
exploring the complexities of men and masculinity.
Popular Culture and Chetan Bhagat’s The Three Mistakes Of My Life
DR. DIVYA P, Higher Secondary Education Department, Higher Secondary Education
Department, Kerala, India
Abstract:
The popular culture has not only become an emerging new genre of literary text in the twenty
first century, but also appeared to reflect new modalities of living. The narratives reflect young
metropolitan characters that are with ignited mind and working modern jobs in the corporate
service sectors. The characters are struggling to preserve their identities in the spirit of urban
modernity as young professionals in metropolitan spaces within and outside India. The
narratives of popular literature highlights multinational food chains including bar and pubs,
cafe shops, bakery, Pizza outlets and so on as the icons of Indian global culture. In the novel,
The Three Mistakes of My Life, Chetan Bhagat sketches the plan of the protagonists to open a
new outlet for their sporting-goods shop, but the massive earthquake destroys their dreams and
aspirations as well as the prospect of a new six-storey mall. Chetan Bhagat, in the novel The
Three Mistakes of My Life, delineates various phases of human life where victory and defeat
as well as ups and downs are the parts of human life. As human beings we should never think
of suicide and never think to end our life while tossing on the misfortunes and personal
complexities. The sports and cricket are used as a metaphor of life, which shows the unending
sequence of rise and falls or ups and downs. In our life we often lose our innings but, later we
regain strength and repair the broken pieces of our aspirations and pursue our journey of life.
The narrator Govind resurrects his life like a phoenix from the ashes of three mistakes which
is similar to the winning and loss of wickets in the cricket of Indian team.
Keywords: Popular Culture, Metropolitan, Modernity, Tradition, Aspiration.
Bio-note:
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Dr. Divya. P obtained her Ph. D in Indian Diasporic Literature. She was educated at various
colleges under the universities in Kerala. Her area of interest includes Indian Diaspora,
Feminism, Indian Writing in English etc. She has presented papers in different seminars
including international/national/state level. A large number of scholarly papers have been
published in reputed national and international refereed journals and e-journals. She has
contributed book chapters too. Currently she is pursuing her teaching profession in English.
“All Rise (Except For...?)”: The Curious Case of Thind and the Evolution
and Racism, Law and Exclusion in the Early 20th Century, USA (1900s-
1920s)
RONEY P VIJAY KUMAR, Scholar, Department of History, University of Delhi, Delhi
Abstract:
This research examines the complex relationship between immigration, racism, and citizenship
through the Bhagat Singh Thind vs. United States case, exposing the contradictions within
America’s ideals of equality and the reality of racial exclusion. The study reveals how the Thind
case played a crucial role in shaping the legal definition of “whiteness” and its implications for
U.S. naturalization, highlighting the racial constructs that have historically influenced societal
norms and laws.
The paper traces the origins of Asian-Indian immigration to the U.S. and the legislative
measures, such as those labeling certain groups as “aliens ineligible for citizenship,” that were
specifically designed to exclude non-white immigrants. Despite their aspirations for a better
life, Indian immigrants in the U.S. were met with persistent racism and discrimination, which
mirrored the systemic oppression they faced in colonial India. In India, the British Empire’s
policy of “divide et impera” exploited existing social hierarchies—such as caste, religion, and
ethnicity—to maintain control and further imperial interests.
Moreover, the research underscores how “whiteness” became a unifying concept across
the U.S., Canada, and the British Empire, fostering solidarity against South Asians and other
marginalized communities. The study critiques the false notion of “scientific race” theories that
underpinned these exclusions and exposes the enduring legacy of racism that continues to
influence the lives of South Asian immigrants. By unraveling these historical and legal
complexities, the research challenges the dominant narratives of American equality and
opportunity, prompting a deeper reflection on the nation’s ongoing struggles with race, identity,
and belonging. Ultimately, it calls for a reexamination of America’s ideals in light of its
exclusionary past and present practices.
Keywords: Ghadar movement, Racism, Citizenship, Immigratiom Whiteness.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Bio-note:
Roney P Vijay Kumar is a Master’s student specializing in Modern Indian History at the
University of Delhi, currently awaiting results for the degree. Passionate about research and
editing, Roney focuses on revolutionary movements and revolutionary politics in colonial India
(with a special focus on north India), law in the colonial era, and Sikh socio-political history,
along with early Indian immigration to the Pacific Coast in North America. Outside of
academia, Roney actively engages with Urdu poetry, sociology, and psychology, exploring
these fields to enrich their understanding of historical contexts.
Trauma and Silence: Reading Shobha Rao’s ‘The Lost Ribbon’
MITALI MISHRA, Associate Professor, Department Of English, Lady Shri Ram
College, University of Delhi, India
Abstract:
This paper analyses the story ‘The Lost Ribbon’ from Shobha Rao’s 2006 book An Unrestored
Woman. It uses the framework of Motherhood Studies to argue that the act of infanticide at the
heart of the story is embedded in larger structural inequalities and patriarchal ideologies of the
Partition-Recovery Operation that need examination. The paper provides a perspective on
maternal ambivalence to expand on Adrienne Rich’s distinction of mothering as ‘experience’
and motherhood as a patriarchal institution. It argues that contrary to an abstract ideal of a
‘natural’ mother, her subject position was determined by patriarchal forces that created
traumatic ambivalence in her regarding where she belonged while the law insisted that she
return to a nation that refused to accommodate her children. The subject position of women at
the time of Partition was caught within multiple discourses. The State, religion, family,
community, and nation intersected in myriad ways to construct discourses of women as a
gendered citizen subject. Women had to negotiate these with their lived realities during the
Partition. This was specifically problematic for mothers of post-abduction children.
Keywords: Trauma, Silence, Filicide, Motherhood Studies, Recovery Operation.
Bio-note:
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Mitali Mishra, is an Associate Professor, Lady Shri Ram College, University of Delhi. She has
been teaching at LSR College since 1998. She has done her B.A. (LSR 1994, DU, Gold Medal),
MA (St. Stephen’s 1996, DU), and M.Phil. (DU1999, Distinction). She has publications in
newspapers and journals. Her area of research is gender and partition studies.
Shaping self and identity: Through the under-graduate campus experiences
of Dalit Women in Kerala
AISHWARYA KS, PhD Scholar, IIT Palakkad, Department of Humanities and Social
Sciences, Indian Institute of Technologym Kerala, India
Abstract:
This paper is based on my own research on the under-graduate campus experiences of Dalit
women in Kerala. Beginning from deciding what to study after their schooling till the point of
reflecting their own experience of their undergraduate campus life, I attempted to capture
various moments, choices, challenges and events that happened in their undergraduate life.
Looking from a Dalit feminist standpoint, I tried analyzing how different aspects of their
experiences were shaped based on the socio-economic and cultural context they live in.
Reflecting their own educational journey and locating themselves as a Dalit woman in Malayali
society, I could see how differently each of them viewed their own process of self-construction
and identity formation.
Taking a qualitative approach, I had in-depth conversations with 25 Hindu-Dalit women
who have completed their under-graduation from different colleges in Kerala and were born
and brought up in Ernakulam district. The paper will therefore discuss what and how different
factors such as family, class status, caste location, gender, neighborhood, school, friends and
so on played roles in shaping their under-graduate journey.
Treating the notion of experience, intersectionality and reflection as the key concepts
in my study, this paper focuses on how gender and caste takes different forms in influencing
choice making process, feelings, emotions and their own notions on their self and identity. The
construct of merit, certain beauty standards of Malayali women, financial statuses, social
identity and the very own reality of being a Dalit Woman has taken different roles in their
under-graduate campus lives. I could find or explore new forms of interconnectedness of
gender, education, caste and society thus giving new scope to the already existing research
scholarships to indulge into new paradigms.
Keywords: Dalit Women, Campus, Experience, Kerala, Intersectionality.
Bio-note:
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
She is currently pursuing PhD in Sociology/ Social Anthropology at the Department of
Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Palakkad, India. She
completed my M.Phil. in Planning and Development from Indian Institute of Technology,
Bombay. She did my Masters in Social Work with specialization in Dalit and Tribal Studies
and Action from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. She did my graduation in Electrical
and Electronics Engineering from National Institute of Technology, Calicut.
She has been passionate about different aspects of society specifically focusing on the
caste and gender dynamics in India. Both my masters and M.Phil. research projects were
centered around the under-graduate experiences of Dalit students in Kerala. She has begun
indulging with the idea of intersectionality while curiously looking into the interplay between
multiple identities; specifically, caste and gender.
Tracing the voices of Diaspora, Memory and Home in some select work of
poet Rohan Chhetri
ANUPAMA PRADHAN, State Aided College Teacher, Darjeeling Government College,
West Bengal, India
Abstract:
Rohan Chhetri is a an Indian-Nepali poet and translator originally hailing from Doors, the
region of West Bengal located in the border of India and Bhutan, the region that experiences
its own geopolitical story of turmoil, linguistic syncretism and identity crisis in time past an
time present. He is the recipient of Emerging Poets Prize (2015), Kundiman Poetry Prize
(2018), who is currently pursuing Ph.D. in literature and creative writing at the University of
Houston U.S.A. living abroad. His second book Lost, Hurt or In Transit Beautiful acclaimed
him worldwide recognition and popularity as he intends to bring out his roots and wings into
his poetry, his love for his birth place and its essence. He revisits his migration history, the pain
engulfed in his memory and issues of identity crisis in his poems from this anthology. He wants
his readers to move through the polyphony, to visit the texture of the landscape, the forbidden
story of border towns. Chhetri’s poetry heralds the intensity of his pain and discovery, his
struggle and journey towards success. These are not just a piece of art or poetry but the
reflection of entire community history, a literary discourse that widens up our perspective of
understanding the border village life and the myth of nationhood and the concept of identity
associated with nation. My paper intends to do the close reading of his selected poems from
the collection of Lost, Hurt or In Transit Beautiful tracing the voices of diaspora, migration,
memory and home.’The term diaspora is referred as a forced dispersal and displacement,
collective trauma, cultural flowering, a troubled relationship with the past, transcending
frontiers etc. However, the term diaspora has been expanded to incorporate situations that are
not associated with forced dispersal or a desire to return’ writes Vijay Agnew in his book
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
“Diaspora, Memory and Identity”. Rohan Chhetri’s works thus denote a transnational sense of
self and community as a whole and create an understanding of ethnicity, ethnic bonds, familial
history with ached past that transcends the borders and boundaries of nation states. His poems
are an amalgamation of diasporic experiences and a dynamic tension he undergoes between the
place of his birth and the place he is currently living in. He dwells upon his memories to fetch
beautiful creation shaped in poetry. He has discovered the tussle of ideas between his
metaphorical home and the real home back in Doors, India. Chhetri uses his intellectual, social,
cultural and personal resources to construct his identity into his poetry which transcend
physical and social boundaries reaching the mass across the globe. Tony Morriso (1990)
compares memory to water and notes, not stable and static but fluid and temporal. Memories
ignite our imagination and enable us to vividly recreate our recollections of home as a haven
filled with nostalgia, longing and desire, or they compel us, as witnesses and co- witnesses, to
construct home as a site and space of vulnerability, danger and violent trauma. Memories can
be nostalgically evocative of imaginary homelands and places of birth and origin as well as an
antidote to the struggles of the present. Chhetri uses his memories as instrument to weave his
thoughts in order to place it in transit beautiful. Rohan Chhetri is a real poet of soil who can
pacify the meaning of pain and loss, his language is indelible and his expressions are like a
moving image. I intend to highlight some of his poems like Father, Farther :1986, Singing
Bone, Lamentation for a Failed Revolution, Bordersong, Dasai, The Intelligence of Hunger and
Raidak River Thimphu in context of diaspora, trauma, memory and home. This paper is an
attempt to analyze Rohan Chhetri’s poetic journey from the tow of foothills to .S., an insightful
story of one’s struggle and achievements
Keywords: Diaspora, Memory, Migration, Home, Rohan Chhetri, Doors, Houston.
Bio-note:
Mrs. Anupama Pradhan is associated with P.G. Department of English, Darjeeling Government
College as a state aided college teacher since 2011 till date. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D.
from Raiganj University. She is interested in Eastern Himalayan Literature and Translation
Studies and intends to commit her research work in the same area. She has some publication
work focused on the same area.She has also completed her P.G. Diploma in Folklore and
Culture Studies with distinction from IGNOU in 2018.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Telugu Films in America: Nostalgia of Homeland for a Diasporic Community
D. SUDHA RANI, Assoc. Prof. in English, VNR Vignana Jyothi Institute Of Engineering
and Technology & RACHEL IRDAYA RAJ, Asst. Prof. VNR Vignan Jyothi Institute of
Engineering and Technology, India
Abstract:
Rohan Chhetri is a an Indian-Nepali poet and translator originally hailing from Doors, the
region of West Bengal located in the border of India and Bhutan, the region that experiences
its own geopolitical story of turmoil, linguistic syncretism and identity crisis in time past and
time present. He is the recipient of Emerging Poets Prize (2015), Kundiman Poetry Prize
(2018), who is currently pursuing Ph.D. in literature and creative writing at the University of
Houston U.S.A. living abroad. His second book Lost, Hurt or In Transit Beautiful acclaimed
him worldwide recognition and popularity as he intends to bring out his roots and wings into
his poetry, his love for his birth place and its essence. He revisits his migration history, the pain
engulfed in his memory and issues of identity crisis in his poems from this anthology. He wants
his readers to move through the polyphony, to visit the texture of the landscape, the forbidden
story of border towns. Chhetri’s poetry heralds the intensity of his pain and discovery, his
struggle and journey towards success. These are not just a piece of art or poetry but the
reflection of entire community history, a literary discourse that widens up our perspective of
understanding the border village life and the myth of nationhood and the concept of identity
associated with nation. My paper intends to do the close reading of his selected poems from
the collection of Lost, Hurt or In Transit Beautiful tracing the voices of diaspora, migration,
memory and home. ‘The term diaspora is referred as a forced dispersal and displacement,
collective trauma, cultural flowering, a troubled relationship with the past, transcending
frontiers etc. However, the term diaspora has been expanded to incorporate situations that are
not associated with forced dispersal or a desire to return’ writes Vijay Agnew in his book
“Diaspora, Memory and Identity”. Rohan Chhetri’s works thus denote a transnational sense of
self and community as a whole and create an understanding of ethnicity, ethnic bonds, familial
history with ached past that transcends the borders and boundaries of nation states. His poems
are an amalgamation of diasporic experiences and a dynamic tension he undergoes between the
place of his birth and the place he is currently living in. He dwells upon his memories to fetch
beautiful creation shaped in poetry. He has discovered the tussle of ideas between his
metaphorical home and the real home back in Doors, India. Chhetri uses his intellectual, social,
cultural and personal resources to construct his identity into his poetry which transcend
physical and social boundaries reaching the mass across the globe. Tony Morrison (1990)
compares memory to water and notes, not stable and static but fluid and temporal. Memories
ignite our imagination and enable us to vividly recreate our recollections of home as a haven
filled with nostalgia, longing and desire, or they compel us, as witnesses and co- witnesses, to
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
construct home as a site and space of vulnerability, danger and violent trauma. Memories can
be nostalgically evocative of imaginary homelands and places of birth and origin as well as an
antidote to the struggles of the present. Chhetri uses his memories as instrument to weave his
thoughts in order to place it in transit beautiful. Rohan Chhetri is a real poet of soil who can
pacify the meaning of pain and loss, his language is indelible and his expressions are like a
moving image. I intend to highlight some of his poems like Father, Farther :1986, Singing
Bone, Lamentation for a Failed Revolution, Bordersong, Dasai, The Intelligence of Hunger and
Raidak River Thimphu in context of diaspora, trauma, memory and home. This paper is an
attempt to analyze Rohan Chhetri’s poetic journey from the town of foothills to .S., an
insightful story of one’s struggle and achievements.
Keywords: Nostalgia, Memory, Telugu Diaspora, Films.
Bio-note:
D.Sudha Rani, Assoc. Prof. in English, VNR Vignana Jyothi Institute Of Engineering and
Technology & Rachel Irdaya Raj, Asst. Prof. VNR Vignan Jyothi Institute of Engineering and
Technology, India.
The Interplay of Memory, Trauma and Healing in Michael Ondaatje’s The
English Patient
DR. MD RAKIBUL ISLAM, Assistant Professor of English, Department of Law, Amu
Centre Murshidabad, West Bengal, India
Abstract:
In this research paper, we search for the themes of memory, trauma, and healing and how they
are intricately weaved into the lives of characters like Hana, Kip, Caravaggio, and Almasy in
Michael Ondaatje’s Booker Prize (1992) and Golden Man Booker Prize (2018) winning fiction
The English Patient (1992). Ondaatje creates a profound exploration of the human psyche; each
character is given a chance to shed light on the dark corners of their memories related to
physical and psychological wounds. Shedding light on the dark corners of their respective pasts
also works as a powerful form of self-therapy, helping them find peace of mind and healing
and move forward. Almasy, the English patient, suffers severe physical injuries and memory
loss; his fragmented recollections of his past are related to the trauma he has endured, as well
as the fact that his memories are often triggered by emotional distress or pain, a reflection of
how trauma can alter the way memories are recollected. Hana, a Canadian nurse, helps him
cope with his past, slowly reclaiming his lost identity. Hana herself becomes isolated as a result
of her trauma, primarily due to the loss of her father and inborn baby in an abortion. Through
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
caring for the English Patient, Hana confronts her grief of the past and begins to rebuild/heal
her sense of self. Caravaggio also bears a series of physical and psychological scars, and his
memories of the war are linked to feelings of loss and betrayal. Kip, an Indian Sikh sapper, is
forced to confront the trauma of his colonial identity. For Kip, healing involves a painful
realisation and a rejection of his previous loyalties; his final parting from Europe (coloniser) to
India (colonised) symbolises a step towards a new identity. The paper portrays how each
character’s path to healing- physical, psychological, personal or communal—is different,
reflecting the complex nature of memory and the enduring impact of trauma on the human soul.
Keywords: Healing, Memory, Physical And Psychological Wounds, Self, Trauma, War.
Bio-note:
Dr. Md Rakibul Islam is an Assistant Professor of English at Aligarh Muslim University, Centre
Murshidabad, West Bengal, India. He did his Masters and his Ph.D. from Aligarh Muslim
University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India. His research papers have appeared in journals like
The Grove - Working Papers on English Studies, Contemporary Voices of Dalit, and Journal of
Postcolonial Writings. At present, he is in charge of the Publication Committee at AMU Centre
Murshidabad. He is also one of the review members of an international journal titled The
Criterion: An International Journal in English. His research and teaching interests include
postcolonial literature, linguistics, English for specific purpose, and legal language. Email:
mdrakibulislam1989@gmail.com
Breaking Domestic Conventions During the War: A Resistance Pattern of
Women Warriors in Nayomi Munaweera’s Island of A Thousand Mirrors
and Maaza Mengiste’s The Shadow King
S SATHIYA GNANAMBIGAI, Ph.D. Research Scholar, Kanchi Mamunivar
Government Institute For Post Graduate Studies and Research, Pondicherry, India
Abstract:
There are many forms of resistance in literary studies. Resistance not only includes the violent
strategies of the minorities or the marginalized against the majorities or the centralized, but
also it deals with the individuals’ exposition of resistance resulting to the change of their
positions. In better way, the subject of resistance depicts the dynamic changing place of the
marginalized. Resistance literature is the output of many marginalized writers, deals with the
ideas of dominances, oppressions and liberations. At the modern literary scale, many expatriate
women writers voice out for the people of minorities in their homelands. In their respective
novels, Nayomi Munaweera, a Sri Lankan born American writer and Maaza Mengiste, a
Ethiopian born American writer elucidate the struggles of innocent women during their
country’s controversial conflicts. This paper critically analyzes the transformation of those
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
women from naïve to warrior by crossing the dysphoric and abusive domestic space. It sorts
out the resistance pattern of two women warriors from two different countries during the rising
conflicts. Elaborating the patriarchal dominance at the war reality, the paper finds out the new
identities of the protagonists who protest against nightmares, suppression, slavery and violence.
Keywords: Resistance, Ethiopian Women Fighters, Weaker Sex, Intersectional Violence, War
Reality And Unglorified Heroism.
Bio-note:
S. Sathiya Gnanambigai is a Full-Time Research Scholar, working on the subjects of gender
inequality and trauma in the writings of Sri Lankan Diaspora narratives. As she is a diversified
reader, she is always curious to search, appreciate and learn the innovatives of English
Literature. she is currently turning the pages of Indian graphic novels.
ELT in Digital India and Rural Bharat: A Case Study of Language
Challenges in Agricultural Universities of Rajasthan
BHARTI SHOKEEN, Assistant Prof., Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University,
Jobner-Jaipur, Government of Rajasthan & VHUYASHI DAS, Assistant Prof., Delhi
Technical Campus, Greater Noida affiliated to GGSIPU Delhi, India
Abstract:
Article 1 of the constitution states, “India, that is Bharat…” Here two names ‘India’ and
‘Bharat’ stand for one nation. However, even after celebrating 78 years of independence,
ironically, it is being felt that India and Bharat is not one but two different nations where India,
i.e. the 25% urban population, powered by Intel, is always shining whose next generation goes
global, within a fraction of second, digitally via Google, Instagram, Facebook or Twitter etc.
On the other hand, Bharat, i.e. the remaining 75% rural population, still awaits a power
restoration even after weeks of a heavy rainfall or some similar situation, or prays for the timely
arrival of the only bus that comes twice a day to the nearest bus stop of the village. Compared
to the affluent India, Bharat seems to be deprived, desolate and deficient in all walks of life.
Similar is the fate/case of English Language Teaching (ELT). When Indian students, attempting
Olympiads in school, are going global in IELTS and TOEFL etc., the Bhartiya Vidyarthi, even
after a monotonous training of 9-10 years, finds it difficult to jot down the first line of a simple
Reference to the Context (RTC): “these lines have been taken from…”. The situation becomes
quite alarming when one realizes that majority of UG students don’t even know the Hindi
equivalents of all words of Wh- questions viz, who, when, why, whose, where…etc. This paper
focuses on the challenges of teaching English to the rural students of Rajasthan agriculture
universities.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Keywords: English Language Teaching (ELT), Agriculture, Rural.
Bio-note:
Bharti Shokeen is an Assistant Professor of English at Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture
University, Jobner-Jaipur, Government of Rajasthan. She holds a PhD from Jawaharlal Nehru
University, Delhi, on the topic of Language Testing for Immigration and Citizenship. Her
teaching and research areas include English Language Teaching (ELT), Computer Aided
Language Learning (CALL), Communication Skills and Training & Placement. She has more
than 15 years of teaching experience including 8 years at IIT Delhi. As an editor, I have also
edited reports and policy documents of Central Govt. bodies such as ICSSR, IIDS Delhi, JNU
Delhi etc. As a language lab trained teacher, she has an extensive experience of Digital
Language Laboratory which includes CALL, language software, audio-visuals, multimedia, e-
assessment, operating laboratory electronic systems etc.
Collective Remembering: Unravelling Cultural Trauma in Abdulrazak
Gurnah’s By The Sea
NAZLEE RAHMAN BARLASKAR, Research Scholar, University of Science And
Technology, Meghalaya, India
Abstract:
Literature is a powerful medium to explore cultural memory and trauma, bridging personal
narratives with broader societal contexts. It often portrays trauma, allowing readers to engage
with its emotional and psychological effects. This study will explore how cultural memory and
trauma shape the understanding of the past and its impact on collective identity. Cultural
memory refers to the shared recollections of historical events within a group or society. It is
transmitted through various forms of representation, such as literature, art, monuments, and
rituals. In contrast, cultural trauma occurs when a group or community experiences a
horrendous event that leaves lasting marks on their collective consciousness. It involves
discursive practices, shared narratives, and struggles to define what constitutes trauma.
Abdulrazak Gurnah’s novels often delve deeply into themes of cultural trauma, particularly
focusing on the experiences of displacement, migration, and the lingering effects of
colonialism. His works explore how these historical and social forces shape individual and
collective identities. In his novel By the Sea, Gurnah portrays the trauma of displacement and
imprisonment. The narrative, set between Zanzibar and Britain, highlights the sense of
unbelonging and the psychological impact of being uprooted from one’s homeland. His
characters often grapple with feelings of loss, frustration, and loneliness, reflecting his
experiences as a refugee. His writing provides a poignant exploration of the refugee identity
and the quest for spiritual belonging in a world marked by cultural and geographical
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
dislocation. This study will explore how societies remember and respond to historical events
in the crisis of traumatic experiences.
Keywords: Collective Memory, War, Trauma, Violence, Shared Narratives, Alienation.
Bio-note:
Nazlee Rahman Barlaskar is a research scholar in the Department of English at the University
of Science and Technology, Meghalaya, India. Her research interest focuses on war-related
trauma, memory, mental issues, and identity crisis of war-ridden people in African societies.
She has passed her post-graduation and B.ed degree from Assam University, Silchar, Assam.
She has worked as a Guest Lecturer in the Department of English at Cachar College, Silchar,
Assam.
Telling the Trans Story: Precarity in Haddi and Taali
SMITA VIVEK JAKKANI (DHANTAL), Independent Researcher, CHRIST University,
Bengaluru, India
Abstract:
The representation of the Indian transgender community in Haddi and Taali, both released in
2023, is glaringly divergent. Haddi presents the transgender community as being involved in
morally dubious and illegal activities like prostitution, extortion, violence, and so on. This
results in the entire community being looked at as a blemish on the society by the others in the
film, a notion that is also partially echoed by the general society in the real world. On the other
hand, Taali focuses on the various struggles faced by the community on the journey towards
achieving acceptance and assimilation. The web series showcases how the majority of the
community wishes to be acknowledged and recognised as citizens of the society and would
like to have the same rights as the ‘others.’ However, both the portrayals carry some truth and
some fiction for dramatic effect. In order to compare the similarities and differences in the
representation of the Indian transgender community in these two texts, this article focuses on
themes such as violence, transphobia, death, parenting, love and sexuality, and also the
initiation into the closed transgender community. Consequently, the article reflects on the
struggle both the protagonists face to form their identities in a society which claims to worship
the Ardhanareshwar form of the divinity, while also demeaning an entire community of
transgenders, leaving the transgender community precarious.
Keywords: Haddi (2023), Precarity, Taali (2023), Vulnerability.
Bio-note:
Dr. Smita Vivek Jakkani (Dhantal) received her PhD in English Studies from CHRIST
(Deemed to be University), Bengaluru. She worked in the areas of Fantasy Fiction and Literary
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Theory. She is an academic and creative writer who explores ideas from different fields of
knowledge. Apart from Literature, her interests lie in fields of Psychology, Sociology,
Philosophy, and History. She has published academic articles in the areas of Children’s
Literature, Gender Studies, Food Studies, and Fantasy Fiction . She has also published the tool
she developed for her PhD research as a patent.
Wells of Suffering: Exploring Trauma in Haruki Murakami’s The Wind-
Up Bird Chronicle
UMASHANKAR ROY, Assistant Professor of English, Netaji Subhas Ashram
Mahavidyalaya, West Bengal, India
Abstract:
Abstract: This paper, titled Wells of Suffering: Exploring Trauma in Murakami’s The Wind-Up
Bird Chronicle, investigates how Haruki Murakami portrays violence and trauma in his novel.
The novel intertwines the personal struggles of the protagonist, Toru Okada, with Japan’s
historical wartime atrocities, creating a layered exploration of both individual and collective
trauma. The symbolism of the well, a recurring motif in the novel, serves as a metaphor for the
descent into the unconscious, where repressed memories and deep-seated traumas reside. By
examining the psychological, emotional, and historical aspects of violence in the story, this
paper explores how Murakami uses magic realism, surrealism and fragmented storytelling to
highlight the enduring impact of trauma. Ultimately, the paper argues that The Wind-Up Bird
Chronicle presents a haunting meditation on the inescapable nature of suffering and the
challenging path toward healing in a world where the past continually reverberates into the
present.
Keywords: Trauma, Motif, Unconscious, Magic Realism, Surrealism,
Bio-note:
Umashankar Roy is Assistan Professor at Department of English, Netaji Subhas Ashram
Mahavidyalaya, West Bengal.
Advertisements and Cultural Politics: A Study on the Visual Ads in Kerala
Media
JITHIN JOSEPH, Director, Lane Language Academy, Kerala, India
Abstract:
Advertisements and Cultural Politics: A Study on the Visual Ads in Kerala Media is the title of
the research project that examines the advertising displayed before as day by day. For the best
product sales, the prevalent culture is changed and made a little political. Using visual media,
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
we may see contemporary trends. In today’s advertising, you may learn how to implement and
apply the latest trends in conventional approaches. Recent comparative advertising research in
the fields of advertising, mass communication, and marketing primarily relied on culture to
explain differences in advertisement content between nations.
India was often compared uncritically with other nations, especially those with non-
Western political traditions, media systems, and social structures, which raises epistemological
questions regarding the validity of such comparisons. After examining commercials that are
popular in our country, India, I analysed their influence on Kerala culture and tradition.
Innovative themes are used in the ads to draw attention to Keralan culture, custom, folklore,
and other traditions. God’s Own Country is filled with colourful festivals, mouthwatering
cuisine and beautiful beaches and backwaters. Newspapers, magazines, posters, websites, and
television commercials are the mediums used by the advertising industry to communicate the
above stated information and ideas to and on behalf of others.
These components and their impact on culture make it clear that management teams
must take into account cultural differences among various groups of persons when creating
product marketing techniques. Future research should examine the effect of socioeconomic
variables on cultural elements. Researchers have a difficulty when it comes to data availability.
Researchers found that commercials consistently use the creative ideas of directors and
producers to attract and engage their target audience. They are always seeking new strategies
to capture customer attention and drive sales.
Keywords: Cultural Impact, Advertising Trends, Consumer Engagement.
Bio-note:
As the Director of Lane Management Company and Lane Language Academy, I offer a broad
range of experience in education and management. My career began as an English Language
Trainer at St. Antony’s Public School in Anakalu, Kanjirapally, and expanded through roles at
TPS Manakala and Times Gurukula CBSE School in Karnataka. I also served as a Probationary
Assistant Professor at Marygiri College of Arts and Science in Koothattukulam.
I hold degrees in English Language and Literature from Al Azhar College and Deva
Matha College Kuravilangad. My expertise is bolstered by certifications in Human Resources,
MS Excel, digital marketing, and communication skills. Awarded the Young Researcher Award
2023, I am recognized for my problem-solving skills and commitment to excellence. Passionate
about lifelong learning, I am eager to explore opportunities for collaboration and growth.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Studying Performativity in Food Tradition and Ritualistic Fervour of
“Maha Prabhu Barowari Mela” in Paschim Medinipur
POULAMI HALDER, PhD Scholar, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, West Bengal
Abstract:
Festivals and carnivals portray a series of ritual practices around food. This is extremely
interesting for understanding the gastro-politics behind a social belief for the community
progression. When events occur in rural settings, they often reveal the
fundamental/foundational history of community traditions. Taking the example of ‘Barowari
Mela’ (Community Fair) around the grand duo of “Gour-Nitai” (Shri Chaitanya Dev and his
associate Nityananda Prabhu) in Keshiary, a village in Paschim (West) Medinipur in West
Bengal, this paper aims to understand the development of this festival through the lens of food
in a land not predominantly inhabited by the Vaishnavas. The diverse demography of this
region reflects the influx of people from the surrounding states of Odissa and Bihar, along with
the Bangals (immigrants from East Bengal), Ghotis (locals of Bengal before partition) and
Adivasi communities of the region. This socio-cultural milieu brings forth the interplay of
geopolitics for the development of a belief, as each food custom around this festival like
inviting the Gods with ‘Sida’ (an assortment of grains, vegetables and spices) to ‘Dodhi-
Bisharjan’ (distribution of blessed curd among the devotees at the end of celebration) studies
the assimilation of regional practices as a collective force but again by questioning the
hierarchy, for a certain section of people get limited to a specific work. Newer perspectives
regarding the dual nature of food like it being concrete as a material object at once while being
abstract and symbolic as a community memory will also be analysed here. This paper will
further explore the carnivalesque nature of the festival to study the dimensions of identity
formation and orality of a tradition through the volatile nature of taste.
Keywords: Cultural Studies, Gastro-Politics, Carnivalesque, Performativity, Orality.
Bio-note:
Poulami Halder is a PhD scholar in English at the Department of English, Visva-Bharati,
Santiniketan. Her doctoral research lies in the intersections of Cultural Studies and Critical
Food Studies as she is trying to explore the different dimensions of thought regarding the
theoretical nature of regional food. She has previously presented her work at a Two-Day
International Seminar on “From Farm to Fork: Exploring the Interplay between Food Culture
and Politics” organised by Cluny College, Kalimpong and a Three-Day National Conference
on “Food and Culture” organised by IIST, Thiruvananthapuram. Two of her academic papers
titled “Postcolonial Feminist Reading of Perumal Murugan’s One Part Woman with its
Resistance in the Context of Myth and Culture” and “Food Trails of the Bengal Partition:
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Studying Gastro-Politics in Bhaswati Ghosh’s Victory Colony 1950” have been published by
Akademos (SKBU: Journals) and Postcolonial Interventions respectively.
War’s Echoes: Psychiatric Progress and Societal Evolution
in Pat Barker’s The Regeneration Trilogy
IVANA CHOWDHURY, Junior Research Fellow, Raiganj University, University Road,
College Para, Raiganj, West Bengal, India
Abstract:
As a harbinger of death and destruction, war acts as a canvas upon which the struggles of
humanity are indelibly etched. Simultaneously, it is a crucible for technological and medical
advances; the exigent treatment of shell-shocked soldiers catalyzes progress in the field of
psychiatry. The articulation of psychological trauma as a legitimate form of disability, one that
necessitated treatment and empathy, was a radical shift propelled by the collective experience
of war. Therefore this paper seeks to aim the profundity of war’s impact intricately woven into
the literary tapestry of Pat Barker’s esteemed “The Regeneration Trilogy.” Through the
narratives of Regeneration (1991), The Eye in the Door (1993), and The Ghost Road (1995),
Barker engages with the monumental aftermath of World War I. The trilogy is not merely a
historical recount but an exploration of the metamorphosis in societal awareness and
acceptance of mental disabilities, especially those inflicted by war. It critiques the interplay of
fact and fiction, examining the pioneering psychiatric work of Dr. W.H.R. Rivers at
Craiglockhart War Hospital and the evolving acknowledgment of war-induced trauma. By
zooming in on the inhabitants of the hospital, Barker reveals how soldiers suffered from both
conspicuous physical disabilities and the invisible wounds of psychological trauma. The
narrative delves into various responses to this trauma, from poetry as an emotional outlet for
Siegfried Sassoon, to mute psychological breakdown in the case of Billy Prior. It unveils
personal and national identity crises as characters grapple with the psychological ‘lockhardts’
of wartime Britain’s moral hysteria. Therefore this paper will navigate how the narrative
demonstrates the transformative role of war-both destructive and reformative- particularly
highlighting the advancements in mental health awareness, and that from the deepest wounds,
the seeds of progress are sown.
Keywords: Disability, Identity crisis, Societal awareness, Trauma, War.
Bio-note:
Ivana Chowdhury is a junior research fellow of the English department in Raiganj University.
She has completed her graduation and post graduation from North Bengal University. She is
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
presently pursuing phd on a comparative study between Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock
Holmes and Satyajit Ray’s Feluda. She has also qualified for WBSET and GATE exam. She
has published three articles in reputed international journals, one paper in ugc care listed journal
and one book chapter as well.
Examining The Complexities of Memory and Trauma in the works of Toni
Morrison, Arundhati Roy and Cathy Caruth
GARIMA SINGH, Research Scholar, Baba Mastnath University, Rohtak, Haryana,
India
Abstract:
Trauma studies emerged in the 1990s, drawing on Freudian theory to create a model of trauma
that depicts an intense event that tests the bounds of language and even ruptures meaning
entirely. This paradigm of trauma suggests that suffering is unrepresentable. Following the
classic paradigm, a more pluralistic concept of trauma emerged, implying that the supposed
unspeakability of trauma is one of many responses to an intense experience rather than its
distinguishing trait. The idea that a traumatic event tests the bounds of language, fragments the
psyche, and even completely ruptures meaning established the field’s basic parameters and
continues to influence critical discourse even as alternative approaches displace it. This paper
seeks to unravel the concept of trauma and memory through the works of Toni Morrison,
Arundhati Roy and Cathy Caruth.
Keywords: Trauma, Memory, Freudian Theory , Language, Psyche.
Bio-note:
She is Pursuing Phd in English at Baba Mastnath University, Rohtak, Haryana, India.
The Relevance of ‘Kabir’ in Present Scenario: A Study of Kiran Nagarkar’s
The Arsonist
JYOTI MALAV, PhD Research Scholar, Department of English, Mohanlal Sukhadia
University, Rajasthan
Abstract:
The Relevance of ‘Kabir’ in Present Scenario: A Study of Kiran Nagarkar’s The Arsonist
“…Kabir is timeless. Which is why he is always timely. He is the contemporary of every age.
And his time is forever ‘now” (Kiran Nagarkar)
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Kabir Das was the medieval religious poet and saint of North India. Nobody knows
whether Kabir was a Muslim or a Hindu. He used to say himself both ‘Son of Allah’ and ‘Son
of Ram’. He is considered a saint and a guru by the Muslim community as well as the Hindu
community throughout the Indian subcontinent. Kabir is well-known as an Indian poet due to
his teachings, poems (musical odes), and sermons. In the 15th century, he taught lessons to the
people through the very essence of wisdom.
The paper presents the relevance of Kabir’s philosophy in the contemporary scenario
through the novel The Arsonist (2019) by Kiran Nagarkar. The book cover reads, “The
Arsonist, poet, weaver, seer, blasphemer”, which makes Kabir contemporary and timeless. In
the novel, the writer has portrayed the character of Kabir as a weaver and a Master, whose
teachings to his disciples deliver lessons in co-existence among diverse communities, and
social harmony. The study attempts to trace the philosophy of Kabir through questions, asked
by the Master’s students, related to caste, class, and religion. The Master claims an identity of
a human being without a label, as he believes that there is one Creator, only one God. The paper
will also explore how the powerful upper caste and class people divide society into different
groups and create a hierarchical order.
Keywords: Kabir, Religion, Caste, Class, Society.
Bio-note:
Jyoti Malav is a Research Scholar at the Department of English in Mohanlal Sukhadia
University, Udaipur. Her research concerns broadly fall under the field of Subalternity in
Postcolonial Studies.
A Study of Deterritorialization and Reterritorialization of Transgender
People in Arundhati Roy’s The Ministry of Utmost Happiness and Mahesh
Dattani’s Seven Steps Around the Fire
DR MOHD SHAMIM, Associate Professor, Department of English, Halim Muslim PG
College, CSJM University Kanpur, India
Abstract:
Transgender People are one of the most stigmatized, abused, humiliated, marginalised and
sexually harassed communities of India. They are treated as alien, lowest of the low and
stranger. They have their bright past, they played a vital role in Ancient and Medieval India.
With the British Act of 1871 their professions and source of livelihood were criminalised and
sidelined for centuries. They have been treated as visibly invisible. The NALSA Judgement
and Transgender Persons Act 2019 brought revolutionary change in their life style in India.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
They held position as third gender and got legal recognition. They were depicted in literature
and portrayed in cinema. The paper delves into the Study of Deterritorialization and
Reterritorialization of Transgender People in Arundhati Roy’s The Ministry of Utmost
Happiness and Mahesh Dattani’s Seven Steps Around the Fire through the characters Anjum
and her desire to built the house of dream, Anarkali, Subbu and Kamla.
Keywords: Sex, Gender, Transgender, Trauma, Transphobia, Deterritorialization and
Reterritorialization.
Bio-note:
Dr. Mohd Shamim, Associate Professor, Department of English, Halim Muslim PG College,
CSJM University Kanpur. Especialisation: Gender Studies, Fictional Theory and Postcolonial
Literature. Published Papers in Scopus and UGC Care Listed Journal:32. Books:03; Invited
Talks:75.
Critical Understanding of Eco humanities: Tracing Eco hermeneutics in the
selected Climate Change Fiction
Priyanka S Raj
Abstract:
Anthropocene has emerged as a critical focus of investigation within the interdisciplinary field
of Eco-humanities, particularly in understanding the rise of climate change as a global
phenomenon. It is evident that in severing the essential relationship between humans and the
environment that has been the primary cause of planetary degradation, Anthropocentric view
of man has relegating nature to a mere backdrop for human activities. Clingerman (2013)
argued that the ‘Anthropocene’ serves as a hermeneutic concept which has underscores its role
as an interpretive framework and crucial for comprehending contemporary human-
environment relations and their material consequences. This paper tries to examine the
hermeneutics of the Anthropocene in the selected contemporary climate change novels.
Through the framework of environmental humanities and eco-hermeneutics, this essay will
analyze narrative strategies, thematic concerns and the ethical implications manifested in
climate change literature. I would also argue how anthropocentric view has opened the critical
discussion for the eco consciousness in climate change novels and other eco fiction. Eco
humanities have preferably served as both a mirror and a moral compass for human and
environment relations. Thus, using the eco-hermeneutic method to interpret the selected change
text would help to integrate the ecological thought in the green realm of literature.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
The main goal of the essay to highlight the eco hermeneutic approach in the study of
climate change novels and its related theme “Anthropocene” discourse that would lead
understand the climate justice, environmental ethics and re-imagining the human nature
relationship in an age of planetary crisis.
Keywords: Eco-humanities, Climate change novels, Anthropocene, Climate crisis, Eco-
hermeneutic.
Bio-note:
Priyanka S Raj is former TV journalist and Media Advisor worked under Ministry of Earth
Science Govt. of India. Presently, she is a Doctoral Candidate in the Department of Humanities
and Social Sciences at Mahindra University. Her area of research interest revolves around
Environmental Humanities, Media Ecology, Climate Change Fiction Literature, Science, and
New Humanities. She had presented Conferences on Climate Crisis, and Rise of Environmental
Humanities, Gender and Climate Crisis in 2023. She have also served as a distinguished
delegate at several conferences on research and innovation held in New Delhi. Her
brainstorming ideas on how to deal with climate when visiting these high level International
Research and Innovation Conferences in the years 2021-2023 with delegations from the UK,
Sweden, France, Germany, and Japan was praised. She had an opportunity to speak at G20
Roundtable Conference in August 2023 at New Delhi especially on Climate Change and
Sustainability. She have interviewed ISRO Chairman thrice on Venus, Moon and Aditya
Mission in the year 2022-2023. She recently presented her paper in the International
Conference on Three Societies at University of Birmingham (2024) on Romantic Studies and
Cosmology .As a speaker; she had delivered talks on Climate Science Literacy: Essential
Principles of Climate Literacy on Oct 9, 2022. She has been recently listed as a fellow for
propagating Climate Change Literacy by University of Minnesota. Her book chapter entitled “
Exploring Eco media strategies for Effective Climate Change Communication” published in
July 2024. Her research paper on Climate Change Literacy got published in May 2024.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Crossroads of Culture: Language Shift and Cultural Identity Among
Girmitiya Descendants
DR. PANKAJ BALA SRIVASTAVA, Professor and Head of the Department of English,
Mahila Vidyalaya Degree College & YASHASVI SRIVASTAVA, M.A. Final Year
Student, English Literature, University of Lucknow, India
Abstract:
In the chronicles of diaspora, the saga of the Girmitiya descendants stands as a poignant
testament to linguistic metamorphosis and cultural evolution. This paper explores the intricate
dynamics of language shift among the progeny of the Girmitiyas—those indentured labourers
forcibly uprooted from India and far-flung across distant colonies under the yoke of British
imperialism. Over successive generations, these communities have experienced profound
linguistic alterations, embodying a delicate footing between their ancestral tongues and their
adopted homelands’ dominant languages. By tracing the trajectories of language preservation,
erosion, and revival, the study highlights the remarkable resilience and adaptability of the
Girmitiya descendants in the face of cultural dilution and linguistic attrition. It posits that
language, far beyond its role as a mere communication tool, functions as a living repository of
collective memory and identity, resonating with the unyielding spirit of a people who, despite
physical displacement, continue to weave their rich cultural heritage into the fabric of
contemporary society. This research illuminates the linguistic odysseys of the Girmitiya
descendants, contributing to broader discourses on diaspora, identity, and the fluid relationship
between language and culture in an increasingly interconnected world. Through the lens of the
Girmitiya experience, the paper offers a nuanced understanding of how language influences
and is influenced by the intricate processes of cultural continuity and transformation.
Keywords: Girmitiya, Language shift, Cultural Identity, Girmitiya Descendants, Diaspora,
Indentured.
Bio-note:
Dr Pankaj Bala Srivastava, M.A., LL.B., Ph.D., D.P.A., P.G.D.C., is Professor and Head of the
Department of English at Mahila Vidyalaya Degree College (affiliated to the University of
Lucknow), Lucknow (U.P.). With 31 years of teaching experience, her 51 research papers have
been published in both national and international journals, and she has authored the book,”
Bernard Shaw’s Prefaces: A Rich Legacy of Literature”, She has contributed chapters to various
books and presented 52 research papers at national and international seminars and conferences.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Her academic interests include feminist studies, genre fiction, cultural studies, and diasporic
literature.
Nimona and the Constant Battle for Acceptance
AGNEL NELLISSERY POULOSE, Ph. D Scholar, Vellore Institute of Technology, India
Abstract:
The world as we know it has shifted and evolved into an amalgamation of futuristic thoughts
riddled with age old superstitions and backward thinking. Though modernism peaks through
these heavy curtains of past beliefs, it still has a hard time pushing completely through. The
positive exposition on race, gender and mental health throughout the years is one such modern
concept. The various platforms used to convey these opinions have grown and changed along
with these movements as well. From Cult classics to mainstream cinema, films that cover such
topics have garnered a number of viewers and sympathisers. Nimona, a Netflix production,
takes on this concept through the form of sci-fantasy. The story itself is about a shape-shifting
person who goes by the name Nimona, and has been painted to be a villain of epic proportions
only because she does not fit the description of being normal and a misunderstanding in the
past. Apart from this, another story of class distinction and discrimination runs side by side
with another character, a commoner who fought his way to the top of the highest position of
knighthood only to be faced with disappointment and fear, Ballister Boldheart. The story sets
up these two characters to join forces and fight for their right with its climax set in a penultimate
battle and a bitter-sweet ending. The idea of acceptance and non-judgement are fundamentals
within the building blocks of humanity. An animated film like this helps breaks down complex
ideas into digestible pieces, further helping the mindset of the coming generations. This paper
aims to examine the movie and its various plot points and concepts, as well as social media
influences.
Keywords: Sci-Fantasy, Mental Health, LGBTQ+, Humanities, Discrimination.
Bio-note:
Agnel Nellissery Poulose has completed her MA at Loyola College, Chennai and is currently
pursuing her Ph. D at Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore. Her interests lie in Mythology
and Folklore.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Negotiating Normativity: LGBTQ+ Lives in Contemporary India
PRAVAT RANJAN SETHI, Assistant Professor, Central University of Himachal
Pradesh, India & KH ALTAF HUSSAIN, Research Scholar, RIMT University, Punjab,
India
Abstract:
The study “Negotiating Normativity: LGBTQ+ Lives in Contemporary India” explores the
intricate and constantly changing landscape of LGBTQ+ experiences in India, considering
cultural, legal, and social changes. The decriminalization of Section 377 of the Indian Penal
Code in 2018 was a significant turning point for LGBTQ+ rights in India, representing the
acknowledgement of their legal rights and a step forward in achieving equality. Nevertheless,
this legislative victory represents just a fraction of the broader struggle for LGBTQ+ inclusivity
and parity. This research explores the intricate aspects of LGBTQ+ lifestyles by analyzing how
individuals traverse institutional structures, cultural norms, and social customs. By examining
the intersections of gender, sexuality, class, caste, and religion, this study sheds insight on the
diverse and occasionally challenging lives of LGBTQ+ individuals in many regions and social
groups. By employing qualitative methodologies including in-depth interviews, ethnographic
observations, and analysis of media portrayals, the study documents individual accounts and
communal encounters, uncovering both advancements and enduring challenges. This study
emphasizes the importance of activism, community support networks, and digital platforms in
influencing LGBTQ+ identities and fostering a sense of inclusion within the contemporary
LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, it evaluates the impact of legal reforms and public attitudes
on the daily experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as the broader societal and political
implications of these transformations. Through contextualizing individual narratives within a
broader social, cultural, and political context, the study offers a nuanced comprehension of the
ongoing battle for conformity and the quest for recognition, integrity, and fundamental human
entitlements. It is a significant contribution to the expanding field of research on gender and
sexuality studies in South Asia. This resource provides valuable information to scholars,
activists, and politicians with the purpose of constructing communities that are more equitable
and inclusive. Furthermore, it provides funding for ongoing endeavours to address cultural bias
and systemic inequity experienced by LGBTQ+ individuals in contemporary India.
Keywords: LGBTQ+, Decriminalization, Intersectionality, Gender, Sexuality.
Bio-note:
Pravat Ranjan Sethi is a student in the field of Modern History. He pursued his academic studies
at the Center for Historical Studies, JNU. Currently, he is employed as an Assistant Professor
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
of History at the Central University of Himachal Pradesh, located in Dharmasala.
Professionally, his areas of interest include modern and contemporary history, gender history,
and women’s studies.
Kh Altaf Hussain is a Research Scholar, RIMT University, Punjab, India.
Exploring Temptation as a Catalyst for Destruction in Nathaniel
Hawthorne’s “The Golden Touch” and W.W. Jacobs’s “The Monkey’s
Paw”: A Comparative Analysis
KAMINIKANTA MOHANTY, Research Scholar in English, Sri Sri University, Odisha,
India & Dr KRISHNA PRATAP SINGH, Professor of English, MGMU, Maharashtra,
India
Abstract:
The paper aims to explore the devastating consequence of greed in two short stories: American
fiction writer Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Golden Touch” and English fiction writer W.W.
Jacobs’s “The Monkey’s Paw.” In addition to it, the paper aims to make a comparative analysis
of the two short stories. The “Golden Touch” is such a short story that exhibits the misfortune
faced by the central character, King Midas, due to his excessive temptation for gold. His wish
for everything he touches to turn into gold leads to personal tragedy and isolation, highlighting
the perils of temptation. Similarly, “The Monkey’s Paw” is such a short story that casts light
on the tragic consequences faced by the White family due to their undesirable quest for more
wealth and comfort through a magical paw. So far as the comparative analysis of the two stories
is concerned, both stories are about the three wishes and the devastating consequence of
temptation. Both the stories are didactic in nature as they impart moral lessons about the
dangers of greed and the consequences of tampering with fate. The present study will certainly
foster profound reflection with regard to the proper ways of life. So, the study of this
perspective is indispensable for learning about how to live a significant life.
Keywords: Destruction, Fate, Fiction, Greed, Temptation.
Bio-note:
Born on 12th April, 1985 in Odisha, Mr. Kaminikanta Mohanty has been working as a lecturer
in English at Subarnarekha Mahavidyalaya, Baliapal, Balasore, Odisha, since 2016. He was
selected through the State Selection Board (SSB) examinations for lectureship. He holds an
M.A. and an M.Phil. in English.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Dr. K.P. Singh, Professor of English, Mahatma Gandhi Mission University,
Maharashtra, is his PhD supervisor. “Ethical and Social Dimensions in the Short Stories of
Manoj Das” is the title of his doctoral dissertation. He has given the presentation of several
research papers at different seminars and conferences. His research papers have been published
in reputed journals. In addition, he is an author of more than twenty books.
Eco-terrorist and the Ecological Zone: Escalating the Catastrophe of
Climate and Culture in the Works of Sheela Tomay, Amitav Ghosh and
Kim Robinson
LABANI SARKAR, Research Scholar, Raiganj University, India
Abstract:
The anthropocentric capitalism has created the planetary crisis through their escalating attack
against nomadic environmental ethics,causing environmental degradation as well as,it has
demolished the ecological diversity and quietly stopped human mobility.It affects the
environment and its objects and gradually destroys the eco-friendly relationship of biotic(
living) and abiotic (non-living) beings.The eco_ terrorist mentality of human beings and the
global petrodollar economy targets the ecological zones.As a result, it degrades the ecosystem
and it causes climate change in the planet,as well as it creates global warming,ice melting,
avalanche, deforestation, landslides,flash flood and many more. In future,humans will be
threatened by Nature’s reckless attitude towards them. Eco- literature aims to connect literature
mitigating the natural world so that we can combat climate change and the devastation of
natural environments with the required measures.Eco- fiction is a new genre of eco- literature
that places a lot of attention on Ecology,as well as global climate change and environmental
degradation. It is a humanitarian approach to preserve the environment.In present paper, I
would like to analysis critically the works of Amitav Ghosh,Kim Stanley Robinson and Sheela
Tomy. Sheela Tomy’ s work Valli(1970) points out the exploration of forest in Kerala and it’s
indigenous people’s culture and heritage.Kim Stanley Robinson’ s work The Ministry for the
Future(1920) points out the reaction of climate change within 2020 to 2040, as well as he points
out a dystopian world where bureaucrats, immigrants,emigrants ,eco- terrorist, farmers,
scientists and the common men fight together against the natural disasters.Amitav Ghosh’s Gun
Island 2019) and The Great Derangement (2016) delineates the planetary environmental crisis
due to the anthropocentric activities causing global warming as well as the destruction of
ecological zones on the planet.
Keywords: Eco- terrorist, Petrodollar, Ecological Zone, Planetary Crisis.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Bio-note:
Labani Sarkar is a Researcher of Raiganj University, Raiganj,West Bengal. She is pursuing
PhD on War Literature, particularly Bosnian War Literature. She is enthusiastic about War
Literature, Environmental studies, Dalit studies and Postcolonial Studies. She has qualified
West Bengal SET. She has also qualified UGC NET ( Thrice). Now she enjoys National
Fellowship of UGC NET(NFSC). She has published 4 papers on Environmental studies, Dalit
studies and Gender Discrimination in National and International Journal, including book
chapters.
Exploring the Effect of Language Translator Devices on Students’ British
Accent Mastery
RAJESWARI M, Research Scholar, Deptartment of English, St. John’s College, Tamil
Nadu, India & DR. A. RATHINA PRABHU, Assistant Professor, Dept. of. English St.
John’s College, India
Abstract:
This study explores the impact of language translator devices on students’ mastery of British
accent pronunciation. Accent mastery has become a critical skill with the increasing global
importance of English proficiency, particularly in professional and academic settings.
Language translator devices, which offer real-time translations and pronunciation guides, have
the potential to enhance students’ ability to adapt and refine a British accent accurately. The
study utilized a pre-experimental research design, specifically a one-group pre-test and post-
test approach. A sample of 30 students from class IX C was selected using a cluster random
sampling method. Data collection was conducted through pre-test and post-test assessments,
revealing that students’ performance in the pre-test was lower than their post-test results. In
addition, the effect size score (3.34) denoted a strong effect of using these devices significantly
improves pronunciation and helps students internalize the phonetic patterns of British English.
Additionally, the study explores the challenges and limitations associated with technology for
accent acquisition. This research contributes to the growing field of technology-assisted
language learning and offers valuable insights for educators and students seeking to improve
accent proficiency in English.
Keywords: British Accent, Language Translator Devices, Pronunciation Ability.
Bio-note:
Rajeswari M. is a dedicated Research Scholar with a keen interest in advancing knowledge in
her chosen field of study. With a strong academic background, she has been actively involved
in research projects to address contemporary issues through innovative solutions. Her research
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
work is characterized by its depth, rigor, and relevance, reflecting her commitment to academic
excellence.Throughout her academic journey, she has developed a profound understanding of
research methodologies and analytical techniques in ELT, which she applies effectively in her
studies. Her contributions to the academic community include several presentations at
conferences and participation in workshops that enhance her research skills. She is passionate
about contributing to society through research and aim to make a meaningful impact in her
field. As she continues her scholarly pursuits, she is focused on achieving academic goals and
making a lasting contribution to the world of research.
Dr. A. Rathina Prabhu is an Assistant Professor, Dept. of. English St. John’s College,
India.
Representation of Northeast India and its Women in New Indian Media : A
Transnational Feminist Analysis of Selected Films
AISWARYA P, Research Scholar, St Thomas College, University of Calicut, India
Abstract:
Northeast India is an abode to a large number of distinct ethnic groups that have had their
customary laws and practices since time immemorial. This difference in physical, cultural,
religious affiliation etc underlines the fact of the divide that exists between these region and
rest of the mainland India. Often known as a place of bewilderment, a victim of otherisation
and external myth-making, the region’s cultural, political and Indigenous legacy is often
devalued and discarded. Long affected by insurgency-related violence, Northeastern part of
India presents a complex and convoluted geopolitical picture that have irrevocably scarred the
region with ordinary inhabitants caught in the crossfire between Indian Army and militant
group. In a region that remains marginal to the mother country, the position of women in the
Northeast is further marginalised. The virtue of being a woman of ethnic community, along
with joined hands of patriarchy and intensive militarisation, has had a hitherto detrimental
effect on Northeastern Indian women. Though the status of women has improved considerably,
gender disparities still exist in Northeastern Indian society.
This paper is an attempt to look at selected films and how they have represented a more
accurate and empathetic portrayal of Northeast India, its citizens especially women and their
geopolitical and cultural realities thereby fostering greater understanding and integration of
Northeast Indian narratives into mainstream media. The paper attempts to critically evaluate
the gendered aspects of the selected films and tries to record the voices of Northeast Indian
women, the voices raised in protest, in celebration, in hope.
The paper tries to analyse the gender issues making use of theorical perspectives of
acclaimed feminist voices from Northeast India like Temsula Ao, Easterine Kire, Patricia
Mukhim etc also drawing insights from prominent Transnational Feminist critiques.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Keywords: Northeast India, Authentic Stories, New media, Film, Otherisation, Patriarchy,
Customary laws, Gender disparity, Exoticism, Inclusive approach, Agents not victims,
Transnational Feminism, Transnational Solidarity.
Bio-note:
Aiswarya P is a Research Scholar of St Thomas College, University of Calicut, India.
Exploring Ecocultural Themes in Amitav Ghosh’s Literary Works: A Study
of Nature and Culture
DR. PIYALI GOPE, Assistant Professor, Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology,
India
Abstract:
The paper aims to examine the notion of ‘ecoculture’ and its place in literary studies to
emphasize the mutually beneficial connection between culture and environment. The paper
concentrates on Amitav Ghosh’s works, covering fiction and nonfiction, and examines them
from an ecocritical perspective. The paper attempts to contribute to ecocriticism to address the
current world problem. Ecocriticism has developed as an important field, trying to address
pressing ecological issues and envision a world wherein humans and nature may coexist with
one another. By exploring literary viewpoints on eco culture and a sustainable economy, the
paper seeks to probe the prominent conventions of our altered, unsustainable society. The depth
of Amitav Ghosh’s comprehension of ecological problems and the crisis-threatening culture
and imagination is highlighted in his writings. The paper highlights the importance of
environmental and cultural literacy in addressing the forthcoming global ecological crisis
through a critical analysis of Ghosh’s literary works. The paper aims to motivate readers to
reevaluate what they believe and contribute to preserving the environment by fostering an
international recognition of the relationship between culture and the environment. The paper
aims to address the issues raised by cultural crisis and climate change by evaluating various
literary works, including those by Ghosh.
Keywords: Culture, Environment, Cultural Crisis, Unsustainable Economy, Ecocriticism.
Bio-note:
Dr. Piyali Gope is an Assistant Professor of English at Noida Institute of Engineering and
Technology with a passion for research in various areas, especially feminism. She earned her
PhD. in English Literature from Amity University and has since dedicated her career to
exploring feminism, ecofeminism, post-feminism, contemporary studies, and others
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Throughout her academic journey, Gope has authored numerous articles, book chapters
and contributed to research in the field of gender studies. She has presented her research at
international conferences and has been recognized for her contributions to the field.
Disability of the Human Mind in Bravely Fought the Queen by Mahesh
Dattani
AAKANSHA SAMADDAR, Independent Research Scholar, University of Calcutta,
India
Abstract:
Mahesh Dattani consciously examines feminine sensitivity and dehumanisation of women
which has been salient in the social landscape of India. Thus, Bravely Fought the Queen,
focuses on an Indian household which showcases the prevalent gender stereotypes and
elements of oppression and subjugation that women face in a patriarchal society. These social
issues can be seen as an emotional disability and the physical representation of these underlying
emotional imbalances is Daksha. Dattani introduces a household, a representative of the then
society, where accepting homosexuality and seeking one’s gender identity itself was compared
to a psychological disorder. As disability in literature has been used symbolically, Dattani’s
play is not an exception.
The paper will try to delve deep into the actions and reactions of the female characters
in the face of patriarchy. However, existing studies across the globe have tried to focus on the
social issues prevailing in the play and the factors of disability in Daksha. However, the
speciality of this paper lies in the fact that it aims to focus on the pivotal question of the
emotional retardedness of the women characters namely- Baa, Alka, Lalitha as well as Dolly
and create an interlink with the physical retardedness of Daksha.
Thus, undeniable oppression and entanglement in social stereotypes are making the
women of the household emotionally disturbed. The physical paralysis and inability of Daksha,
is going to be seen as a microcosm of the inability of the other female characters to act as per
their will. The paper, therefore, would like to enlighten the readers with the fact that both
emotional and physical disabilities are unacceptable in society. Henceforth, the groundbreaking
ending of this play signifies the act of untangling the conventions and stereotypes. Henceforth,
this paper is going to highlight how the physical disability of Daksha and the emotional
disability of other female characters are intertwined with each other.
Keywords: Patriarchy, Gender Discrimination, Subjugation, Disability, Stereotype.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Bio-note:
Aakansha Samaddar has completed her post-graduation from Basanti Devi College (affiliated
with the University of Calcutta), in 2024. She did her graduation from Muralidhar Girls College
(affiliated with the University of Calcutta), in 2022. Presently an independent research scholar,
she is pursuing her interest in Indian English literature.
Revisiting Contours of Human -Wild Conflict in Amitav Ghosh’s The
Hungry Tide
MOUMITA SAHU, Research Scholar, Indian Institute of Engineering Science and
Technology, Shibpur, India & Dr MALLIKA GHOSH SARBADHIKARY, Associate
Professor, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIEST Shibpur, India
Abstract:
The non-human turn brought forth by the Western philosophy of Posthumanism by proponents
like Cary Wolfe and Donna Haraway makes a paradigm shift in thinking about the ecological
crisis that has become urgent in the era of the Anthropocene. The instrumentalisation of species,
or the concept of ‘Speciesism’ in considering humans as the crown of creation such that s/he
can exploit other species for utilitarian purposes has been dismantled. Instead, relationality and
entanglement with other forms of beings are pondered upon. The human-wildlife conflict
visibly present in places such as the Sundarbans is one realm where human and non-human
interaction is reciprocal and simultaneous. This building of the ‘Ecohorror’ – a genre that as
Christy Tidwell and Carter Soles describe presents nature striking horrifically back at humanity,
resurfacing fears while engaging with the non-human world in the time of planetary climate
crisis. Ecohorror leads to the displacement of the dynamics as humanity crosses borders while
entering the world of man-eating tigers, bringing nature into the cultural realm and facing the
other world of shared vulnerability and interdependence. The paper aims to explore the
changing dynamics of the human-animal encounter in the context of Sundarbans through
Amitav Ghosh’s novel The Hungry Tide (2004) to highlight how non-humans who have
traditionally been the objects of scrutiny used for commodification can reclaim their agency
and radically break the artificial chain of speciesism or the human autonomy in the susceptible
landscape like the Sundarbans.
Keywords: Ecohorror, Non-human, Posthumanism, Speciesism, Vulnerability.
Bio-note:
Moumita Sahu is a PhD research scholar in the department of Humanities and Social Sciences,
IIEST Shibpur. Her research areas include Environmental Posthumanities and Cultural Studies.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Dr Mallika Ghosh Sarbadhikary is an Associate Professor of the Department of
Humanities and Social Sciences in IIEST Shibpur. Dr. Mallika Ghosh Sarbadhikary is currently
heading the HSS department at IIEST Shibpur where she is an Associate Professor having over
3 decades of teaching experience. Her areas of specialization include Renaissance Drama,
Gender Studies, Digital Humanities and Translation and Intersectionality Studies.
The ‘Truth’ of Kaliyug and Hindi Cinema in the light of Foucault’s
Discourse Theory in Matrubhoomi: A Nation Without Women, Carbon:
The Story of Tomorrow and Kalki 2898 AD
ISHANI SAHA, Research Scholar, Coochbehar Panchanan Barma University, West
Bengal, India
Abstract:
This paper explores the cinematic representation of ‘Kaliyug’ or ‘The age of darkness’ found
in Hindu Epics in the three films, Matrubhoomi: A Nation Without Women (2003), Carbon:
The Story of Tomorrow (2017), and Kalki 2898AD (2024) in the light of Foucault’s Discourse
theory. These films are exploded with dystopian visuals and variations of most potential images
of future in ‘Kaliyug’. ‘Kaliyug’ in Hindu mythology is often regarded as most corrupted age,
full of conflict and sin. This age is the shortest ‘yuga’ of Four ‘yugas’ in Hinduism. The films
in this study has explored visuals of epic and folktales related to the ‘Fourth Age’. The paper
aims to analyse and decode the visuals and themes in these three films and to find out how they
are organizing the knowledge of ‘Kaliyug’ which is structurally related to the broader episteme
of history. In the progression of the paper, it has highlighted the power play in constituting the
‘Truths’ of body and abstract regime. Furthermore, the study has added fluidity in the discursive
understanding of good and evil, sexuality, food and environment which destabilises the
underpinning fixed meanings in the system of knowledge.
Keywords: Kaliyug, Hindi Cinema, Discourse, Foucault, Feminism.
Bio-note:
Ishani Saha is a senior research fellow in the department of English at Cooch Behar Panchanan
Barma University. She is presently working on LGBTQ studies. Apart from the area of gender
and sexuality studies, she has publications on folk Culture. Some of her poetries are published
in registered anthologies.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Monitored Marches: Analysing the Surveilled State of Pride Marches
SOUMILI PAUL, Ex-student, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India & TIYASHA
PUROHIT, Ex-student, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India
Abstract:
Kolkata has been the forerunner in the organization of Pride marches in India and South Asia.
What constitutes a celebration of varied gender identities and sexualities often comes at the
cost of one’s anonymity. Historically speaking, Pride was birthed through a riot. With the
proliferation of equal rights across the world, Pride marches have become a symbolic
remembrance of the resistance of the bygone days that had criminalized homosexuality.
Kolkata’s queer community has stood its ground to safeguard queer rights, but a glaring
predicament jeopardizes queer lives: Surveillance. Without denying the surveillance state we
inhabit, the visibility in pride marches has often outed individuals against their will.
Pride marches need permission from the state machinery to run its course. The
protection offered by the State for such marches also exposes individuals to being targeted by
biased security officials. Pride has always been political but a-politicization of Pride comes at
the behest of the State apparatus withholding the permission to introduce political undertones.
The police officers, thus become a representation of Michel Foucault’s conception of the
panopticon, with an overpowering gaze. In a similar vein, the news channels, hold their
cameras to shoot telecasting vulnerability. Web 2.0 ushered content creators who put queer
individuals on their social media profiles, which gain harmful attention, causing a depreciation
of individuals’ mental health – a result of ‘pro-sumption.’ The façade of a progressive
metropolis grapples with coming to terms with the non-binary, trying to hold on to the bradralok
identity, the one that has always offered resistance to the subaltern and their command of the
metropolitan space. Having lived experiences of the authors to attest to the same, the paper
shall also rely on narratives of queer individuals and social media content analysis, to raise a
theoretical understanding of surveillance in Pride marches in Kolkata.
Keywords: Queer, Surveillance, Pride, Panopticon, Web 2.0.
Bio-note:
Soumili Paul has completed her Masters from Jadavpur University, Kolkata in 2024. Drawing
her inspiration from Erving Goffman, she is interested in working on gender and politics across
varied socio-economic levels. She has presented her scholarly work at national and
international conferences. She strives to focus her research on areas that shall help underline
the prevalent gender divide among the youth, with an intention to contribute to the field of
Gender and Sexuality in due course.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Tiyasha Purohit has completed her post graduation in Sociology in the year of 2024, at Jadavpur
University, Kolkata. She has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Jadavpur
University. Her research interests are based on gender and intersectionality. She is fascinated
with queer intersections, along with the politics, encompassing them. Her interests also lie in
understanding the ‘contestations’ and ‘amity’ conceived within the university spaces, extending
to the politics grappling inside the campus life and a co-authored paper on the same.
Postmodern Cultural Interactions and Identity in Chitra Banerjee
Divakaruni’s Selected Short Fictions in Arranged Marriage : A Critical
Study
PRIYA KUMARI, Research Scholar, Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, India
Abstract:
In Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni ‘s collection of Shorter fiction entitled Arranged Marriage, a
multicultural encounter of protagonists in the realm of postmodern perspective. This Cultural
Interactions provides a sense of Individual happiness as it liberates and departs them from their
old traditional cultural values. In contrary to their old cultural values in India ,the multicultural
environment in America offers them a freedom of Individual expression and choice.For
instance,the protagonist of ‘Clothes’ and ‘Affair’ Sumita and Abha choose to leave their old
traditional values under the postmodern space.They recognise and embrace their own
individual happiness over the boundaries and limitations of a marriage.The paper will study
the journey beneath postmodern Cultural interactions in their lives from a gender perspective.
Keywords: Identity, Multicultural encounter, Old traditional culture, Postmodern cultural,
Gender perspective.
Bio-note:
Priya Kumari is a Research Scholar in the Department of English of Nava Nalanda Mahavihara
Nalanda.
Representation of Traumatic Memories in Isabel Allende’s The House of
the Spirits and Of Love and Shadows
SUSMITA MIDYA, Research Scholar, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences,
Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, India
Abstract:
Literature, history and memory are interconnected. Literary representation of historical events
through the lens of collective and individual memory create our understanding of the past.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Isabel Allende sees herself as intertwined with history of Chile and feels accountable for her
role in it. By documenting oppressive practices, she aims to ensure they remain in the collective
memory and possibly never repeated again. Her novels The House of the Spirits (1982) and Of
Love and Shadows (1984) are situated in Augusto Pinochet regime. Both these novels deal with
survival of a traumatic past associated with the Pinochet dictatorship. Allende uses fiction as a
medium to portray the impact of political violence on individual and collective memory. The
House of the Spirits is a multigenerational narrative where memory is portrayed as fragmented,
nonlinear and often repressed which haunts the present and creates traumatic conflict. There is
an interaction between the livings and dead where trauma transcends time and space. In Of
Love and Shadows memory is closely tied to the act of bearing witness through journalism,
photography and personal testimony. This novel documents the detainment and disappearance
of citizens by the Chilean military. The constant battle of danger and safety in homeland
represents space of home as betrayal and forces the protagonists to leave their homeland which
resonates with the crucial problematic of exilic experience. From the mediated recalling of
horror to the immediacy of present experiences that is the trajectory of the way in which author
tries to focus on the events in her country.
Keywords: Isabel Allende, Latin American literature, Collective Memory, Trauma in Exile,
Representation.
Bio-note:
Susmita Midya is a PhD research scholar in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences,
Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur. Her research areas include
Gender Studies, Trauma Studies and Latin American Literature.
The Psychology of Voicelessness: A Look into the Menace of Human
Suicide
ANKITA SWETAPARNA, Assistant Professor, Vellore Institute of Technology, Andhra
Pradesh, India
Abstract:
Voicelessness is not silence. Silence can be forced or voluntary. In most cases, it is enigmatic.
Voicelessness, on the other hand, is a state of mind when an individual feels like being there at
the dead end of life. He thinks he is pushing himself against a wall and then, suddenly discovers
that he has become completely voiceless. Incidents of committing suicide have risen alarmingly
in this country and elsewhere. What is ironical is that it has grown at the same pace with
material prosperity and education. Psychologists, sociologists and others have all tried to study
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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ABSTRACT VOLUME
vigorously to pinpoint the reasons behind such incidents. The psychologists count on the
fundamental abnormality of all human beings irrespective of caste, creed or religion and seem
to have found an answer there. Sociologists worldwide trace the seed in the fragile human bond
which gets reflected in lack of trust, understanding, faithfulness in the society among its
members. The enforcement of law in India to minimize such incidents of suicide have failed
miserably to put a clip to such incidents. What is pathetically missing is not science or lack of
science; it is a sheer lack of empathy that has not been tried with the right perspective.
Completely accepting a man as he is, is the true foundation of human dignity. An understanding
of this can pave ways for further elaborative measures to bring down suicide cases and
furthermore, create the right environment for a sustainable and healthy human society. It is,
empathy at the beginning, and empathy at the end. The paper attempts to analyse the reasons
for failure of human attempts at curbing the menace and suggest palpable ways to reinvigorate
the efforts.
Keywords: Silence, Voicelessness, Suicide, Empathy, Human dignity.
Bio-note:
Dr. Ankita Swetaparna currently works as an Assistant Professor in English at VIT-AP
University, Andhra Pradesh. Writing on innovative and challenging topics has been her forte.
She has presented papers in various national and international conferences on topics based on
literature and linguistics. She has published articles in reputed journals and written book
chapters. Apart from linguistics and literature, her career subjects, she has shown avid interest
in psychology, geography and social issues.
The Dystopian Nature of Human Relationships in the Digital World of
Science and Technology: A Reading of Margaret Atwood’s Oryx and Crake
SHALINE JENIFAH D, Research Scholar of English, St. Xavier’s College
(Autonomous), Tamil Nadu, India & DR D. JOCKIM, Assistant Professor of English,
St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Tamil Nadu, India
Abstract:
“No man is an island”, says John Donne. For ages, the relationships among human beings
served as the foundation in amalgamating the entire humankind. In general, the relationships
among humans were platonic in nature and greeting each other, having face to face interactions
or exchanging smiles with one another was a part of human life. Family relationships,
friendships, acquaintanceships and romantic relationships were held in much regard than the
materialistic assets. Unfortunately, in the digital era, there has been a drastic change in this
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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ABSTRACT VOLUME
structure. The affinity towards the digitized technology creates an antipathy against the real
human relationships. Moreover, the digital media causes a mental distraction. The cutting- edge
technology of the twenty first century has led to the emergence of online relationships in which
people are in the quest for new relationships in the digital world of illusion. It is pathetic to
know that the members of a family within the four walls under the same roof interact with each
other via digital media. In Margaret Atwood’s novel Oryx and Crake, the relationships among
characters have weakened as the characters are engulfed by the digitized technologies and they
remain isolated from the real world. This research paper aims at analyzing the role of science
and technology in creating a dystopia in human relationships. It also explores the jeopardy of
the human beings in the digital world with respect to relationships in Atwood’s Oryx and Crake.
Keywords: Human relationships, Digitized technologies, Digital world, Online relationships
and Dystopia.
Bio-note:
The researcher, Shaline Jenifah. D is a Research Scholar of English, from St. Xavier’s College
(Autonomous), Palayamkottai, Tamil Nadu, India. She is pursuing her PhD under the title
“Digital Dystopia: A Reading of the Select Works of Margaret Atwood.” She is receiving
NFOBC- National Fellowship for pursuing PhD. She has completed a course offered by
SWAYAM NPTEL titled “Text, Textuality and Digital Media”. Her papers have been published
in reputed journals. Her areas of interest include Canadian Literature, Digital Humanities,
Posthumanism and Cultural Studies. She has a teaching experience of few months as an
Assistant Professor of English in St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Palayamkottai,
Tamilnadu, India.
Dr. D. Jockim is an Assistant Professor of English of St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous) in
Tamil Nadu.
Reflections of Reality: A Critical Study of The Water Cure and Future
Home of the Living God
SHAKSHI SAINI, Research Scholar, Central University of Haryana, India
Abstract:
In a world full of violence and suffering, dystopia serves as a powerful tool to reflect the
existing condition of society. From the time it emerged as a genre in the twentieth century to
the present day, it continues to take existing social and political concerns into consideration
and amplify them to an extreme level. In the last few decades, there have been several women
writers who penned dystopian narratives, portraying a society where women are forced to live
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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ABSTRACT VOLUME
under the control of the patriarchal government which snatched their basic rights away. The
rise in dystopian writing was mainly because of abortion ban politics and violence against
women all over the world.
Thus, in this context, the paper aims to analyse two dystopian novels The Water Cure (2018)
by Sophie Mackintosh and Future Home of the Living God (2017) by Louise Erdrich, which
delve into the complexities and anxieties of the existing society, to see how the social and
political circumstances shaped their dystopian narratives. This paper argues that by portraying
real-world issues such as gender inequality, oppression, destruction of personal freedom, and
violence, both writers use their narratives to critique the existing social and political landscapes,
effectively bringing forth pressing issues and prompting readers to question the trajectory of
their own societies. Their dystopian visions serve as a powerful commentary on the need for
social and political reform.
Keywords: Dystopia, Control, Resistance, Social Critique.
Bio-note:
Shakshi Saini is a PhD scholar at the Department of English & Foreign Languages of Central
University of Haryana in Mahendergarh.
Beyond Victimhood: The Evolving Portrayal of Somali Women Migrants in
Nuruddin Farah’s North of Dawn
RITUSHMITA SHARMA, Assistant Professor, Dibrugarh University, India
Abstract:
In African literature of migration and gender studies, the stories of Somali women’s agency
have remained underreported for a considerable time, and surfaced a little in comparison to the
narratives of emancipation which have emerged out of other Third-world countries. Nuruddin
Farah’s literary oeuvre, in this context, is inimitable as his works gives voice to the expansive
stories and experiences of Somali women, whose movement across different cultures
empowers them to carve out their heterotopias of emancipation. In the light of this, Farah’s
North of Dawn (2018) which this present study undertakes, reflects on how migration in the
context of Somali women is an enriching motif to improve gender equality, and also to
strengthen ‘agency’ so as to end all forms of heinous atrocities they had experienced, especially
in the forms of FGM and rape. Moreover, what significantly surfaces in relation to characters
like Gacalo, Himmo and Saafi in the aforementioned text is the extent to which they decides to
move out of their restricted space to potentially mobilise their stories of resilience to assert
their unique sense of ‘identity’ and ‘difference’. Hence, the individual life narratives of these
women migrant figures can be viewed as counter-discourses which are distinct to Somali
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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ABSTRACT VOLUME
women in particular, so as to challenge the grand narratives of patriarchy, gender, and racism
that are often accorded to them on the pretext of their Black Muslim identities.
Keywords: Somalia, Women, Migration, Agency, Gender, Equality.
Bio-note:
Dr. Ritushmita Sharma is an Assistant Professor in the Department of English, Dibrugarh
University, Assam, India. She completed her M.Phil degree in English on the topic titled
“Heterotopia Revisited: A Spatial Reading of Khaled Hosseini’s Novels in the Postmodern
Geography of Identity” in the year 2016. She has been awarded her Ph.D degree in the year
2021 for her thesis titled “Kinopolitics and the Figure of Migrant Identities: A Study in the
Select Migration Novels of Nuruddin Farah”. Her areas of research interest, includes—South
Asian Literature, African Literature, Women and Gender Studies, Literary Criticism and
Contemporary Critical Theory.
Indigeneity and Resistance: The Helava Community as a Case Study from
Fourth World Perspective
GOURI BASAVARAJ INDI, Research Scholar, Central University of Karnataka, India
Abstract:
The Helava community of North Karnataka are renowned for safeguarding and recording the
genealogy of families in various parts of Karnataka and the nearby states since 12th century
AD, till date. They update their records every year by visiting the families and have structured
the genealogy through songs unique to each family, while also built from the same format. The
Helava community encompasses a unique blend of indigeneity, oral tradition, and cultural
resistance. Through the perspective of Fourth World studies, this paper analyses the
genealogical practices as both a preservation of historical knowledge and a subtle form of
resistance against cultural erasure. It also places the Helavas within a broader framework of
indigenous communities that are pressured by modernization and technological change, that is
taking away their livelihood with the government keeping records for census. The oral,
genealogical songs of Helavas thus become a repository of ancestral knowledge, as well as a
medium of resilience and continuity.
George Manuel talks about the “Fourth World,” wherein lie the tribes and communities
which, though existing within the boundaries of nations, are marginalized, colonized, and
excluded from full participation in the nation. The research critically evaluates the Helava’s
role in protecting their community’s identity and heritage and the intersections of indigeneity,
marginalization, and cultural sustainability in this rapidly globalizing world. This paper draws
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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on primary sources like the oral genealogical songs and the ethnographic studies of the
migratory and social practices of the Helavas, providing an insight into how the community
deals with the challenges of modernity while retaining their distinct cultural practices.
Keywords: Helava, Fourth World studies, Genealogical songs, Cultural resistance, North
Karnataka.
Bio-note:
Gouri Basavaraj Indi is currently pursuing PhD in the Department of English at Central
University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi. She completed her Master’s in English Literature from
The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. Gouri’s research interests include
Oral narratives and cultural studies. She is actively involved in exploring the genealogical and
folk songs of the Helava community as part of her research.
Intersecting Identities: Marginalisation of Indigenous Women in “Valli”
BIBIYA JOSEPH, Research Scholar, Central University of Kerala, India
Abstract:
Sheela Tomy’s novel “Valli” offers a compelling narrative that addresses the complexities of
migration, indigeneity, and gender. This paper attempts to critically analyse the marginalisation
of Indigenous women in Valli. Tomy places the novel in the background of Malabar migration,
the movement of people from Travancore to Malabar in the twentieth century. Set in
Kalluvayal, the novel follows the growth of the characters and the development of the place
through time. It is a space where the native and the ‘diasporian’ coexist and negotiate their
subjectivities and identities while safeguarding their social locations. Women from the
Indigenous communities are marginalised even when the narrator attempts to be ‘inclusive’, as
they are threatened by social, economic, and political deprivation. Drawing from Avtar Brah’s
concept of “diaspora space”, which is claimed to be a space which “decentres the subject
position of ‘native’, ‘immigrant’, ‘migrant’, the in/outsider”, this paper critically analyses
Kalluvayal as a “diaspora space”. This study also analyses the interactions of the people of the
diaspora and the Indigenous women, examining the women’s vulnerable position and
marginalised subjectivities. It also addresses the spatial marginality of the Indigenous people,
especially women, as they struggle to have a ‘home’ or a place of safety and security. It also
attempts to begin a discussion on the long-term impact of historical migration patterns on
Indigenous communities and explore the complex intersections of gender, indigeneity, and
diasporic identities in contemporary society reflected in the novel.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Keywords: Malabar migration, Diaspora, Marginalisation, Diaspora space, Spatial
marginality.
Bio-note:
Bibiya Joseph is a Research Scholar in the Department of English and Comparative Literature
at the Central University of Kerala. She is pursuing her research under the supervision of Dr.
Joseph Koyippally. Her research falls under the broad area of Migration and Diaspora Studies
focusing on Malabar Migration. She has participated and presented papers on this area of study
in various seminars and conferences. She remains committed to working on her research and
making possible contributions to the field of Migration and Diaspora Studies.
A Study of Institutional Violence in Tamas and Raag Darbari: An
Interdisciplinary Approach
ANAM SIDDIQUI, Research Student, University of Delhi, India
Abstract:
This paper explores the representation of institutional violence in works of Hindi literature that
highlight the significance of literature in socio-political issues in post independent India. By
analysing Raag Darbari by Shrilal Shukl and Tamas by Bhisham Sahani, the paper examines
how these texts reflect and critique systematic oppression, social hierarchies and power
dynamic within Indian Society. By drawing on knowledge from multiple disciplines,
incorporating textual analysis and sociological theories, the paper explores the impact of
institutional violence on various communities. The paper reveals the understanding of socio-
political landscape of India through close reading of texts that suggest the ways in which
literature serves as a tool of resistance or social commentary. The paper is an attempt to draw
a dialogue between literature and other social science disciplines that address complex societal
issues.
Keywords: Institutional violence, Tamas, Raag Darbari, Interdisciplinary approach, Hindi
literature.
Bio-note:
Anam Siddiqui is a researcher exploring the intersection of poetry and its spaces. With an
MPhil degree in Comparative Indian Literature, she has conducted extensive research on how
the Urdu poetic space Mushaira transformed and evolves over a period of time. Her work
explores how the new intellectual, artistic and technological developments bring change in the
Mushaira culture of Amroha, a city in Uttar Pradesh. As a researcher investigating the Mushaira
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Culture of Amroha, she identifies herself as a third generation migrated from Amroha to Delhi,
partially aware of local culture in general yet oblivious of in-depth understanding of poetic
culture. Her research not only benefited her to reconnect to her long lost roots but it also
significantly contributed to the local academic circle of the city. She has proficiency in Hindi,
English and Punjabi and has a basic understanding of Urdu language.
Dreamscapes and Digital Realms: Exploring Mental Health, Power, and
Manipulation of History in Paprika and Summer Wars
V N KRISHNAKUMAR, Research Scholar, Department of English, TKM College of
Arts & Science, Kerala, India
Abstract:
This paper investigates the themes of mental health, power structures, identity, and the
manipulation of history in two iconic Japanese sci-fi anime films: Paprika and Summer Wars.
Both films explore societies where technology plays a central role in shaping human experience
and social dynamics. In Paprika, the narrative centers around a device that allows users to enter
and manipulate dreams, blurring the line between reality and the subconscious. The film delves
into the psychological consequences of this technology, highlighting the fragility of mental
health when dreams are exploited for personal and political gain. As the boundaries between
dream and reality dissolve, the film critiques the misuse of power and the ethical implications
of invading the most private aspects of the human mind. The resulting chaos underscores the
potential for violence when individuals lose control over their own identities and perceptions.
On the other hand, Summer Wars presents a world where a virtual reality network called
OZ serves as the backbone of global communication, commerce, and governance. The film
examines the manipulation of history and information within this digital landscape, where
power is concentrated in the hands of a few who can control the network. When a malicious AI
virus threatens to disrupt OZ, the ensuing conflict exposes the vulnerabilities of a society overly
reliant on technology and highlights the dangers of centralizing control in a virtual
environment. The narrative also explores the psychological impact of living in a digital age
where personal and collective identities are constantly mediated and reshaped by online
interactions. By analyzing Paprika and Summer Wars, this paper aims to uncover how these
films critique contemporary anxieties about the intersection of technology, mental health, and
power. Through their vivid depictions of futuristic worlds, these films offer a compelling
commentary on the ethical dilemmas and psychological challenges posed by rapid
technological advancements.
Keywords: Identity, Mental health, Power structures, Anime, Manipulation.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Bio-note:
V N Krishnakumar is a PhD scholar, whose research interests include anime, speculative
science fiction, and mental health.
Muffled Screams: Gendered Victimization in Dina Mehta’s Brides are Not
for Burning and Poile Sengupta’s Mangalam
SHUCHI SHARMA, Professor, University School of Humanities and Social Sciences,
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi, India & NEHA MANDHOTRA
Ph.D. English Research Scholar, University School of Humanities and Social Sciences,
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi, India
Abstract:
Gendered victimization is a systematic and organized web of multifold mechanisms concerning
gender dynamics that creates an imbalance of power between men and women. It further
regulates the power play through the repression of women as marginalized and subaltern
beings, thus withholding the rights and agency of women to voice their desires, fears, and pain.
Therefore, victimization becomes a medium to cease/erase/eliminate/dismiss the existence of
women in the name of greed, false pride, family honour, and legacy. Such targeted erasure of
women’s voices demands the examination of women’s position in a patriarchal society by
placing women at the centre of the narrative. To emphasize this argument, play texts by Indian
women playwrights depict and critique the gendered victimization in Indian society through
various lenses such as sexual politics, gender politics, family politics, identity politics,
psychological abuse, and violence i.e. domestic, physical, and sexual.
Indian Women playwrights engage in the examination of women’s position in a
patriarchal setup through the interrogation of rigid gender roles that provide men with the
privilege to uphold power over women. Questioning the power dynamics through their plays,
they further attempt to interrogate the subjugation of women through various themes such as
the institution of marriage, patriarchy, victimization of women, oppression of women, and
marginalization of women. To critique the theme of gendered victimization, Dina Mehta’s
Brides are Not for Burning and Poile Sengupta’s Mangalam are taken into consideration. Both
plays focus on presenting and critiquing the condition of women as pawns, puppets, and preys
because of the manifold mechanism of gendered victimization. Thus, the violated bodies and
muffled screams of women become the central subject in the concerned plays highlighting the
necessity to examine women’s position in a patriarchal society.
Keywords: Gendered victimization, Power dynamics, Gender politics, Dina Mehta, Poile
Sengupta.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
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Bio-note:
Shuchi Sharma is a Professor at the Department of English, University School of Humanities
and Social Sciences, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Dwarka, Delhi. She has over
twenty-one years of teaching experience and published papers in various reputed journals. Her
areas of research interests include Performance Studies, Gender Studies, Indian Drama and
Theatre, and Continental Drama. She has taught courses on Modern Drama, Gender Studies,
Non-verbal Communication, and Modern Indian Drama.
Neha Mandhotra is a Ph.D. English research scholar at University School of Humanities and
Social Sciences, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Dwarka, Delhi. Her research
interests include Drama and Theatre Studies, Gender Studies, Feminist Theatre, Indian
Mythology, and Women’s Studies. She has presented papers at various national and
international conferences and her papers appear in various reputed journals.
Intersections of Philosophy and Politics in the Panchatantra: Lessons for
Governance and Social Order
MONIKA, Assistant Professor of English, M.S.J.Govt. P. G. College, Rajasthan, India
Abstract:
This paper explores the Panchatantra, an ancient Indian collection of animal fables, through
the lens of social contract theory, power dynamics, and cultural hegemony. By analysing its
narratives, the research investigates how the Panchatantra reflects and perpetuates the social,
political, and patriarchal structures of ancient Indian society. The study delves into the
philosophical underpinnings of governance, emphasizing the balance between dharma (duty)
and rajneeti (political strategy), and the tension between idealism and pragmatism in
leadership. It also examines how the Panchatantra functions as a tool for socialization,
transmitting cultural values and norms across generations and societies through its oral
tradition. The research methodology combines a literary analysis of selected stories from the
Panchatantra with a comparative approach, drawing parallels with Western political
philosophy, particularly the social contract theories of John Locke and the political strategies
of Machiavelli. The study also incorporates a sociological perspective, analysing the text’s role
in reinforcing patriarchal and hierarchical norms, while identifying instances of subversion
where female characters challenge these gender roles. The primary objectives of this research
are to uncover the philosophical and political dimensions of the Panchatantra, understand its
role in shaping and reinforcing social identities, and explore its relevance in contemporary
discussions on governance, ethics, and gender. By doing so, the paper aims to contribute to the
broader discourse on the intersections of literature, politics, and social order in ancient texts.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Keywords: Social Contract Theory, Dharma, Rajneeti, Power dynamics, Cultural hegemony,
Patriarchy, Gender roles, Oral tradition, Socialization.
Bio-note:
Dr. Monika is an Assistant Professor of English at M. S. J. Govt. P. G. College, Bharatpur,
Rajasthan. She holds her Ph.D. from the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Her primary research
interests lie in Indian Aesthetics and comparative studies. Additionally, she has a deep affinity
for arts, mythologies, folklores, and children’s literature. She has presented and published
various research papers on Indian Aesthetics, Indian art and literature, Indian philosophy, and
nature poetry. Currently, she is focusing her research on the field of mythology and folk
literature.
Ajanta Murals as a Reflection of the Contemporary Society
SHRUTI LAL, Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Art History & Art Appreciation, Jamia
Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
Abstract:
Art has been regarded as a mirror of society from ancient times. The artist preserves a visual
history of the period by depicting what he sees in paintings. Ajanta Caves are acclaimed for
their magnificent Buddhist murals and sculptures. Ajanta’s art closely corresponds with two
major Deccan empires. They were excavated in Deccan during the Satavahana and Vakataka
periods roughly four hundred years apart. The paper will focus on the murals of the caves of
the Vakataka period, i.e., Caves 1, 2, 16, and 17. The Vakataka period was characterised by
significant political stability and prosperity in the Deccan region, both of which contributed to
the development of artistic expression. Which aspects of the Ajanta paintings provide us with
a glimpse into the society in which they lived? The paper would analyse how murals reflect
commerce and society.
The paintings are of significant importance in constructing an image of life in ancient
India because they portray various aspects of the material culture of the time. Art historians
seek to comprehend the cultural heritage, customs, and traditions reflected in paintings. This
paper will investigate the wide variety of cultural artefacts that are depicted in the paintings.
In what ways did the artists of Ajanta include the Vakataka society into their depictions of
Buddhist themes? This paper will examine the activities portrayed in these murals. The history
and culture of these caves have been studied by Walter Spink, M.K. Dhavalikar, and Yazdani.
The paintings have the potential to serve as an illustrative record of the ordinary culture that
existed throughout the Vakataka period. This is due to the fact that they show the painters of
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Ajanta’s personal interpretation of the world. The paper will look into why art is considered a
reflection of society.
Keywords: Ajanta, Murals, Society, Culture.
Bio-note:
Shruti Lal is pursuing her Ph.D. in Art History & Art Appreciation from Jamia Millia Islamia,
New Delhi. Her academic journey has been marked by a deep engagement with India’s history,
culture, and art, particularly Ancient India. Her research interests lie at the intersection of visual
culture and historical context, with a particular emphasis on mural paintings and ancient Indian
treatises on art. Her interest also extends to the history of South and Southeast Asia. In addition
to India, she has presented her work papers at conferences in Australia and New Zealand.
The Role of Mother Tongue-Based Education in Language Preservation:
Analysing the Significance of NEP 2020 in Promoting Linguistic Diversity
and Cultural Heritage in Assam
DR BIBHA DEVI, Assistant Professor, Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva
Viswavidyalaya, India
Abstract:
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 highlights the crucial importance of mother-tongue
based education and acknowledges the rich multilingualism present in India. Assam is a state
abundant with language and cultural heritages. This study explores how the NEP 2020 will
impact the preservation and the plurality of languages of Assam. Given the need for actions to
safeguard the large number of the local languages in the region, the paper is intended to discuss
how educational policies based on the language of the people can contribute to the
strengthening of the language, the maintenance of cultural identities, and the improvement of
the education system.
A qualitative and documentary research approach is used which involves elucidating
the key findings from a literature review and an analysis of relevant policy documents. The
study deals with the theoretical and practical levels of the incorporating mother tongue-based
education while encouraging linguistic diversity, challenges that are faced in implementing the
theoretical foundations in the educational context and the possibilities and strategies for
language preservation.
The paper demonstrates how mother tongue-based multilingual education is beneficial
for developing linguistic as well as cognitive abilities of the learners and for language
preservation in the context of Assam. Additionally, this paper offers some additional
recommendations to educators and decision-makers.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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It is hoped that the findings of this study would be beneficial in protecting cultural and
linguistic diversity and indigenous heritage while ensuring effective education. The paper
elaborates on the existing discourse and the numerous aspects of the issues encountered in
educational reform as well as in language preservation, as a result, it has the potential to serve
as a helpful resource to policy makers, educators, communities whose languages are
endangered.
Keywords: Mother Tongue-based education, NEP 2020, Language preservation, Linguistic
diversity, Assam.
Bio-note:
Dr. Bibha Devi is UGC-NET qualified and currently teaches English at Mahapurusha Srimanta
Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya, Guwahati Unit as Assistant Professor. Her extensive teaching
experience spans various educational levels.
Dr. Devi is actively engaged in teacher training and has collaborated with organizations
like SSA Assam, Gauhati University, ALERT, SIL International, and NCERT. Her research
interests include language teaching methodologies, multilingual education, and technology
integration in teaching. She has presented at numerous conferences, published in UGC CARE
and Scopus indexed journals, and authored a textbook for Dibrugarh University.
She has also participated in significant professional development programs, including
those on managing online classes, NEP 2020, and multilingual education.
Epigenetically induced Trauma, Memory and Identity: An Expository
Exploration in Literature
KALYANI, Phd Research Scholar, Patna University, India & PRASHANT RAJ,
Independent Research Scholar, India
Abstract:
This research paper entitled ‘Epigenetically induced Trauma, Memory and Identity: An
Expository Exploration in Literature’ has incorporated study of trauma and its haunting
memory, coaxed into the generations thereafter. Trauma and memory studies have been a part
of literary arena since a long time now with multiple cataclysmic events that shaped the global
understanding of violence and trauma. This research paper seeks to investigate epigenetically
induced trauma in literature. Although, epigenetics is a relatively newer scientific field, its
implications resonate with long standing literary explorations of inherited trauma, memory and
Identity. It involves exploring how the transmission of trauma across generations has been
represented in literature. Furthermore, the paper explores how the current scientific and cultural
understanding of the long term impact of trauma has been engaged through these
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
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Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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representations.The paper shall reflect upon how these portrayals in literature inherit not just
the memories but the physical and psychological burdens of the ancestral traumas often
depicted through metaphors of haunting and bodily marks or psychological disturbances and
also acknowledge the role of narratives in shaping our understanding of the inherited suffering
and resilience.
Keywords: Epigenetics, Identity, Inheritence, Memory, Trauma.
Bio-note:
Kalyani is a PhD Research Scholar in Patna University. She has done Masters in English from
University of Delhi and Masters in Psychology from IGNOU. Her field of interest is medical
humanities, Health narratives, crime fiction and psychological impacts of literary narratives.
Previously, she has also published a research paper on survivor narratives.
Prashant Raj is an Independent Research Scholar. He has done Masters in English from
University of Delhi. His area of interest is medical humanities, Bhakti literature and post
colonial narratives. He has published his research paper on Bhakti literature.
Whither Border? Connecting Tribes and Popular Politics in Mizoram in
India’s Northeast
SOMA GHOSAL, Assistant Professor, Sri Ramkrishna Sarada Vidya Mahapitha, India
Abstract:
Identity in the northeast of India has been a subject of interest for scholars delving into the
several realms of social science and humanities. Here, identity is as much a political construct
as also a social and economic construct. The colonial administration laid down the basis for
mapping the region and a remapping took place with the organising of the Census that provided
a detailed database on the existence of the several tribes. The administrative necessity tamed
the wild tribes providing the first semblance of modernity through a modern religion,
Christianity, and a conscious ethnic identity through a script for the ethnic language. The
independence of India followed by the introduction of autonomous administrative structures,
re-infused the sense of identity in these states. The post independence period witnessed intense
identity movements in the various states of the northeast in an attempt to root out illegal
immigrants from various parts of the north-east. There have been conscious attempts at
consolidating tribe identity, segregating the ‘us’ from the ‘other’. There was a gradual
degeneration of several of the identity movements into separatist and insurgent outfits in the
region that capitalised on the failure of the state to adequately represent the ethnic groups in
administrative structures. An enforced border cutting across tribal affinities has complicated
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collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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the situation. Often, conflicts and reprisals in neighbouring states have had severe
consequences for the administration in the border states. The Mizo identity and the politics in
the state of Mizoram can be seen as a classic example of cross border ties of connectivity. The
reprisals in the Chin state of Myanmar have reverberated across the state of Mizoram, where
identity and administrative policies have intertwined to assume a new paradigm. The paper
attempts to explore some of these common grounds of history and kinship ties that have shaped
the politics in Mizoram.
Keywords: Ethnic politics, Connectivity, Historical ties, Chins, Mizos.
Bio-note:
Soma Ghosal is Assistant Professor, Political Science, SRSVM, Kamarpukur, Hooghly, West
Bengal. Her research interest focuses on border tribes of India’s northeast and Myanmar. Her
publications include, The Politics of Narcotics in India’s Northeast (Anamika Publishers,
2002); ‘Frontier Towns in the Spatial Dynamics of Trade, Capital and Conflict’ in Ranabir
Samaddar and Anita Sengupta ed.,Global Governance and India’s Northeast: Logistics,
Infrastructure and Society (Routledge, 2019) ; ‘The North-East in India’s Look East: A focus
on Connectivity and Development in the Region’ in Rakhee Bhattacharya and Binoda K Mishra
ed., A Journey through the Stilwell Road (Shipra, 2011); ‘Voices from Bengal’s Periphery: The
Identity Movement of the Koch Rajbansis’ in Chandan Basu and Manoj Kumar Haldar ed.,
Modern Bengal: In Search of Tradition and Discourses of Margins.( Netaji Subhas Open
University, 2019). Language as a Resource in India’s Decolonized Cultural Curriculum: A Case
Study of the Santali Language, in Ann Lopez , Herveen Singh eds., Decolonizing Educational
Knowledge, Palgrave, University of Toronto.
Analysing Traumatic Toxic Masculinity and Pathogenic Reminisces in
Stephen Chobsky’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower
SHREYA BHATIA, Research Scholar, Department of English, Central University of
Himachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, India
Abstract:
This research paper aims to study the traumatic experiences of the protagonist Charlie, a
representation of numerous young-adult boys, that resulted from toxic masculine ideals and
agonizing recollections triggered by the child abuse in The Perks of Being a Wallflower (1999)
by Stephen Chobsky. The research seeks to bring to the light how themental health of men
deteriorates because of the set standard gendered attributes that force men to hide emotions and
undergo insecurities caused by one’s inability to appear in the manner as dictated by the strict
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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societal constructs. It seeks to examine how sexual-abuse can cause traumatic memories and
how educational deprivation about sexual coercion and assault can make one suffer without
even being aware of the source of affliction as is seen in the case of Charlie. It seeks to
emphasise the importance of sex-education that is as crucial for boys as it is for girls. To study
the toxic masculinity and the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in The Perks of Being a
Wallflower (1999), the research paper will employ psychoanalytic lens, gender and narrative
theory with an inclusion of the theories given by theorists such as Cathy Caruth, R.W. Connell,
Sigmund Freud, Jacques Lacan, Judith Butler and Jerome Bruner.
Keywords: Toxic Masculinity, Trauma, Memory, Sex-education, Young-adult.
Bio-note:
Shreya Bhatia is a PhD Scholar in the Department of English at Central University of Himachal
Pradesh, Dharamshala. She has completed her Masters in English from Himachal Pradesh
University, Shimla with first position. She has also qualified the UGC NET/ JRF examination.
Additionally, she has worked as an Assistant Professor for a brief period of time at Shoolini
Institute of Life Sciences and Business Management, Solan. She holds a strong penchant for
teaching, reading, creative writing and cooking. Her research interests include the trauma
studies, young adult fiction, indigenous studies and ecological narratives with intertwining of
psychoanalysis.
Representation of Indigenous Values and Cultural Practices: Myth and
Folklore
KALPANA MAIREMBAM, PhD Scholar, Dhanamanjuri University, Manipur, India &
DR. H. SUBRATA SINGH, Associate Professor, Dhanamanjuri University, Manipur,
India
Abstract:
Storytelling can be termed as the oldest form of folk art. The oral transmission of cultural
narratives and traditions is vibrant and organic in nature among most Indians. We have grown
up listening to folk tales, myths and legends which have been passed down from generation to
generation. Our mythological stories of Ramayana and Mahabharata, Akbar and Birbal Fables,
Hitopadesha and Vetala Panchavimshati have been the fondest part of the Indian childhood.
Oral tradition has been a great part of Indian tradition as well as for the native American. The
paper intends to approach the use of indigenous media and indigenous oral narratives by giving
a comparative study of Kannada language movie Kantara (2022) and N. Scott Momaday’s The
Journey of Tai-me (1967) by blending folklore with mythology. Kantara optimally represents
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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indigenous concerns within the form of contemporary media. Momaday’s The Journey of Tai-
me provides how oral transmission ensures the survival of the spirit of indigenous perspectives
and world views. Both works successfully encapsulates and explores several culturally located
tradition. The paper reflects the akin indigenous ontology viz the emphatic use of Bhoota Kola,
a performative ritual prevalent among the indigenous community of Adivasi in the coastal
region of southern Kerala and the Sun dance ritual of the native American, exchange of Panpirli
Darva, (an animist form of the spirit) and the exchange of spiritual amulet Tai-me to the Kiowa
tribe. To delve and analyse the two works, this paper will employ the theoretical model of
“fourth cinema” as offered by Barry Barclay and Levi-Strauss’s concept of “mythemes”. The
paper attempts to bring up the essence of indigenous values, lives, and authenticity to limelight
within an indigenous space rather amalgamating nor assimilating within the mainstream or
dominant narratives. By bringing up he mystical and intriguing narratives through folklore the
paper studies the discourse of indigenous cultural practices and rituals and how it also raises
the question of polarity between the negative and positive connotation of superstition and
belief.
Keywords: Oral tradition, Folklore, Myth, Bhoota Kola, Sun Dance, Panjurli Daiva, Tai-me,
Fourth cinema, Mythemes.
Bio-note:
Kalpana Mairembam has completed SLET , NET, JRF. She is a PhD Scholar from
Dhanamanjuri University of Manipur. Her interest area lies in Native American Literature.
Dr. H. Subrata Singh is an Associate Professor, Dhanamanjuri University, Manipur,
India
Between Presence and Absence: Transitional Phenomena in Grief and
Memory in Kat Chow’s Seeing Ghosts (2021)
GHEETA CHANDRAN, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, India & Dr REVATHI
GOPAL, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, India
Abstract:
This research paper explores the intersections of grief and memory through the lens of DW.
Winnicott’s concepts of Transitional Objects and Space, particularly as articulated in a grief
memoir, Seeing Ghost (2021) by Kate Chow. Grief memoir comprises personal narratives of
loss, mourning, and the intricate emotional landscapes that accompany such events. Grief
memoir functions as both a means of personal expression and a collective action that can deeply
resonate with readers who have experienced comparable losses, therefore promoting a feeling
of connection and empathy in the midst of intense emotional pain (Hagström, 2014; Małecka,
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
2023). Through an examination of how Chow’s characters interact with Transitional Objects,
which are physical reminders of loved ones lost, and the Transitional Space they live in. This
paper highlights the intricate emotional terrains that humans traverse after experiencing loss.
Building upon prior research, which examines the psychological effects of grief and the
importance of meaningful rituals in the grieving process (Burrell & Selman, 2020; Costello &
Kendrick, 2000), this study emphasises the need of creative involvement and the establishment
of supportive settings for coping with loss. The results indicate that transitional objects function
as both sources of solace and channels for preserving relationships with the deceased, therefore
promoting a process of psychological recovery and assimilation. Furthermore, the study
explores how the notion of transitional space enables the investigation of grief in communal
contexts, highlighting the significance of shared narratives and collective memory in the
grieving process. By contextualising Chow’s work within the wider framework of grief studies,
this research enhances our comprehension of how literature can shed light on psychological
experiences and promote empathy when confronted with loss. The paper ultimately supports
the adoption of an interdisciplinary approach to grief, promoting further study that goes beyond
conventional limits and enhances our comprehension of the human experience during periods
of emotional distress.
Keywords: Memory, Grief, Transitional object and space, Identity, Diasporic women
literature.
Bio-note:
Gheeta Chandran obtained her degree in B.A (Hons) Literature in English (UKM) and M.A
Postcolonial Literature in English (UKM). She is currently pursuing her PhD in English
Literature at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) and serving as a lecturer in the
Department of Languages and Linguistics, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Perak. She is
interested in Colonial and Postcolonial Literature, Diasporic Issues, Mythologies and Folklores
and Malaysian Literature in English based research and projects.
Dr Revathi Gopal is from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris.
“The Umbilical Cord That Connects Human Beings With The Earth...”: A
Study of Ecological Imperialism, Post-Colonial Eco-Consciousness and
Hydroterror in Selective Works of Sarah Joseph and Amitav Ghosh
AISHWARYA BHUTORIA, Independent Scholar, India
Abstract:
This research paper proposes to probe into a Post-Colonial eco-critical analysis of the role of
ecological imperialism in the rise of Post-Colonial eco-consciousness in esoteric few. In order
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
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Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
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to substantiate my argument I rely upon Sarah Joseph’s Gift in Green (2011) as well as
Aalahayude Penmakkal (1999) translated as The Daughters of the Aalaha and Amitav Ghosh’s
non-fictional work The Great Derangement: Climate Change and the Unthinkable (2016)
which carries the germ of his novel Gun Island (2019). The study underscores their
preoccupation with the issue of climate crisis, a human-environment tussle, and the impeccable
portrayal of hydroterror. The ecological imperialism is underlined as the torchbearers of
civilization, have played a crucial role in irrevocably altering the geomorphological character
of the planet Earth.
Joseph is categorised with other anti-globalisation crusaders as she supported the
environmental justice movements. Gift in Green beautifully presents the spiritual vision native
to our country, there is no discontinuity between human beings and nature.
This paper additionally aims to demonstrate the concerns of hydroterror and hydrocrisis
as evident in Gun Island (2019) where the boundaries between water and land are dissolved in
order to represent the realistic consequences of climatic disturbances. In Gift in Green it
becomes evident with the waste dumping in Aathi’s waterbodies. There are images of water
surging and flood that are cataclysmic.
In the process of dissecting the selected texts the underswell of climate induced
displacement is underscored by the presence of characters like Bilal, Rafi and Tipu. Their
predicament and plight is a reflection of the life of millions of migrants. This paper also
envisions to illustrate the eco-feminist approach through Kunjimathu who organizes a jal
satyagraha by fasting and remaining immersed in water.
Keywords: Climate, Eco-consciousness, Hydroterror, Hydrocrisis, Post-Colonial.
Bio-note:
Aishwarya Bhutoria has worked as Guest Lecturer in the Department of English, Shri
Shikshayatan College, Kolkata. Prior to this, she was a Guest Faculty in the Department of
English of THK Jain College, Kolkata. A graduate (2021) from Shri Shikshayatan College and
a batch topper, Aishwarya completed her Post-graduation from the Department of English of
St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Kolkata in 2023. A literary enthusiast, her areas of interest
are Vulnerability Studies, Trauma Studies, Memory Studies, Identity and Contemporary
Literature. She has published several research papers in literary journals and ISBN volumes.
She has completed several Certificate Courses and is learning French language.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
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Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Shattering the Illusion: Identifying the Repercussions of Model Minority
Myth on Asian-American Lives
ANJALI S MENON, Scholar, Government Arts and Science College, Calicut, India
Abstract:
Model minority myth defines Asian Americans as hardworking, successful, intelligent and
obedient. Thus, Asian Americans feel compelled to defend their immigration to the United
States, also referred to as the “land of immigrants.” This paper attempts to show how the Model
Minority Myth with a positive connotation affects Asian Americans socially and mentally. The
socio-political context is highlighted with its role in maintaining racial hierarchies with the
analysis of social and psychological effects of the myth on Asian Americans, particularly
focusing on how these accentuate the internalization of racism and affect their identity
formation and family dynamics. It dives into the pressures and challenges Asian American
students face in educational settings due to the myth, including parental expectations, societal
pressures, and mental health issues. The study is being carried out using a chosen memoir-
They Called Us Exceptional: And Other Lies That Raised Us by Prachi Gupta. Textual analysis
of tha text has been made with the aid of postcolonial studies. The present study is relevant, for
even today, a large number of south Asians migrate to America, a country which has systemic
racism. A community which was once perceived as “yellow peril” to “model minority” was a
part of propaganda to promote the idea of the American Dream, which is an illusion. The social
impacts of the myth are multifaceted, affecting individual identity formation, family dynamics,
and broader community interactions. The model minority stereotype has historically been
utilized to uphold White supremacy by placing Asian Americans against other racial minority
groups, but the positive connotation serves as a mask for the same.
Keywords: Model minority myth, American dream, Asian Americans, Hybridity, Third space.
Bio-note:
Anjali S. Menon is a literary enthusiast who completed her MA and BA in English Language
and Literature from the University of Calicut, Kerala. She is passionate about postcolonial
studies and feminism.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
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Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Aesthetic Education and Contemporary Schooling System
Dr MOHAMMAD HASAN, Assistant Professor, Manuu-College of Teachcer Education,
Bhopal, India & IRAM SLEEM MALIK, Research Scholar, Manuu-College Of
Teachcer Education, Bhopal, India
Abstract:
In the contemporary schooling system, aesthetic education plays a crucial role in the holistic
development of students, integrating emotional, cultural, and intellectual growth. This paper
explores the significance of aesthetic education in nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and
emotional intelligence, which are often overshadowed by the traditional focus on standardized
testing and academic performance. Through a multidisciplinary approach, aesthetic education
fosters an appreciation for the arts, nature, and diverse cultural expressions, encouraging
students to engage deeply with their surroundings and develop a sense of empathy and ethical
awareness. In the contemporary schooling system, aesthetic education challenges the utilitarian
and mechanistic views of learning by promoting a more rounded educational experience. It
emphasizes the importance of sensory experiences, imagination, and personal expression,
contributing to students’ overall well-being and resilience. By examining various pedagogical
strategies and curriculum designs, this paper highlights how incorporating aesthetic education
into contemporary schooling can lead to more engaged, reflective, and adaptable learners.
Ultimately, the study argues that aesthetic education should be an integral part of the schooling
system, not merely as an enrichment activity but as a fundamental component of education that
prepares students for a complex, multicultural, and interconnected world.
Keywords: Aesthetic education, Contemporary schooling system, Holistic development,
Intellectual & emotional growth, Multidisciplinary approach.
Bio-note:
Dr. Mohammad Hasan is an Assistant Professor of College of Teacher Education, Bhopal.
Iram Sleem Malik is a Research Scholar of College of Teacher Education, Bhopal.
Strangling Strands: Dismantling The Politics of Hair in Gone Kesh
AMIYA BODHI T K, Scholar, English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad,
India
Abstract:
Female scalp hair has taken an invincible position in the political and social fronts of society.
Historically, the scalp hair of a woman was used to control and subjugate them to oppressive
ideologies. In the present, from asserting identity to reclaiming agency over self, it has become
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
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Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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a hyphenated tool of protest. But the notion of a woman being bald is still dealt with stigma
and shame. It is seen as abnormal and a ‘lack’ by the patriarchal society, which uses sexuality
and beauty to chain women. With the aid of medical humanities, the paper problematizes the
collective significance given to scalp hair in female discourses. The study is carried out by
closely reading the chosen text, Gone Kesh, and analyzing the lived experience of the
protagonist affected by alopecia with proper regard to society and cultural situations using
psychological research. The research results show that the stigmatization of bald women is
shockingly high in society and has intense emotional and social effects on individuals. The
feeling of shame in female alopecia patients leads to poor quality of life, but with the proper
support of close ones, a positive change can be attained. The study opens a new arena to explore
how hair has become a silent tool of oppression, even while dealing with a medical situation.
As a sum of these, the paper proves how society gives scalp hair an unwanted collective
position in the life of a woman.
Keywords: Alopecia, Stigmatisation, Shame, Female experience.
Bio-note:
Amiya Bodhi T. K. is a first year postgraduate student pursuing her MA in English Literature
through Cafeteria mode from the English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. She
completed her Graduation, BA in English Language and Literature from the University of
Calicut, Kerala. She is interested in medical humanities and creative writing.
Colonial Legacies and Ecofeminist Resistance in Abdulrazak Gurnaah’s
Novels
Dr MAFRUHA FERDOUS, Associate Professor, American International University-
Bangladesh
Abstract:
Colonial exploitations, wars, deforestation, and socioeconomic destitution of many of the
world’s women challenge all who hope for a more humane world. Increased violence during
colonial and post-colonial third-world countries, ecological crises, and gender concerns draw
the attention of some recent academics. Abdulrazak Gurnah, a Tanzanian-born author, is known
for his insightful exploration of post-colonial themes and his focus on the experiences of
marginalized individuals. According to Edward Said, a founder of post-colonial studies, the
perspectives and experiences of the colonized populations are often silenced by the dominant
Western narratives. Gurnah aims to give these marginalized groups a voice and reevaluate
historical events and cultural productions from his perspective. While Gurnah’s works touch
on various aspects of post-colonialism, including identity, migration, and displacement,
ecofeminism also emerges as a significant motif in his novels. Ecofeminism is an ideology that
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
examines the intersection of feminism and environmentalism, highlighting the ways in which
the oppression of women and the degradation of the environment are interconnected.
According to the French feminist Francoise d’Eaubone, ecofeminism became a useful tool to
assess interconnections between women’s oppression and ecological crisis. In Gurnah’s
novels, the portrayal of female characters and their relationship with nature often reflects the
ecofeminist perspective. His works delve into the exploitation of both women and the
environment by oppressive systems, exposing the power imbalances and the consequences of
colonization and globalization. His female characters navigate the challenges of a changing
world while maintaining the connection to their culture and the natural environment. In
Paradise, Gravel Heart, By the Sea, Desertion and Dottie Gurnah portrays the female
characters’ relationship with the natural environment and the intersecting themes of power,
gender, and the environment. This essay projects the resilience and agency of women in the
face of adversity. It aligns with ecofeminist principles that emphasize the potential for women
to be agents of change and advocate for a sustainable and harmonious relationship with nature.
Keywords: Colonial exploitation, Ecocriticism, Deforestation, Globalization.
Bio-note:
Dr. Mafruha Ferdous is an accomplished scholar and educator, currently serving as an
Associate Professor in the Department of English Literature at American International
University, Bangladesh. With a deep passion for literature and a commitment to academic
excellence, Dr. Ferdous has made significant contributions to the field through her extensive
research, teaching, and service.
Dr. Ferdous holds a Ph.D. in English Literature from Dhaka University in 2022, where
her research focuses on Bernard Shaw’s treatment of religion in his plays. Her dissertation,
“Bernard Shaw: His View of Religion in His Plays” explored Shaw’s unconventional attitude
to religion. This research has been widely recognized for its originality and critical insights into
Shaw’s religious ideas.
Beyond research and teaching, Dr. Ferdous actively engages in service to her
department and the wider academic community. She serves on various committees, contribute
to curriculum development, mentor graduate students, and participate in academic conferences
and workshops. She is an active member of SALA (South Asian Literary Association). As an
Associate Professor in English Literature, Dr. Ferdous continues to inspire and empower
students, advance the boundaries of knowledge through research and contribute to the academic
community’s growth.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Ethical Implications of AI in Popular Culture: A Memory Studies
Perspective
RACHEL IRDAYA RAJ, Assistant Professor of English, VNR Vignana Jyothi Institute
of Engineering and Technology, Hyderabad, India & DR D SUDHA RANI, Associate
Professor of English, VNR Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering and Technology,
Hyderabad, India
Abstract:
The last decade has seen an unprecedented rise in the field of technology. These technological
advances include the development of artificial intelligence (AI) across several domains
including AI powered devices. This influence of AI is also seen in popular culture. In the recent
years AI has become a central theme in various forms of media, including movies, television
shows, and literature. This paper seeks to critically evaluate how artificial intelligence has
influenced popular culture by examining the movies – Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015),
M3GAN (2022) and Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning (2023). The films address the
ramifications of artificial intelligence gone awry, posing concerns about the moral
consequences and the risks of this technology. These portrayals highlight the significance of
the real-world implications of AI and its ethical implications as it continues to integrate itself
across various aspects of society. A qualitative approach will be employed with content
analysis serving as the main research methodology. The films are examined for how they
represent artificial intelligence (AI), how it affects society, and what moral ramifications come
with advances in AI. The paper will also deliberate the problems of memory retention vs
memory manipulation, ethical programming, the impact on emotional well-being, the
autonomy and control of AI, and how to strike a balance between safety and privacy.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Ethical implications, Memory, Autonomy, Privacy.
Bio-note:
Dr. Rachel Irdaya Raj has two decades of teaching experience in English language, memory
studies, gender studies, and English for academic purposes. She has been a regular contributor
to the production of content for listening skills assessments at Osmania University. She is
involved in syllabus design and curriculum framing, along with content development for three
textbooks. She is the co-founder of the Centre for Memory Studies and Storytelling at VNR
Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering and Technology (Autonomous), Hyderabad. She is
credited with syllabus design and content development for three textbooks.
Dr. D Sudha Rani is an Associate Professor of Department of English of VNR Vignana
Jyothi Institute of Engineering and Technology in Hyderabad.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Cultural Narratives through Cruisine: An In-depth Comparative Study of
Himachali Dham and Native American Food Traditions
MS. DIVYA RANA, Ph.D Research Scholar, Arni University Indora, Himachal Pradesh,
India
Abstract:
Food, as a cornerstone of cultural identity, transcends basic nourishment to become a powerful
narrative of heritage, tradition, and community. Across the world, culinary practices are deeply
intertwined with the history, geography, and socio-cultural evolution of each region. This paper
explores the traditional Himachali Dham, a ceremonial feast from Himachal Pradesh, India,
alongside the indigenous food practices of Native American tribes, to examine the profound
role of food in cultural expression.
The Himachali Dham is more than just a meal; it is a ritual imbued with spiritual and
communal significance. Comprising dishes like ‘madra’ (a yogurt-based curry), dal (lentils),
and rice, it is meticulously prepared without onions, garlic, or non-vegetarian ingredients,
emphasizing purity and simplicity. Traditionally served during festivals and marriages, Dham
symbolizes the sanctity of food in Himachali culture, where culinary practices are deeply
connected to religious and communal life.
In contrast, the food traditions of Native American tribes reflect a deep, symbiotic
relationship with nature. Their diet, rich in corn, beans, squash, and game, showcases
sustainable living and a profound respect for the earth’s resources. Unlike the structured and
ritualistic Dham, Native American meals are often communal, emphasizing harmony with
nature and collective well-being.
Despite their differences, both culinary traditions highlight the role of food as a vessel
for cultural continuity and community cohesion. The ritualistic purity of the Himachali Dham
contrasts with the adaptive, nature-centric practices of Native American tribes, yet both
exemplify how food sustains cultural heritage and reinforces community bonds. This
comparative study underscores the universal importance of food in preserving cultural identity
and fostering sustainable practices.
Keywords: Cultural identity, Himachali Dham, Native American food, Communal practices,
Sustainability.
Bio-note:
Divya Rana is a Ph.D Research Scholar of Arni University Indora of Himachal Pradesh.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Reconfiguring Humanity: Posthumanism and AI in Atlas
SUMANA GHOSH, Master’s Student in English with Communication Studies, CHRIST
(Deemed to be University), Bangalore Central Campus, India
Abstract:
This paper examines the sci-fi film “Atlas” through the lens of Posthumanism, focusing on its
exploration of human and non-human boundaries in an era dominated by advanced artificial
intelligence. Situating “Atlas” within Posthuman theory, the study engages with critical debates
on the evolving relationship between humans and AI, particularly in a society transitioning
from early automation to the emergence of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and beyond.
The analysis highlights the film’s depiction of a future where AI evolves from adaptive
systems to entities capable of exponential learning and dominance. Drawing on contemporary
Posthumanist discourse, the paper explores how “Atlas” envisions the stages of AI evolution—
from simple automation to a Post-AGI society where AI surpasses human intelligence, leading
to a role reversal where AI controls human life. The neural link between humans and AI,
portrayed in the film, serves as a focal point for discussing the potential utopian and dystopian
outcomes of such integration. While this connection initially promises enhanced human
capabilities, “Atlas” also presents a cautionary vision where the reduction of human value to
mere productivity could either liberate or endanger humanity.
Pramod K. Nayar’s framework of Posthumanism as the de-centering of the human
subject allows for a critical examination of how “Atlas” destabilizes human exceptionalism,
presenting AI as a force that reconfigures the meaning of existence. Cary Wolfe’s emphasis on
the ethical implications of Posthumanism further informs the analysis, particularly regarding
the ethical challenges of AI-dominated societies. Engaging with Peter H. Diamandis’s concept
of “freedom” in an AI-driven era of abundance, this paper situates “Atlas” within speculative
fiction traditions that interrogate AI’s implications on human existence. Ultimately, this
research positions “Atlas” as a critical text that challenges conventional humanist notions,
inviting a reconsideration of what it means to be human in an increasingly posthuman world.
Keywords: Posthuman, Sci-fi, Atlas, Artificial Intelligence, Identity decentering.
Bio-note:
Sumana is currently pursuing her Master’s in English with Communication Studies at CHRIST
(Deemed to be University), Bangalore Central Campus. Her academic interests span Partition
Literature, Migration and Diaspora Studies, Film Studies, Feminist Writings, and Queer
Literature. Her work on Beliefs and Social Customs was published by TMYS Review in
collaboration with the Global South Colloquium at the University of Victoria. She has
presented research papers on Film Studies and Ecology at conferences and has published her
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
paper titled “Beyond Ballrooms: The Ever-Evolving Tapestry of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ in
Evolving Transmedia Storytellings” in an International Journal. Apart from academia, Sumana
has worked as a copywriter, crypto writer, and journalist for various companies. Her journey
reflects a commitment to exploring diverse dimensions of literature, media, and cultural
discourse.
Educational Choices in the Age of Media: Insights and Impact
AAKRITI GUPTA, Post Graduate Student, M.Sc. Mathematics Education, University
of Delhi and Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi, India & AYUSHI GOYAL, Consultant
Communications, United Way Delhi, India
Abstract:
In Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken,” the poet illustrates how the choices we make
profoundly impact the journey of our lives. The poem serves as a metaphor for decision-
making, emphasizing that each choice we make, no matter how small or significant, shapes our
future. This theme resonates deeply with the concept of educational choices, where decisions
about academic paths play a critical role in determining students’ future opportunities and
successes.
In the contemporary digital age, the landscape of decision-making has evolved
dramatically with the pervasive influence of media. Today, students often turn to the internet
for information on educational options, relying on social media, ads, and digital content instead
of personal contacts. Media has become a powerful tool in shaping perceptions, offering both
a wealth of information and a platform for diverse voices and experiences. For instance,
consider Riya, a Class 12 student searching for the right college after her Board Exams. Her
journey involves extensive browsing through college websites, reading student testimonials on
social media, and consuming content from influencers who share their experiences and
opinions about different institutions. This influx of information, readily accessible at her
fingertips, plays a pivotal role in her decision-making process, guiding her towards a choice
that feels informed and validated by others’ experiences.
While the media can expand students’ understanding of educational options, it also has
notable drawbacks. Biased or overwhelming information, driven by influencers, targeted ads,
and curated content, can skew perceptions, pushing students towards popular or market-driven
choices rather than those that best fit their needs. Aggressive marketing from certain institutions
may overshadow equally viable but less-publicized alternatives. The abundance of information
can lead to confusion or decision paralysis, where students feel overwhelmed by choices.
Moreover, media often sets unrealistic expectations or pressures students to follow trends,
influencing decisions based on societal prestige or financial outcomes rather than personal
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
strengths and interests, resulting in choices that may not align with the students’ true passions
or aptitudes.
This research paper explores the dual role of media as both a facilitator and a potential
disruptor in the educational decision-making process of students in India. It examines the types
of media consumed by students, analyzes how media influences their educational choices,
highlights both the positive impacts and challenges, and suggests ways to address these
challenges.
Keywords: Media, Education, Educational choices, Decision making, Influence, Students.
Bio-note:
Aakriti Gupta is currently pursuing her M.Sc. Mathematics Education at Meta University, a
collaborative program between Jamia Millia Islamia and University of Delhi. She holds an
M.Ed. from Aligarh Muslim University and a Diploma in Media Literacy from IREX. Her
research interests focus on innovative pedagogies, the integration of media and education and
the integration of technology in education. Aakriti is dedicated to bridging traditional teaching
methodologies with modern technological advancements to enhance student learning
experiences.
Ayushi is a media communication professional with experience in crafting compelling
narratives and managing strategic media relations. Currently working at United Way Delhi, she
focuses on leveraging media channels to advance the organization’s mission and engage with
diverse audiences. With a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, Ayushi has
a background in media analysis and strategic communication. Her research interests include
media dynamics and gender studies. Through her work, she aims to use media to drive
impactful change.
Telugu Films in America: Nostalgia of Homeland for a Diasporic
Community
DR D. SUDHA RANI, Associate Professor, VNR Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineeing
and Technolohy(Autonomous), India & DR RACHEL IRDAYA RAJ, Assistant
Professor, VNR VIgnana Jyothi Institute of Engineering and Technology, India
Abstract:
Telugu diaspora in United States of America forms a significant part of immigrant community
in America. In recent times, Telugu films have a thriving market in United States of America.
Though this has a greater financial implication for the homeland, it has greater cultural and
memory related implications for the diasporic community. The concept of nostalgia implies a
level of romanticization, a selective “remembering” of something held in the imagination of an
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
individual or a group of people. Films and food are important for cultural identity of Telugu
community. Community viewing of films during important days like festivals, special days etc
is a practice among Telugu community in homeland. This community has been patronizing
films in a vital manner for a long time and Telugu films form the largest number of films
produced in India. Therefore, when large number of Telugu people migrated to USA, they
preferred to carry both food and films along with them. This present paper critically examines
how food and films are a part of Telugu diaspora’s memory related to their homeland. How
films could carry the memory of their homeland and satisfy their longing for homeland. This
helped them deal with alienation and homelessness. This paper analyses how the Telugu
community maintains a collective memory of films, arranged for their strong nostalgia for films
and how as a community film viewing is enjoyed in host land.
Keywords: Nostalgia, Memory, Telugu diaspora, Films, Alienation.
Bio-note:
Dr D. Sudha Rani is an associate Professor of English with over 30 years of extensive
teaching/research experience in English language, literature, and memory studies. An active
scholar, she has presented and published a lot of research work and nine books that are
prescribed in different universities and colleges. Since her research area is Memory Studies,
she established the Centre for Memory Studies and Storytelling at VNR Vignana Jyothi
Institute of Engineering and Technology (Autonomous), Hyderabad.
Dr. Rachel Irdaya Raj is an Assistant Professor of VNR VIgnana Jyothi Institute of
Engineering and Technology.
Reading the Dystopian Imagination in Films: Parallels between the
Science-Fiction Narrative and Reality
PRACHI KHOLIA, Research Scholar, Department of English & Modern European
Languages, University of Lucknow, India
Abstract:
A post-apocalyptic scene in the dystopian world is usually set in an uninhabitable place with
clear signs of disintegration, characterized by extreme suffering, fear of oppression, violence,
segregation and class division based on identity politics for complete control of the general
population. The narrative is often built around a large-scale disaster and raises crucial questions
about the future. The reason why dystopian narratives matter in the present scenario is in
relation to the political situation as well as the condition of women in modern society which is
alarmingly concerning. Reality mirrors the dystopian imagination which embodies these socio-
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
political concerns. It launches a dialogue about the future and in doing so, becomes a form of
resistance towards it.
This paper explores the fascination with dystopian narratives in science-fiction films
while drawing parallels between fiction and reality considering the recent pandemic, in order
to address the appeal of dystopia as a genre. It presents science-fiction narratives as a necessary
step towards the possibility of a better world through the critique of the present, despite the
overwhelmingly melancholic imagination the genre embodies. The paper has been expanded
from a part of my Masters’ Dissertation, “Sci-fi Films: Reading Dystopian World in Visual
Text” written in 2021.
Keywords: Science-Fiction, Dystopia, Narratives, Films Studies.
Bio-note:
Prachi Kholia is a Research Scholar at the Department of English & Modern European
Languages, University of Lucknow, India. She is presently working on her doctoral thesis on
the issues of modern existence as depicted in Japanese confessional literature. Her research
interests include personal narratives and film studies. Some of her creative works have
appeared in literary publications like Muse India, Setu, Trouvaille Review, Dreich Chapbook
and elsewhere.
Staging Violence and Resistance: A Study of Kanhailal’s Pebet and Samuel
Beckett’s Catastrophe
WUNGREIYON MOINAO, Assistant Professor of English, Tagore Govt Arts & Science
College, Pondicherry, India
Abstract:
Heisnam Kanhailal and Samuel Beckett both experienced the horror of World War II and its
violent impact on human race. Kanhailal grew up to the socio-political chaos and confusion of
Japanese invasion in Manipur during the war while Beckett actively took part in French
Resistance movement. Kanhailal presents violence through the social unrest of Manipur while
Beckett through the socio-political scenario of post-war Europe. What connects these
playwrights, though from two different unconnected geographical locations, is their response
to the rampant violence through silent resistance.
The paper studies the playwrights’ subtle presentation of resistance where the characters
passively yield to the torture and exploitation. Through their silence, the characters negate the
reality of violence and inwardly take a stand of resistance. The playwrights present that, no
matter how much physical torture and deterioration one goes through, no tyrannical authority
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
or power can ever overcome the universal nature of resilience, which is inherent in human
being.
Keywords: Drama, H.Kanhailal, Samuel Beckett, Violence, Resistance.
Bio-note:
Wungreiyon Moinao is a faculty of English at Tagore Govt Arts & Science College,
Pondicherry University. He has eco-edited a book entitled Studies In Mahesh Dattani’s Tara,
published by Books Way, Kolkatta.
From Rights to Realities: The Role of Special Education in Social Inclusion
for Children with Disabilities
ANUPAM DEBNATH, Ph.D Scholar, Department of Social Work, Visva-Bharati
University, India & SUDHANGSU SEKHAR DATTA, Guest Faculty, Department of
Adult Continuing Education, Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata, India
Abstract:
Children with disabilities face many challenges, which point out the importance of
implementing effective strategies in the education sector to support their learning and
development goals inclusively. This inclusive approach is evident in national policies like
India’s initiative ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ (Together with All Growth for All). By
incorporating special education into the standard curriculum, the state tries to meet the
requirements of children who have disabilities related to intellect and development. For the
strategy to be successful, it must include values established in the UN’s Universal Declaration
of Human Rights (UDHR) and international commitments such as the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs). To critically evaluate the degree to which special education can
result in these children being accepted in society, this analytical paper uses secondary literature
sources, focussing on government initiatives within West Bengal, India. Also mentioned in the
paper are the perspectives of scholars and activists in the special education field on children
with disabilities to prompt policy formulation efforts. The findings revealed that despite
endeavours to identify such children with special needs, a significant number of those with
hidden disabilities continue to go unnoticed, delayed in diagnosis, and thus require greater
focus and care for their social inclusion. Nevertheless, legislative achievements such as the
Right to Education Act 2009 and efforts such as that of the National Trust for the Welfare of
Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act 1999 provide
some basis for improved access to education and social involvement. While the paper
demonstrates that special education has made vital contributions to the life courses of these
young people, it also concludes that strong policies, and adaptive programmes are needed to
secure their rights and human dignity fully.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Keywords: Children with disabilities, Social inclusion, Special education.
Bio-note:
Anupam Debnath is a full-time Ph.D. Scholar (UGC-SRF) at the Department of Social Work,
Visva-Bharati University. Adopting an interpretative phenomenological approach, his research
focuses on the experiences of social inclusion among persons with Intellectual and Learning
Disabilities in West Bengal. He has publications in journals, and edited books. He has also
presented his research at various national and international conferences. Prior to his
engagement in doctoral research, he worked as a Research Associate at the Jayaprakash
Institute of Social Change and as an Academic Counsellor at Netaji Subhas Open University.
He also served as a Trainer at the School of Vocational Education at Tata Institute of Social
Sciences. He has two years of teaching experience as an Assistant Professor of Social Work at
AMIK Institute of Management Sciences and Technology and Vidyasagar School of Social
Work.
Sudhangsu Sekhar Datta is a Guest Faculty of the Department of Adult Continuing
Education, Rabindra Bharati University of Kolkata.
Role of ICT in uplifting the Socio-economic Condition of Tribal Women:
An Empirical study in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha
RESMA SAMAL, Ph.D Research Scholar, Department of Sociology, University of
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Abstract:
The advent of new media and innovations in ICTs has revolutionized human society, leading
to swift shifts in social, economic, political, and cultural realms, and giving rise to what Castells
(1996) termed the “information age” or “information society.” Digital technology is
instrumental in driving social transformation in areas such as the economy, politics, culture,
religion, etc. Despite these advancements, ICT penetration remains low among women,
particularly among tribal women, due to entrenched socioeconomic, structural, and cultural
barriers. The present paper examines the negotiation of tribal women with technology in their
everyday lives, and how it affects their social conditions in the digital landscape. It further
explores the challenges in terms of their use and adoption of ICTs. The study is particularly
relevant because no systematic research has been conducted on the relationship between ICTs
and tribal women in Mayurbhanj, Odisha, where they constitute 58.72% of the district’s
population (Census 2011). The data has been collected by employing both primary and
secondary sources. The research based on participant observation, semi-structured interviews,
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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ABSTRACT VOLUME
and telephonic interviews reveals that ICT adoption has empowered women by building
confidence, enhancing community participation, improving their economic situation,
encouraging decision-making capacity, and facilitating engagement in various activities.
However, the study highlights significant challenges, including infrastructural and financial
barriers, age, education, and socio-cultural beliefs, which reinforce the digital divide and inhibit
their full integration with technology. By addressing these issues, the study aims to inform
policy planners to make appropriate policies and strategies to reduce digital inequalities,
thereby fostering digital inclusion among tribal women. This research provides a critical insight
into the intersection of gender, technology, and tribal communities, contributing to a broader
discourse on empowerment and digital inclusion.
Keywords: ICT, Digital technologies, Digital inequalities, Empowerment, Digital inclusion.
Bio-note:
Resma Samal is a Ph.D. Scholar in Sociology at the University of Hyderabad, with a focus on
Science, Technology, and Society (STS), Socio-spatial studies, and Tribal studies. She holds
an M.A. in Sociology from the same institution, completed in 2022, and am a proud recipient
of the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). Her academic journey is marked by extensive
experience in field observation and qualitative research. Recently, she had the privilege of
presenting my paper, “Changing Livelihood Patterns among the Tribal Communities in
Odisha,” at the World Anthropology Congress hosted by the Kalinga Institute of Social
Sciences (KISS).
Existential Angst in “The Last Gift” by Abdulrazak Gurnah: A Yalomian
Analysis
DEVIKA VINOD, Research Scholar, PG and Research Department of English, St.
Thomas College (Autonomous), Kerala, India
Abstract:
Abdulrazak Gurnah profoundly navigates through the intricate lives of his characters by
delving into complex issues of migration and displacement throughout his novelistic oeuvre.
Gurnah was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 2021 for his “uncompromising and
compassionate penetration of the effects of colonialism and the fate of the refugee in the gulf
between cultures and continents” (Nobelprize.org). “The Last Gift”, published in 2011 by
Bloomsbury Publishing, is the eighth novel of Abdulrazak Gurnah portraying the story of a
family who struggles to find roots for their displaced selves to adhere to. Apart from the themes
of belonging, displacement and cultural conflicts, this novel delineates the journey of a man
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
who escaped from his life to gradually build another. This paper titled “Existential Angst in
“The Last Gift” by Abdulrazak Gurnah: A Yalomian Analysis” studies the existential concerns
of the novel’s protagonist, Abbas, through a Yalomian lens. Existential psychiatrist from
America, Irvin David Yalom is a writer of both fiction and nonfiction. He serves as an emeritus
professor of psychiatry at Stanford University (yalom.com). The analysis makes use of Irvin.
D. Yalom’s four existential concerns namely death, freedom, isolation and meaninglessness to
derive insights that explore the existential dimensions of Gurnah’s protagonist. The
confrontation of these concerns in life leads to inner conflicts that the major protagonist Abbas
encounters. A deeper understanding of the novel can be gained through this psychological
enquiry. This existential aspect pertaining to the novel and its characters helps to shed light on
the often forgotten inner intricacies of migrants and their displaced lives.
Keywords: Existential concerns, Freedom, Migrant literature, Mortality, Isolation.
Bio-note:
Devika Vinod is a Ph.D. JRF Research Scholar at the Research and PG Department of English,
St. Thomas College (Autonomous), Thrissur, Kerala, affiliated to the University of Calicut. She
works on postcolonial migration and diaspora for her research. She is also interested in gender
studies, memory studies and existentialism.
Studying Too Hot to Handle as a Narrative of Confinement
MUSKAN GARG, Student, Christ (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, India
Abstract:
Studying Reality TV shows is one of the most popular fields in visual studies, catering to
popular culture. The phenomenon of reality TV is comparatively recent, but it has gained
immense popularity over the last few years. These shows, by and large, attempt to represent
reality or move away from the script and capture the real emotions of people in real-time. This
paper seeks to examine one of the most well-known Reality shows, Too Hot To Handle, which,
through its five seasons, has established itself as an entertainment show set in the lap of a
luxurious natural resort through the lens of Foucauldian Theory of Panopticism, Goffman’s
Theory of Total Institutions, Homan’s the Social Exchange Theory. Reflecting the narratives of
confinement in this show will reveal that Too Hot To Handle is, after all, a show that is heavily
guarded by surveillance resulting in certain social behaviors and exchanges. The constant
observation creates an environment where contestants are acutely aware of being watched,
often leading to performative actions and self-regulation. This setting highlights how
surveillance impacts human behavior, pushing individuals to conform to certain norms and
expectations to avoid penalties or judgment. The process of bringing this research to fruition
will include textual analysis. The study undertaken in this paper aims to establish Too Hot to
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Handle as a modern narrative of confinement the implications of which can be applied to more
and more reality shows and the encouragement to analyze them as reflective of the real world.
Keywords: Too Hot to Handle, Confinement, Reality TV, Visual studies, Panopticism, Total
institutions, Social exchange theory.
Bio-note:
Muskan Garg did her undergraduate in English, Political Science and History. She is currently
a final year master’s student pursuing her master’s in English and Cultural Studies and
entertains a passion for reading, theory, and discussion. Her research interests include popular
culture, visual culture studies, and reality TV. She plans to do a PhD in the interested research
areas and is excited to contribute to academia.
The Modern Carnival of Bengal: A Case Study of ‘Bhasan Procession’
TIRTHANKAR SOM, Independent Scholar, Kolkata, India
Abstract:
This paper explores the ritualistic practice of immersion, or “bhasan”, which is an integral part
of several Hindu religio-cultural festivals that involve idolatry. On the final day of these
festivals, idols are carried to the ghats of the Holy Ganga River for immersion, a ritual typically
preceded by a procession known as the “bhasan procession”. During this time, participants
often engage in behaviors that, under normal circumstances, would be deemed antisocial or
inappropriate by the dominant cultural values of the bhadralok section. However, during the
bhasan procession, certain social norms, customs, and even laws are temporarily suspended or
overlooked by society and state machineries. This paper examines the phenomenon of the
bhasan procession through the theoretical framework of Mikhail Bakhtin’s concept of the
“carnivalesque”. By drawing a parallel between Bakhtinian carnivalesque laughter and the
cacophony of the bhasan procession, the paper demonstrates how the monologic and
authoritative voice of the state and society is challenged and resisted by the democratic and
polyphonic voices of the bhasan procession. The study focuses on the bhasan processions of
2023 Durga Puja in Howrah and Kolkata, India, which is West Bengal’s largest Hindu-Bengali
festival. The method of participant observation is considered to conduct this research.
Furthermore, the paper critiques the national standardisation of culture, which demotivates
creation of local variations and suppresses democratic participation, thereby creating a
hierarchy within the culture itself, where one form of cultural expression is elevated above
others. Finally, the paper argues that popular resistance, while democratic in nature, is not
necessarily progressive, highlighting the complexities inherent in these cultural practices.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
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Keywords: Carnivalesque, Cultural resistance, Cultural standardisation, Democratic values,
Hindu rituals.
Bio-note:
Tirthankar Som has completed his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Maulana Azad
College under the University of Calcutta and his Masters in Arts in Political Science from
Presidency University, Kolkata. He has conducted a dissertation research work, during his
Masters in Arts, on the topic of “‘Hindu Mela’ and Nationalism in Nineteenth Century Bengal”.
For further research, he is interested in the areas of “Politics of Culture” and “Political
Sociology”.
The Deviant and The Uncanny: Psychogeography and the Nuances of
Identity in Selected Works of Ruskin Bond
ABHINANDA CHAKRABORTY, Assistant Professor, Chandidas Mahavidyalaya, West
Bengal, India
Abstract:
Psychogeography involves the study of the interrelationship between the human psyche and
the surrounding physical environment. Both as a theory and as a methodological tool,
psychogeography can be utilized to understand and analyze how space impacts our lives and
becomes an integral factor in the formation of our sense of self and identity. It also enables us
to examine the dynamics of power in human spaces, especially in terms of exclusionary
practices that determine, for instance, the centre-margin dialectics in a specific time-space
matrix.
This paper will attempt to focus on the nuances of identity in selected writings of Ruskin
Bond with reference to this centre-margin dialectics. Writing against the backdrop of the hill
stations of Shimla and Mussoorie which were the erstwhile enclaves of power and refuge for
the British Raj in India, Bond portrays certain characters who recurrently challenge notions of
identity and belonging within the changing dynamics of power and positionality in the
aftermath of the nation’s independence. Stories like ‘When Darkness Falls’, ‘Over the Wall’
and ‘At Green’s Hotel’ showcase male characters who threaten to destabilize the existing status
quo through their deviance, challenging what human geographer Tim Cresswell terms as the
‘sedentary metaphysics’ of being and belonging in space. In other tales like ‘Wilson’s Bridge’,
‘The Night of the Millennium’, and ‘Suzanna’s Seven Husbands’, Bond depicts female
characters who, through their gendered deviance, abjection and the agency of the uncanny,
similarly destabilize the existing power dynamics and reveal the politics of gender and
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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ABSTRACT VOLUME
exclusion that underlie these human spaces while foregrounding a multiplicity of voices and
experiences which make not just spaces but their representations in and through literary works
so much more nuanced, varied and complex.
Keywords: Psychogeography, Identity, Power, Deviance, Uncanny.
Bio-note:
Abhinanda Chakraborty is a doctoral candidate from the Department of English, Vidyasagar
University, West Bengal. She has completed both her Graduation and Post-Graduation from
Presidency College (now University), Kolkata, under Calcutta University. She is currently
employed as an Assistant Professor in English at Chandidas Mahavidyalaya, affiliated to the
University of Burdwan. She specializes in American Literature and children’s and young-adult
literature and her diverse research interests include psychogeography, memory studies, urban
studies, and postcolonial literature.
Transposition of Narratives: A Study of Cultural Identity
DONIYA JOHNSON, Research Scholar, St. Thomas College (Autonomous), India & Dr
STISHIN K PAUL, Assistant Professor and Research Guide, St Thomas College
(Autonomous), India
Abstract:
Dance has a prominent and inevitable function in the religious and social life of the people.
The early Christians also used dance in their religious and social life. Portuguese expedition
through the sea route helped to expand the horizons of the Christian world in Kerala. It paved
a new path for the development of Latin Catholic community and their culture which is strongly
influenced by western culture. It is to be noted that Christian themes have also been introduced
in many Indian dance-forms. In the district of Palakkad the Tamil-speaking Christians have a
theatre tradition of their own. When narratives move across borders, they often undergo
significant transformation. This paper examines the cultural interaction and identity formation
through the transposition of narratives. Adaptations are not merely superficial changes but
reflect deeper engagements with the cultural, religious and social landscapes of adopting
communities. This paper explores the religious dance drama Kunukunammal Nadakam which
is performed by the Christian community in the district of Palakkad, Kerala. It is usually
performed during the church festivals. It portrays the life of St. Kunkunda of Germany. It is
believed to be written by Nalloor Anthony Muthu in A.D. 1806.This study illuminates how
communities reconfigure narratives to resonate with local practices, and cultural context.
Keywords: Kunukunammal Nadakam, Transposition, Narratives.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Bio-note:
Doniya Johnson is a Research Scholar of St. Thomas College (Autonomous) and the area of
interest lies in Folk Arts.
Dr. Stishin K Paul is an Assistant Professor and Research Guide of St Thomas College
(Autonomous).
Crossing Boundaries: Transmedia Storytelling and the Cultural Identities
of Second-Generation Immigrants
PARUL PURI, Ph.D Scholar (Italian Studies), Department of Germanic and Romance
Studies, University of Delhi, India
Abstract:
In today’s globalized world, children of immigrants often navigate multiple cultural identities,
balancing the heritage of their parents with the cultural influences of their upbringing.
Transmedia storytelling where narratives unfold across platforms like film, social media,
literature, and video games provides a unique way for these individuals to construct and express
their complex identities. This paper explores the role of transmedia storytelling in shaping the
cultural identities of second-generation immigrants in Italy. Unlike passive recipients of
cultural narratives, these individuals actively engage in the creation and dissemination of their
stories. The paper argues that transmedia storytelling serves as a powerful tool for negotiating
identities and challenging dominant cultural narratives, contributing to a more inclusive
understanding of multicultural society.
Focusing on Antonio Dikele Stefano, a prominent Italian writer and filmmaker of
Angolan descent, the paper examines how his work addresses the cultural identities of second-
generation immigrants in Italy. Stefano’s storytelling, which spans literature, television, and
digital media, provides a unique perspective on the experiences of young Italians with
immigrant backgrounds. By analyzing his work across different media, the paper explores how
transmedia narratives help shape and express hybrid cultural identities in contemporary Italy.
Keywords: Transmedia storytelling, Second generation, Cultural identities, Diverse platforms,
Multicultural.
Bio-note:
Parul Puri is a PhD scholar in Italian Studies at the University of Delhi, specializing in the
study of immigrant literature and art in Italy. Apart from her research, she teaches Italian
language and literature as a Guest Faculty at Daulat Ram College, University of Delhi.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Refugee Voice, Form and Politics of Representation: A Critical Reading of
A Hope More Powerful than the Sea
THEERTHA THEOPHIN, Research Scholar, Department of English Studies, Central
University of Tamilnadu, India
Abstract:
Literary representation of refuge crisis has been studied vastly in recent times for its nuances
in representation and the forms it takes, crossing generic boundaries. Sometimes real life
Refugee stories come out as fictionalized accounts and the work contains elements of a novel
and an autobiography. Sometimes the works are written with the help of co-authors, ghost
authors and translators. All this features of refugee narratives calls us to examine the nuances
in the form. The representational politics and ideologies that are at work while writing the crisis
also need to be studied as sometimes the authorship is shared by the displaced person and
someone from the West. It is important to critically analyze whose interests are served in such
kind of narratives. The primary text selected here titled, A Hope More Powerful Than The Sea
tells the story of Doaa, a refugee girl who was rescued while trying to cross the sea with the
hope of reaching Europe. Her story is narrated by Melissa Fleming who is the chief
spokesperson of UNHCR. First Doaa’s story appeared in Ted talk and later it became a literary
narrative which invites us to problematize the different forms of representations when it comes
to refugee narratives and its intertextual nature. This paper aims to explore the above mentioned
questions when it comes to reading literary narratives on Refugee Crisis.
Keywords: Refugee, Forced migration, Representation, Form, Generic boundaries.
Bio-note:
Theertha Theophin is currently a Junior Research Fellow at the Department of English Studies,
Central University of Tamilnadu, India. She completed her Masters in English Literature from
The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. Her research focuses on Refugee
and Forced Migration Studies with special reference to the literary representations of Refugee
Crisis after the Arab Spring. Her other area of interests include Life Narratives and Visual
Studies.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
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Beyond the Surface: Analysing Bias in AI-generated Literary Creation
ADITI KUILA, Assistant Professor, College of Engineering and Management, Kolaghat,
India
Abstract:
The rise of generative AI has profoundly democratised content creation, transforming the
literary landscape by providing innovative tools that expand the possibilities of literary
expression. With generative AI models like GPT-4 becoming increasingly proficient in
generating literary texts, they introduce new dynamics to the concept of creativity, shifting the
focus from the traditional creative visions of individual writers to a broader potential where
anyone can engage in and experiment with various forms of assisted creation. This shift
ostensibly offers a more inclusive approach to content creation, enabling diverse participation
in literary endeavours. However, this seemingly democratic advance is not without its
challenges. Generative AI models are intrinsically linked to the biases present in their training
datasets, which often reflect societal prejudices. As a result, these biases can manifest in AI-
generated texts, affecting character representation and the portrayal of diverse voices in
literature. Despite the increasing recognition of these issues, the existing literature on
algorithmic bias in AI-generated texts remains limited, often concentrating on technical aspects
rather than exploring its impact on literary content and diversity. This research aims to bridge
this gap by employing a qualitative content analysis approach to systematically identify and
evaluate biases in AI-generated literary works. By comparing these AI-generated texts with
human-authored works, the study seeks to reveal the extent and nature of these biases and their
implications for literary representation and inclusivity. The findings will enhance the
understanding of how AI can be used to foster more equitable and representative literary
outcomes, offering insights into mitigating bias and promoting diversity in AI-assisted literary
creation.
Keywords: AI-generated texts, Biases, Democratic, Generative AI, Inclusivity.
Bio-note:
Aditi Kuila (Mail id: aditikuila.bhu@gmail.com, Phn no. 7872344204) is an Assistant
Professor at the College of Engineering and Management, Kolaghat, India. She recently
submitted her doctoral thesis at The English and Foreign Languages University, Regional
Campus, Shillong, India. Her research interests pivot around Social Media Literature, Gen-AI
Literature, and Media Studies.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Reclaming Identity: The Role of Cultural Memory in Overcoming Colonial
Trauma in Natalie Diaz’s “The First Water is the Body” and Langston
Hughes’ “Let America be America Again”
SANJEEVANI CHAUDHARY, Independent Researcher, India
Abstract:
This research explores how Natalie Diaz’s “The First Water Is the Body” from “Postcolonial
Love Poem” and Langston Hughes’ “Let America Be America Again” employ cultural memory
to reclaim and assert marginalized identities in response to colonial and racist oppression. The
study examines how cultural memory serves as a mechanism of resistance and healing,
focusing on Diaz’s symbolic use of water and Hughes’ critique of the American Dream. By
analyzing the deep-seated impact of colonial histories on Indigenous communities, the research
highlights the symbolic importance of water in representing identity and survival. The
investigation also explores how both poets engage with and subvert dominant cultural
narratives, challenging historical erasure and exposing systemic racial inequalities. The
concept of hybridity and the negotiation of identity are central to understanding how both
works reflect processes of cultural resistance and resilience. Additionally, the analysis
considers how marginalized identities are reclaimed through cultural memory, with ‘water’
imagery serving as a powerful metaphor for memory and resistance. This comparative study
reveals that both Diaz and Hughes transform narratives of trauma into sources of empowerment
and healing, offering new perspectives on how cultural memory functions as a vehicle for
reclaiming and reconstructing identities in the aftermath of historical trauma. The findings
contribute to broader discussions in postcolonial literature and cultural studies, providing
insights into the role of cultural memory in the ongoing struggle against historical oppression.
Keywords: Colonial trauma, Comparative analysis, Cultural memory, Identity reclamation,
Postcolonial literature.
Bio-note:
Sanjeevani Chaudhary has completed her graduation and post-graduation from Banaras Hindu
University (BHU) in 2020 and 2022, respectively. She has experience working as a guest
lecturer at a government polytechnic college. In addition to her academic pursuits, she is also
passionate about writing poetry.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
The Right to Live, the Right to Die: Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in
Guzaarish (2010)
SHUBHANGI, Research Scholar, IIT Roorkee, India & Dr NAGENDRA KUMAR,
Professor, IIT Roorkee, India
Abstract:
The right to choose euthanasia to end one’s life has been a debated topic for ages. Through this
paper, the ethical dilemmas portrayed in the film Guzaarish (2010) has been explored. It
focuses on the discussions on euthanasia, the complexities of end-of-life care, and a person’s
autonomy over his life and death. The film, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali centers around
Ethan Mascarenhas, a former renowned magician who becomes a quadriplegic after an accident
during one of his performances. He remains paralysed for 14 years of his life in the care of his
nurse, Sofia D’Souza but as his physical condition worsens, he decides to end his life. He files
a petition in court seeking euthanasia, arguing for his right to die with dignity. Sofia faces moral
complexities while balancing her duty to preserve his life and her compassion for Ethan’s
suffering. She makes the toughest decision by respecting his autonomy. To substantiate the
argument, the paper analyses these dilemmas through the lenses of necropolitics and moral
distress theory. As theorized by Achille Mbembe, Necropolitics is used to examine the power
dynamics that influence decisions about life and death, emphasizing the societal and
institutional forces that impact ethical choices in caregiving. The concept of moral distress as
introduced to by Jameton in the field of nursing is said to occur when one has made a moral
judgement but is unable to act upon it. This study brings to the forefront the ethical conflicts
faced by caregivers, the legal system, and society at large when confronted with the question
of assisted dying.
Keywords: Euthanasia, Care, Disability, Necropolitics, Ethical dilemma.
Bio-note:
Shubhangi is a Research Scholar in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at IIT
Roorkee. She is currently enrolled in her first year of PhD. Her area of research includes
Disability studies and Health Humanities. Her hobbies include reading fiction and poetry of
her interest. She looks forward to enriching herself as a researcher.
Nagendra Kumar is a Professor of IIT Roorkee.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
In Quest of ‘Madhyam Marga’: Human Rights beyond Universalism and
Relativism
RATNADEEP MAITRA, Doctoral Candidate, Department of International Relations
and Governance Studies, Shiv Nadar University, Delhi NCR, India
Abstract:
The systematic foisting of Western rights-based injunctions on postcolonial societies in Asia,
‘alien’ to and bereft of any socio-cultural specificities, coupled with the financial resilience of
hitherto colonized South-East Asian economies has engendered a cultural rejoinder, in the form
of an ‘Asian Value’ system. While its formal provenance may be traceable to the Bangkok
Declaration of 1993, it has been increasingly subjected to simplistic attributions as a
harmonious, tempered, communitarian and consensual organization of the ‘social’. It is in this
regard, the paper unpacks the moral tenets and cultural idioms constituting the framework of
‘Asian Values’, to interrogate the emancipatory potential of its normativity, for the embedded
self. It contraposes such an ‘Asian’ standpoint on human rights – as a derivative of culture -
vis-à-vis the hegemonic liberal-democratic counterpart, scrutinizing the fissures and fault-lines
in the process, as well as investigating the scope for any confluence or ‘middle path’. Finally,
the paper strives to problematize the presupposed homogeneity located within the ideational
elements of ‘Asian Values’.
Keywords: Human Rights, Liberal Paradigm, “Asian Values”, ‘Madhyam Marga’.
Bio-note:
Ratnadeep Maitra is a doctoral candidate at the Department of International Relations and
Governance Studies at Shiv Nadar University, India. He has done his Graduation from
Presidency University, Kolkata in the Department of Political science. He did his
PostGraduation From University of Hyderabad in the Department of Political Science. His
research interests are Postcolonialism and Race in International Relations, South Asian Studies
with special focus on India as well as Visual Politics and Aesthetics.
Cogitating the Mother in Motherhood: Reading Sheila Heti
Dr VIDHYA VISWANATHAN, Assistant Professor, R Sankar Memorial SNDP Yogam
Arts and Science College, Kerala, India
Abstract:
Contemporary writers uninhibitedly represent the subjective realities of the human body along
with its psychological and emotional discharges that were earlier conveniently subdued by
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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ABSTRACT VOLUME
writers to remain acceptable in the hegemonic power politics that operate the numerous systems
in society. The body and mind that have remained stifled within diverse cultural ramifications
are now being explored to unmask the subjective realities that are beyond the spreadsheet of
cultural specifications. Apropos of the physical body and mind of women, though perceived
from multiple dimensions, continue to remain stigmatized by diverse cultural constructs that
dictate gender roles and emotional scripts to be accepted by women regardless of individual
orientations. Motherhood which is discerned as the essential role of women is often eschewed
as an ideologically neutral notion concocted on a variegated set of experiences of a socially
conditioned woman. Historically this set of strings attached to motherhood is used to regulate
as well as strengthen the social institution of marriage to restrain women from assuming diverse
roles in the cultural, political, legal and economic domains. The question that looms large is
how to ascertain/evaluate such a role as a symbolic interface against the dominant ideologies
like Feminism, Marxism, Queer and Postcolonial. In this context, it becomes relevant to
explore the contemporary narratives on motherhood against the backdrop of gender and sexual
scripts to expose the latent systems of oppression subtly embedded in such constructs. Hence,
this paper attempts to analyse the representation of the conviction of motherhood as presented
by Sheila Heti in her narrative Motherhood which stretches beyond the limits set by patriarchal
ideologies.
Keywords: Motherhood, Patriarchy, Hegemony, Institutions, Ideologies.
Bio-note:
Dr Vidhya Viswanathan is the Assistant Professor of English at R Sankar Memorial SNDP
Yogam Arts and Science College, Koyilandy, an institution affiliated with the University of
Calicut, Kerala. She was a rank holder for PG and her doctoral thesis on contemporary
narratives on Motherhood was awarded in 2023 by the University of Calicut. She has made
note-worthy contributions to the academic circle with presentations and active participation at
national and international conferences. She is an invited speaker as well as a resource person
to different seminars and has chaired sessions at several conferences. Her research articles have
been published in peer-reviewed journals and books. She has put in a meritorious service of 14
years in the institution and her area of interest includes gender studies, theory and travel.
Text, Context and the Autobiographical Discourse: An Examination of
Select Political Autobiographies by Black Women
ZAKRA SAIWA, Ph.D. Research Scholar, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University Delhi, India
Abstract:
The relationship between texts and their contexts is one that constantly brings up
newerdimensions and (inter)disciplinary frameworks of critical engagement. Literature in
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
general and the autobiographical mould in particular is heavily inflected with the contextual
underpinnings of its narrative. The autobiographical genre by its very nomenclature is most
conspicuously identified in terms of an account of an individual’s life by the person concerned.
However, this self-reflexive exercise goes beyond just the personal history of the
autobiographer and is invariably concerned with the socio-political and circumstantial
underpinnings of his or her life. In the case of political autobiographies, the power, intention
and potential impact of delineating one’s life, perspectives, political convictions and itinerary
becomes especially socio-politically relevant. In the present paper, I seek to analyse the
autobiographies of two politically active black women who were at the forefront of the South-
African anti-apartheid political movement:
Strikes Have Followed Me All My Life by Emma Mashinini(1989) and No Child’s
Play: In Prison under Apartheid by Caesarina Kona Makhoere(1988). The present work places
the selected autobiographies as politically engaged texts meant to participate in the resistance
politics of their authors; and elucidate the critical role of context and intent on the creation and
reception of texts. Lying at the intersections of such disempowered and politically fraught
contexts of existence as Race, Gender and the political Other, the texts would be read in a
comparative framework, subverting a monolithic understanding of a black female experience
or political aesthetic as well as foregrounding diversity of ideological positioning, modes of
resistance and peculiarities of oppression. Ultimately, the paper uses an interdisciplinary
framework that combines literary critique with sociological analysis to discuss how the selected
texts present a unique vantage point in illustrating the critical significance of literature and
power as well as texts and contexts.
Keywords: Autobiography, Gender, Race, Social Justice.
Bio-note:
Ms. Zakra Saiwa is a Ph.D Research Scholar in the School of Letters, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
University Delhi. Previously she finished her postgraduate studies in English from Aligarh
Muslim University, Aligarh. Her areas of interest include autobiography studies, women’s
writing, film studies and black literature. She has published as well as presented papers from
the areas mentioned above. As a student of literature, she is particularly drawn towards the
connections between texts and contexts, between material forces and literary forces and
between latent and manifest content and endeavours to explore them trough her research.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Conservatism meets Neoliberalism: The Politics and Narratives of Gender
Violence in 21st Century India
INDRA BHASKAR MISHRA, Student, University of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India &
DEVESH PANDEY, Student, University of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract:
Physical, sexual and psychological violence directed against girls and women in India has been
a grim reality both in the past and present, largely as a consequence of entrenched patriarchal
structures and gendered ideological narratives. In a country often identified as “Bharat Mata”,
it is paradoxical that nearly one-third women aged 15-49 have experienced some form of
violence (NFHS-5 report). With the promotion of economic globalisation by the capitalist West,
neoliberalism has emerged as a new force that has influenced, and even redefined, violence
against women in post-liberalisation India.
This paper seeks to critically analyse how violence against women in 21st-century India
is abetted, normalised and sustained through a complex and intertwined network of
conservative ideologies and neoliberal policies. Employing a multi-faceted approach, including
a literature review and analysis of statistical data from various reports, the research examines
historical trends, current frameworks and grassroots activism to provide a comprehensive
analysis of the issue. This paper underlines the necessity of a multi-dimensional, issue-based
approach rooted in grassroots activism, progressive accountability and gender sensitisation to
combat the various forms of violence plaguing women in the country. Understanding these
dynamics through postcolonial and postmodern feminist theories reveals how neoliberalism
has been weaponised by national and international players to advance their prejudiced agendas
and narratives, exacerbating gender-based violence in India.
Keywords: Indian women, Gender violence, Conservatism, Neoliberalism, Subaltern.
Bio-note:
Indra Bhaskar Mishra is a recent postgraduate from the Department of Sociology at the
University of Lucknow. His research concerns involve religion, gender, politics and
neoliberalism, especially in the context of India. In his free time, he enjoys reading fantasy
fiction related to pressing social issues and the struggles of its protagonists. He aims to bring
sociological issues to the fore through both academic and creative means.
Devesh Pandey is a recent postgraduate from the Department of Medieval and Modern
History at the University of Lucknow. His recently submitted dissertation explored the opinions
and experiences of Indian women during the First World War. His research interests include
the World Wars, subaltern histories, women’s histories and memory studies. He is fascinated
by how the multifaceted experiences of people shape and are shaped by their historical
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
backgrounds and contemporary environments, influencing the micro-macro structures of their
societies.
Knowledge and Civilization in the Reglobalizing World of the 21st Century
RIT JOSHI, Research Scholar, Department of English, DIT University, Dehradun, India
& DR. SHRIYA GOYAL, Associate Professor, DIT University, Dehradun, India
Abstract:
Modernity is the outcome of the Renaissance or rediscovery of the Classical past in the popular
cultural imagination of the Western European Civilization. In the proto-Modern Era, cultural
pursuits within the cities and courts, universities and trans-cultural European institutions were
motivated by the Renaissance spirit to explore beyond the boundaries of dogmatic organizing
principles of the Liberal Arts discourse in the universities. Freer enquiry and curiosity guided
rational minded scholars and amateur scientific explorers to imagine the historical conditions
behind the principles and practices of the knowledge discovery and civilizational ethos that
harnessed the human potential towards excellence in the bygone ages of European antiquity.
The theological idea of religious determinism of the moral arc of history and the authority of
man over the natural sciences also helped develop the perspective of the modern idea of
knowledge and civilization. High Modernity nurtured its normative paradigm of empiricism
within a theoretical atmosphere of positivism, which traced a technocratic future for the
discipline of social science research. This relegated the traditional idea of Humanities as a
speculative field without the idea of deterministic power that the theory behind the social
sciences harnessed. With the rise of postmodern conditions in the 20th Century, the idea of
knowledge and the orientation and governance of the disciplines witnessed a paradigm shift.
In contrast, the authors, coming from an area of interest in the non-Occidental i.e. an
Oriental background of historical and cultural imagination, want to argue that the state of
dissension and dialogical impasse in the civilization in general and within the Humanities and
Social Sciences in particular, is simply an aggregate of the fundamnetally flawed foundational
presuppositions of the idea of knowledge and power that developed in the modern Western
world. These ideas about the individual and the destiny of humanity govern the moral and
principle paradigms behind the big debates and organizational struggles among the disciplines.
The authors want to propose an Eastern perspective to resolve the struggle of
disciplinarity and reimagine the model of organizing knowledge production and governance of
autonomous institutions.
Keywords: Dialogue, Dialectics, Civilization, Knowledge, Power.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Bio-note:
Rit Joshi is Research Scholar, English Literature, in DIT University, Dehradun. He is pursuing
research in the field of culture and the idea of civilization in the modern and traditional
worldviews of the eastern and western worlds.
Dr. Shriya Goyal is D.Phil. in English from H.N.B. Garhwal University, Srinagar. She
did her M.A. in English from Gurukula Kangri University, Haridwar and B.A. (Hons.) English
Literature from University of Delhi. She is currently serving as Associate Professor in the
Department of Humanities & Liberal Arts, DIT University, Dehradun, India. She has over 21
years of experience comprising administrative responsibilities and teaching at Doctoral,
Postgraduate and Undergraduate level along with research expertise. She has supervised many
Ph.D. Scholars. She has presented Research Papers and attended National and International
Conferences, Seminars & Workshops. She has published articles in International Journals,
including Scopus-indexed journals, to her credit.
The Mirror and the Gaze of Controversy: Complex Relationship of
Art and Artist with Societal Censorship
BIDOOSHA ROY, Research Scholar, Cooch Behar Panchanan Barma University, West
Bengal, India
Abstract:
Art has always been considered a reflection of society that mirrors societal beliefs, values and
norms. While artistic expression requires no control over its exhibition, there lies a tension
between artists’ freedom and societal expectations. This paper seeks to analyze the relationship
of an artist who creates nude paintings of underage girls, including his sibling and, thus faces
society’s grudge, as they believe nude paintings of underage girls are offensive, forbidden and
pornographic. Through a critical lens, this paper will delve into the cultural norms and power
struggles by applying the theories of Foucault, Lacan, Kristeva and Sedgwick. It will also
explore the complex relationship among art, pornography, and society, challenging to rethink
assumption regarding the male gaze, sexuality and the role of art in society. Society’s concerns
about childhood sexuality, innocence, and exploitation will be discovered by examining the
artist’s intention as well as his method of interaction and depiction. Therefore, this paper will
attempt a critical analysis to understand what evokes such intense controversial and heated
debates against the artist by applying literary theories related to gaze, desire, abjection, and
queer performativity through “Egon Schiele: Death and the Maiden” (2016), an Austrian
biographical film directed by Dieter Berner.
Keywords: Art, Artist, Nude painting, Pornography, Child sexuality.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Bio-note:
Bidoosha Roy is a research scholar, department of English, at Cooch Behar Panchanan Barma
University. She has qualified UGC NET with JRF (2020). Her recent publication is – “The
Lens and the Brushstroke: A Cinematic Intervention in the Representation of Body and Nudity
through the Artist-Model Relationship in the Film Age of Consent (1969)” in Chalachitra
Sameeksha. Her area of interest – Film Studies, Cultural Studies, Popular Culture,
Psychoanalysis, Corporealities in literature and performances.
From Reading Detective Fictions to Watching: The Study of Detective
Anime Series “Pluto”
SAYAK MOITRA, Guest Lecturer, Centre for Innovative Studies, India
Abstract:
The popularity of detective fiction lies in the conundrums and modus operandi it provides and
navigates around the plot making it both deliberately subtle and complex. The praxis of the
emerging genre tries to thrive, deconstruct and re-establish literary pedagogy. It attempts to
challenge the canon in a voracious way, securing its ubiquitous place in the arena of academics.
It forms a unique trope constituting both entertainment and education, delving deeper into the
psychological realm enriching cognitive facticity. Amalgamating with philosophy, and
especially with that of continental philosophy, the detective fiction can be deduced as a site to
determine the understanding of vitality of truth. Postmodern time is already known for the
hindrance it provides in dissolving the border of ‘being real’ and ‘reality’, giving a technical
terminology as ‘simulacra’ and ‘simulations’. The epistemic way of detective fiction enables
deterritorialization and reterritorialization of tangibility of space which act as medium of
thinking and re-thinking. The present chapter will try to attempt the study of the anime detective
series- “Pluto” by Naoki Urasawa. The anime as a cultural artifact of the contemporary century
serves to liquify the border of reality, symbol and society, affecting cognitive understanding of
phenomenology. The particular anime series deals with Robots and AI and serves to show how
in future there will be a co-existence and co-evolving of human beings and robots. The series
along with solving the mysterious murders also tries to uphold various humanistic values.
Keywords: Modus Operandi,Trope, AI, Coexistence, Coevolving.
Bio-note:
Sayak Moitra is presently a Guest Lecturer at the Centre for Innovative Studies, NBU. His field
of interest is Twenty-first century Philosophy and Literature.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
An Ecocritical Reading of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s One Hundred Years of
Solitude
AMARTYA SEN, Student, Baba Saheb Ambedkar Education University, India &
SMRITY DEY
Abstract:
The aim of the paper is to highlight Marquez’s historical perspective on the ecocritical approach
as presented in the novel. It seeks to examine how the connections between humans and non-
humans is made possible by the arrival of technology in the town of Macondo. We shall try to
delve into how the industrial revolution’s invasion of the town leads to an ecological
imbalance. One Hundred Years of Solitude also employs a strong sense of place and time to
underscore the author’s ecocritical agenda. Besides Marquez’s application of incisive imagery
foregrounds his deep understanding of nature. His imageries are part of the Oral culture that he
belongs to. This draws our attention towards the magic elements that he integrates with his
ecological underpinning. Here Marquez has employed the technique of magic realism to bring
a blurring effect between reality and fantasy. Through the use of this technique he has gone far
to delve into a deep concern that how nature and human beings are interwoven with one
another. In the scene when Jose Buendia died at the end of the novel , bears the beautiful
instance showing how nature took part in the mourning of the death of the founder of the town
showering the yellow flower from the sky.
One Hundred Years of Solitude shows how the coexistence of human and non-human
agencies actively influence the developments that occur throughout the narrative and how they
are beneficial in developing the tale that is set in the town of Macondo. The narrative subtly
suggests how anthropogenic onslaught and excessive use of machines to satisfy human greed
could lead to the decimation of human civilisation. In this text, the destruction of Macondo
foregrounds the idea that even though man-made technology is capable of regulating some
natural phenomena, it cannot survive without nature. Neither can it be subjugated. Therefore,
it is imperative for the human beings to ensure that their activites don’t get exploitative.
Keywords: Ecological crisis, Human and non human relationship, Mutual existence, Magic
Realism, Anthropogenic onslaught.
Bio-note:
Amartya Sen has completed his Masters from Banaras Hindu University in September 2023.
He has published a paper recently. It is entitled: ‘Sweeping Away Footprints’: Precarious
Liminality in Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things.” He has a passion towards creative
writing.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Smrity Dey has completed her Masters from Banaras Hindu University in September
2023. She has qualified UGC NET JRF in june 2023. She has presented a paper entitled:
“Presentation of Non - Human Animals in J.M. Coetzee’s Disgrace and the Lives of Animals:A
Study through the Post Humanist lens of Donna Haraway” at the platform of AIFEST.
Revisioning Transhuman Practices through Science Fiction: An Analysis Of
‘Flowers For Algernon’
DR PRITAM PANDA, Assistant Professor, JDSG College, Assam, India
Abstract:
Post-humanism and transhumanism constantly scrutinize the future possibilities of the human-
nonhuman dynamics. In recent times, significant efforts have made to enhance the human body
beyond its natural potential. The word ‘natural’ in this case elicits multiple points of
interrogation: to define ‘natural’ in a unilateral way is to defy the pluralities espoused by the
evaluation theories that are perpetuated by natural science. This lack of clarity allows the
proponents of transhumanism to patronize the corporatized, uninhibited augmentation
techniques that are used to amplify human cognitive and physical levels. A social scrutiny over
these amplification techniques is always carried out by the purists who believe in preserving
the innate sanctity of the human form. This idealization of the human structure is violated in
several literary texts with the aim of creating possible scenarios of a post-human world where
human agency would cease to become the dominant agency with the present anatomical
structure. There has been a multitude of texts dedicated to the constant push for transhumanist
methods in the last decade or so. Back in the 20th century, novelist Daniel Keyes came up with
a radical yet realistic portrayal of the augmentation trope through an imbecile character Charlie
in the novel Flowers for Algernon. The character goes through a radical increase in his
intelligence quotient (IQ) through an operation only to see it plummet down to pre-operative
levels at a later stage. This paper adopts a revisionist approach in looking at Flowers for
Algernon as one of the early science fiction texts that discuss augmentation techniques and its
political, social, cultural implications on individual and collective levels.
Keywords: Natural, Augmentation, Idealization, Imbecile, Sanctity.
Bio-note:
The author is working as an Assistant Professor of English, JDSG College, Bokakhat, Assam.
He completed his Ph.D. from the University of Lucknow and the title of his doctoral research
was “Re-enactment of Today’s Myths and the Creation of Tomorrow’s Myths in Science Fiction
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
and Cinema”. He worked under the supervision of Professor Nishi Pandey. His areas of
interests include Speculative fiction, Eco-critical studies and Victorian literature.
The Specimen in Transition: Preservation, Representation, and Meaning
SASWATI HALDER, Professor, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India
Abstract:
The transition from the biological demise of a living creature to its rebirth as a specimen marks
a profound juncture. Whether human intervention directly influenced the animal’s demise or
not, a protracted existence beyond death certainly is. Fragmentation typically inaugurates the
postmortem phase, delineating the separation of flesh, bone, and skin—select elements
retained, others forsaken, and often different parts dispersed to disparate destinations.
Irrespective of lifelike semblance, an array of methodologies is employed to reconstitute and
safeguard the remnants, ensuring their stability and comprehensibility. Custodians,
taxidermists, and curators ardently labour on these specimens: not solely resurrecting animals
to thwart decomposition but also embellishing them, fashioning novel and engaging
presentations. Beyond mere museum exhibits, these creatures assume a ‘new life’ as archival
records of historical and cultural significance. The taxidermied animal represents the purified
and sanctified ‘ennobled’ beast, impervious to the ravages of time, ailment, demise, or decay.
Even skeletal remains, devoid of flesh and its vulnerabilities, are showcased upon their metallic
‘skeleton’ or framework of rods, wires, and bolts. These aren’t the scattered remnants of decay
but the foundational and artistic essence of the animal—a revelation of the enigmatic structural
craftsmanship of its erstwhile living form. The materially reconstructed creature is immune to
suffering and beyond our capacity to inflict further mental or physical torment upon it. Any
qualms about the creature’s well-being- its confinement, detachment from its natural social
milieu, or coerced human companionship no longer perturb us; the creature is ‘at peace,’ yet
ready to serve at our command.
This paper delves into the intriguing ‘biography’ of Chi-Chi, the giant panda – London
Zoo’s most treasured resident who attained international acclaim. It examines her odyssey from
life to demise, from flesh to skeletal remains, from nature to culture, drawing attention to the
historicity of animal remnants and notably highlighting the enduring charm of renowned
individual creatures. In their premortem existence, these animals were assimilated and
reconstructed in our image, anthropomorphized to encapsulate human emotions and values.
Death solidified these roles, turning their posthumous reconstruction into a narrative
progression. Afterlives emerge as a continuation of their existence through stories told, no
longer bound by biological vitality.
Keywords: Postmortem transformation, Taxidermy, Anthropomorphism, Animal remnants.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Bio-note:
Dr. Saswati Halder is Professor in the Department of English of Jadavpur University, Kolkata,
India. She is also the Coordinator of the Centre for Victorian Studies of the same university.
Her research interests include 19th Century British Literature, Literary Ecology and Culture,
Functional and Communicative English. She is the Editor of The Confidential Clerk, an
international, interdisciplinary online journal of the Centre for Victorian Studies, Jadavpur
University. Under the grant of a UKIERI ‘Faculty Exchange Programme,’ she visited the
School of English and Victorian Studies Centre of the University of Leicester, UK, to facilitate
towards cementing the connections between the Victorian Studies Centres of the two
institutions. She is also the recipient of the Charles Wallace India Trust Award for Short
Research. She was the Principal Investigator of major research projects like The Spanish Gypsy
and Daniel Deronda: George Eliot’s “Others-at-Home” and ‘Literary Ecology in 19th Century
Bengal.’
Chronicle of Shell-shocked Sarajevo : Memoir of a Teenager
SHINY CHAUDHURI, Ph.D Scholar, Raiganj University, West Bengal, India
Abstract:
From the very beginning of the existence of classical literature, war was one of the majestic
themes of literary texts. But readers’ realisation touches its peak, when they read real
experiences of war. Therefore, innumerable publications were taken place at the outbreak of
Europe’s first war, the war in Bosnia (1992-1995). While the Austro-Hungarian power was
overthrown, Yugoslav kingdom was come into existence. Yugoslavia consisted of six republics
– Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Monte Negro, Macedonia and
autonomous republics Vojvodina and Kosovo. After Tito’s death in 1980, political uncertainty
began to rise its head. As there were three political parties for three major religion, ethnic
conflict made its way. Thereafter, when Bosnia and Herzegovina started to talk about
independence in 1992, Serbia accused Bosnian Muslim politicians that they wanted a
homogenous country for Muslims. Shortly after Bosnia and Herzegovina declared its
independence on March 1, 1992; the Bosnian War, one of the most heinous wars of Balkans
broke out. The war ended with Dayton Agreement signed in Paris in December 1995. Nadija
Mujagic who was a teenager at the time of the Bosnian war, was a Bosnian Muslim living in
Sarajevo. She has survived the war and jotted down her experience in her memoir “Ten
Thousand Shells and Counting : A Memoir”. This book has exposed brutal reality of war that
leaves nothing but memory. Hence, the purpose of the present paper is to discuss fragmented
life of war and memory and trauma it causes, with reference to Nadija Mujagic’s memoir.
Keywords: War, Conflict, Trauma, Memory, Nostalgia.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Bio-note:
Shiny Chaudhuri is a Ph.D. scholar in the Department of English, Raiganj University, W.B,
India. Her interests lies in war-narratives, memory and trauma studies in literature. She is a
regular reader of literary oeuvres and a creative writer. Her thoughts have found place in several
international seminars, seminar proceeding, magazines and poetry anthologies with ISBN-
edited volumes.
Globalization and Its Impact on the Folk Literature of the Mising Tribe of
Assam
DARIKA PEGU, Research Scholar, Srimanta Sankardeva Viswavidyalaya, India
Abstract:
Globalization is a gamut of variables interlocking and trends so much so that once the term
‘Globalization’ is mentioned it evokes a lot of passion and emotion. It conveys a widespread
sense of transformation. The North-Eastern Region of India is home to hundreds of ethnic
groups and is distinguished by a diverse traditional heritage of tribal (folk) arts and culture of
which Mising is one of its prominent tribes. Folk literature also called folklore or oral tradition
is that the lore of cultures having no written communication. It is transmitted by word of mouth
and consists of both prose and verse narratives, poems and songs, myths, drama, rituals,
proverbs, riddles etc. Just like other tribes of the Northeast Mising tribe is rich in folk literature
which depicts their traditions, culture, origin, their sentiments and feelings, social norms and
values, historical events associated with their migration from the hills as well as s socio-
political events experienced in their life which are perceptibly characterized through the folk
tales of the Mising. Globalization is seen to have great sway on the Mising folk literature which
has both positive and negative impacts. The present study examines the future of Mising folk
literature and impact of globalization of Mising folk Literature. There are many research done
on folk literature but research on the future and impacts on Mising folk literature is very scanty.
The paper would fill the gap and try to study its future and impact of globalization. This is
basically an analytical study and based on both primary and secondary information.
Keywords: Mising tribe, Globalization, Folk literature, Mising literature, Folklore.
Bio-note:
At present Darika Pegu is pursuing PhD at Srimanta Sankardeva Viswavidyala, Nagaon, Assam
and has completed the Master degree in English from the Department of English and Foreign
Languages at Tezpur Central University, Assam . The publication of the paper would greatly
help the author in carrying out the research work successfully.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Equating Numbers and Memories: A Study of Intellectual and Emotional
Harmonization in Yokō Ogawa’s The Housekeeper and The Professor
ARCHANA AKHAM, Ph.D Scholar, National Institute of Technology Agartala, India &
DR GYANABATI KHURAIJAM, Associate Professor and Head, Department of
Management, Humanities and Social Sciences, National Institute of Technology,
Agartala, India
Abstract:
This paper aims to explore the unusual yet intricate relationship of Memory, Numbers and
Emotional attachment in Yoko Ogawa’s The Housekeeper and The Professor. The novel
revolves around the story of an amnesiac professor of Mathematics and his unexpected bonding
with his Housekeeper and her son. The professor suffered a severe brain injury, limiting his
memory to eighty minutes, which raises the issue of mental health and trauma, and also the
challenges of ageing and loneliness. The intrusion of the widowed Housekeeper and her son in
the life of the professor sets the backdrop of the narrative which is also the sole key that unleash
the emotional gate of the forgetful Mathematician. Thus, the Housekeeper and her son, Root
ignite the Emotional Quotient in the Professor’s monotonous and intellectual life filled with
numbers, signs and formulas, by being his caregivers as well as his companions. Throughout
this story, loss of memory serves the symbolic representation of man’s cognitive declination
with ageing, pertaining to gerontological issues and loss of identity which disrupt the normal
healthy lifestyle. The dimension of ethical caregiving can be analysed through the character of
the Housekeeper and her nurturing attitude towards the mentally impaired professor. The study
will be grounded on the interdisciplinary theoretical frameworks of Jacques Lacan, Carol
Gilligan, Nel Nodding, Cathy Caruth and Judith Lewis Herman.
Keywords: Memory, Mental Health, Ageing, Emotion, Caregiver.
Bio-note:
Archana Akham is a Ph.D scholar at the National Institute of Technology Agartala, where she
is a part of the Department of Management, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Her domain
subject is English. Her research interests include Memory Studies, Health Humanities and
Environmental Humanities. She is dedicated to work on these areas and wants to explore the
intricate relationship of culture, memory health and environment in shaping the society and
exploring identity.
Dr. Gyanabati Khuraijam is an Associate Professor and the Head of the Department of
Management, Humanities & Social Sciences, National Institute of Technology Agartala.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Embodied Geographies of Trauma: A Study of Memory, Space, and
Identity in Anosh Irani’s The Parcel
GARGI THILAK, PhD Scholar, English and Foreign Languages University,
Hyderabad, India
Abstract:
This paper grounds its discussion in the perspective of Thomas Fuchs’s phenomenological
philosophy of embodied memory, particularly his assertion that both past experiences and
present perceptions are intertwined and manifest within the individual’s lived body. Fuchs
argues that autobiographical memory, while representing past events, is not merely a cognitive
process but a deeply embodied one. Therefore, the act of remembering is not simply recalling
a distant event, but a re-actualization of the past in the present moment. Through this process,
the past transcends its temporal location and becomes a visceral component of the individual’s
present experience.
Within this theoretical framework, this paper examines the intricate relationship
between body memory, spatiality, and identity formation in Anosh Irani’s novel, “The Parcel”.
The paper intends to bring up a debate between Fuch’s idea of embodied memory with the
protagonist’s idea of body and memory.Firstly, by drawing upon Fuchs’s phenomenological
framework, which posits the embodied nature of memory and its ability to bridge past and
present, the study analyzes how protagonist Madhu’s body becomes a living archive, a site
where memories and spatial experiences converge. Secondly, the paper explores the
impossibility of disentangling her physical body from her psyche despite her desire to separate
the two. Thirdly, the article looks at how Irani as a disinterested author literally constructs
Madhu’s physical body against how Madhu as the protagonist perceives it. In crux, “The
Parcel” offers a nuanced understanding of identity as inextricably linked to the spatial memory
and recollections that shape the individual’s lived bodily experience.
Keywords: Body memory, Spatial memory, Gendered spatiality, Trauma, Identity.
Bio-note:
Gargi Thilak has recently submitted PhD thesis at the Department of English Literature at the
English and Foreign Languages University and awaiting the viva examination. Her research
interests reside at the intersection of Memory Studies, Performance Studies, Gender Studies,
and Spatial Studies. Her dissertation examines the multifaceted ways in which gendered
performative memories and space intersect and inform one another.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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From Maharaja Bir Bikram Kisor Manikya Bahadur to Maharaja Kirit
Bikram Kisor Manikya Bahadur: A Study of the Tripura Merger
Agreement
DR USHASHEE NANDY, Assistant Professor of History, Tripura Government Law
College, Tripura, India
Abstract:
The Tripura Merger Agreement of 1949 gave a new direction to Tripura. There were various
factors that led Maharani Kanchanprabha Devi to sign and transfer it to Ranjit Kumar Roy,
ICS, who took charge of the state. Chakla Roshnabad under the influence of the Muslim League
had shown signs of opposition to the monarchy. They had already imposed martial law from
November to July, 1949. Thus it become crucial for them to take such a drastic step. Studying
the history of the region from Maharaja Bir Bikram Kisor Manikya Bahadur who ruled from
1923 onwards when in the mainland British India nationalist sentiments were rising, Tripura
had been undergoing socio-economic and political changes. When Maharaja Kirit Bikram
Kisor Manikya Bahadur came to power he was only fourteen and his mother Maharani
Kanchanprabha Mahadevi and her council took over. The political situation between 1947 and
1949 has to be critically studied to understand the Tripura Merger Agreement.
Keywords: Tripura, Merger Agreement, Monarchy, Women.
Bio-note:
Graduated in History from Loreto College, University of Calcutta and completed her Masters
from University of Hyderabad, Ushashee Nandy went on to do her M.phil from Visva-Bharati,
Santiniketan and received her Doctorate from Visva-Bharati on Partition, Economy and
Environment: Women’s Lives in West Bengal, 1947-1971. She is currently teaching history at
Tripura Government Law College, Agartala.
Empowering Individuals through Volunteering Work: A Pathway to Social
Change
PODAPATI PREM CHAITANYA, Student, Sri Vasavi Engineering College,
Tadepalligudem, India
Abstract:
Volunteerism is defined as ‘helping others without looking for financial gain in exchange, in
an activity which is planned to continue for a long time and which is done through
organization’. Volunteerism is an selfless act that is performed to make others feel hopeful.
This paper sought to analyze the effects of volunteerism, enhancing social well-being with
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
special reference to the occurrences in the society from a social works’ viewpoint. Social
relationship building, human capacities development and management of life with society are
discussed. This paper focuses on empowering life situations through volunteer work.
Volunteering is a cultural heritage we possess in us and in this paper analyzes how youngsters
are empowered through volunteering. This paper also focuses on youth volunteerism in
different categories. My inspiration for volunteerism came from many other organizations and
social cause activities that I have been part led me here.
Keywords: Volunteering, Culture of volunteering, Social work, Quality of social life, Youth.
Bio-note:
Podapati Prem Chaitanya is a final year AIML department student at Sri Vasavi Engineering
College, Tadepalligudem. He loves working as a volunteer and his optimistic view of social
service brought him here to pen this paper and contributed to various community initiatives,
such as the Beat Covid Campaign, and have received numerous certifications his involvement
as a campus ambassador and in the Indian Student Parliament further highlights his leadership
and commitment to technical education and social causes.
Sarah Joseph’s Budhini in Pursuit of Eco-Justice
NIMA A.M., Research Scholar, University of Calicut, Kerala, India
Abstract:
Sarah Joseph’s novel Budhini is a powerful exploration of the intersections between
environmental justice, indigenous rights, and the broader socio-political landscape of India.
The narrative centres on Budhini, the title character, a young woman from a Jharkhand tribal
tribe whose life is permanently changed by the building of a dam that threatens to sink her
ancestral lands. The ecofeminist viewpoint of the book emphasises how Budhini and her mostly
female tribe suffer disproportionately from the environmental destruction caused by the dam
project. Female characters like Ponmani, Kunjootan, Shailaja, and Karthiyani are depicted as
having an intimate, mutually beneficial relationship with the land, with their cultural identities
and means of subsistence being intrinsically related to the natural world. On the other hand,
male characters such as Dinakaran, Kumaran, Markose, and Ambu are portrayed as the main
forces behind the “developmental” projects that infringe on the island’s resources, turning the
farmlands into “concrete jungles”. This paradox represents the larger socio-economic and
political forces at work, in which the powerful pursue a capitalist growth model that puts profit
ahead of ecological sustainability, while marginalized communities are frequently the front-
line protectors of the environment.
Eco-justice typically concerns environmental sustainability, equitable distribution of
environmental resources, and the rights of marginalised communities affected by
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
environmental degradation. Budhini delves into these themes, potentially examining how
individuals and communities grapple with environmental challenges and seek justice in the
face of ecological crises.
Keywords: Eco-Justice, Bioregionalism, Anthropocene, Social inequality, Eco-Feminism.
Bio-note:
Nima A.M. is a Research Scholar at St. Aloysius College, under the University of Calicut. My
topic for research is “Reconceptualising Anthropocene: Contextualising Climate Change in
Selected Indian Novels”. She is interested in topics related to environmental humanities,
ecocriticism etc. Her major concern always revolves around the role of literature and how far
it can contribute to the awareness of the common people. People should also become aware of
the latest epochs like Chthulucene thus it redefines the Anthropocene. She has been a recipient
of the ASPIRE Scholarship for Research Scholars undertaken by the Government of Kerala.
Connecting with The Past: Cultural Memory and Folk Traditions in
Lahaul
MEGHA THAKUR, Ph.D scholar, Indian Institute Of Technology, Mandi, India
Abstract:
The paper is an attempt to register culture through memory. I shall observe collective memory
as the basis of the cultural construct of Lahauli society in the Western Himalayas. The cultural
memory of Lahaul is manifested in its varied folk traditions, performances, rituals, and,
customs. The association of memory with the history will be explored through the customary
acts in Lahaul to convey how they shape the worldview of the people. The main focus of the
paper will be to study the important historical monuments like the Triloknath temple in the
Udaipur village and the folklore and ritual that stands as a metaphor for cultural construct of
the temple. This study becomes imperative for a deep understanding of the history and cultural
geography of the place as embodied by the folk and enacted through practices. The people
belong to the five distinct valleys namely: Pattan, Gahr, Tinan, Tod and, Miyar. Each
communicate in their own dialects. My purpose will be to map out the history of Lahaul through
the use of an amalgamated language in the folksongs. Lahaul had a rich tradition of oral
storytelling. The folk songs are known as “ghure” which prove to be a testimony of the past
and are essential in exhibiting the diverse history. There are various folk motifs and symbols
that are found in these narratives which inform us about the people and their relation to the
past. Since folklore is a medium of preserving and spreading the collective memory of a group
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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ABSTRACT VOLUME
of individuals which shared customs and beliefs, the connection between folklore and cultural
memory becomes essential.
Keywords: Folklore, Cultural Memory, Performance, Symbolism, Cultural Anthropology.
Bio-note:
Megha Thakur is a Junior Research Fellow at the Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi. Her
research interest lies in the field of cultural studies and folklore, primarily in Lahaul. She is
focused on exploring the folk narratives, cultural practices, customs, and other expressive
traditions of the region. She aims to look into the cultural meanings that are you embedded in
the rich landscape and the way in which these meanings shape the consciousness, identity and
worldview of the people that inhabit the place. The purpose is to study the interplay between
landscape and folk practices. Her broader interest lies in cultural anthropology, along with
folklore and performance studies.
Yengde’s Dalit Love: Revisiting Ambedkar’s India and the Pre-requisites of
Communism
SNIGDHA BARDHAN, Student, Visva-Bharati, Birbhum, India
Abstract:
The spirit of isolation, separation, degradation, and domination of the caste system gets its
water as the upper-class people’s cultural and social capital is accepted as merit. Education can
be the only source that we have in our hands to change this viewpoint. Yengde rightly points
out that apolitical love is the mere demonstration that makes no change; so we have to grow
and love with a politically charged vision to resist inequality. Yengde’s Dalit Love shows the
path to prepare a proper antidote to the ‘malady of caste’. The critical consciousness is
necessary to understand the other and to understand one’s position to another. The present
concern of this study articulates and investigates the problems of ‘educational utopianism’
which is built by alienating the societal relations and the life-world of the dominated groups
and trying to liberate persons by subscribing to individual spiritual uplift.
The feeling of being alienated by the other (upper) castes deeply makes the individual
numb and she always stays within the existential crisis. However, this very person many a time
embraces another person with love, kindness, and hospitality if she ever feels any kind of
friendly approach from the person. This Dalit love is blended with the possibilities to change
the world’s approach to her and the deep pain that she tolerates through her ancestral memory
and in her life. She is in the position to give love to everybody and her heart beats to be loved
also.
Groupism with casteism is not only a threat to the ‘lower class people’, in a capitalist
patriarchal society it is the main thread to promote a binary social system, i.e. hetero-normative,
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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ABSTRACT VOLUME
anti-queer, and trans-phobic chambers. The internal death of the ‘inferior Other’ must be
considered to be a burning issue in present society.
Keywords: Dalit Love, Ambedkar, Caste problem, Education, Communism.
Bio-note:
Snigdha Bardhan has completed Graduation with Honours in Philosophy in 2019 from Visva-
Bharati. She pursued an M.A. in Philosophy from Visva-Bharati with a specialization in Social
and Political Philosophy and Philosophy of Mind.
Roots and Routes: Negotiating Modernity in Easterine Kire’s Bitter
Wormwood and Mamang Dai’s The Black Hill
NAMEIRAKPAM ELIZA DEVI, Research Scholar, National Institute of Technology,
Manipur, India & Dr SANGEETA LAISHRAM, Associate Professor, National Institute
of Technology, Manipur, India
Abstract:
Globalization has impacted Northeast India, a region known for its cultural diversity, unique
geographical location, and socio-political complexities like similarly situated areas. The
imposition of colonial culture, education, and language resulted in cultural displacement among
the natives. The plight of natives attempts to merge the upholding cultural tradition and the
inevitable modernization. Despite modernity, many communities in this region are actively
attempting to reclaim their traditional languages, maintain practices, and transmit their
identities. Easterine Kire and Mamang Dai, two eloquent writers from Northeast India, are
influential in bringing attention to the narratives of revisiting events of degradation of the native
society caused by factional killings and political unrest. They also reflect the resilience of the
native people and their continuing struggle to preserve their identity regardless of external
pressure and internal conflicts vividly shown in the narratives of Bitter Wormwood and The
Black Hill respectively. In the paper, Kire and Dai probe the local culture and tradition within
the context of the region’s decolonial realities and the challenges faced in a rapidly growing
world through the lens of Subaltern Studies and an Intersectional approach. This study also
stresses a distinctive outlook on the erosion of local cultures due to colonial and neo-colonial
by displaying how the nature of these forces shapes and reevaluates the tribal experience.
Keywords: Subaltern, Cultural Resilience, Globalization, Intersectionality, Conflict.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Bio-note:
Nameirakpam Eliza Devi is a Ph.D scholar at the National Institute of Technology, Manipur,
where she is a part of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. Her domain subject
is English. Her research interests include Subaltern studies, Memory studies, and Women
studies. She is dedicated to working on these areas and wants to explore the voices of marginal,
and memories as guiding tools to explore identity and social relations.
Dr. Sangeeta Laishram is an Associate Professor of the Department of Humanities and
Social Science at the National Institute of Technology, Manipur.
Marichjhapi Massacre and the Patterns of Exclusion: A Literary and
Historical Analysis Through the Lens of Political Theory
DR ANAMIKA SUKUL, Assistant Professor, St. Mary’s College, Hyderabad, India
Abstract:
This paper aims to bring forth a theoretical study on the area of forced displacement and
geographies of refugee journeys in India. The discussion is centred around the incident of the
Marichjhapi massacre of 1979, and it takes an interdisciplinary approach to analyse the crisis
by integrating historical, literary, and political perspectives.
Marichjhapi massacre tells the story of the forcible expulsion in 1979 of Bengali
refugees on Marichjhapi Island in Sundarbans, and the violence that allegedly followed
resulting in the loss of several lives. Tracing the historical context of the exclusion of the
Bengali Hindu refugees and the shifting perceptions of the State, it details the systemic
persecution of the population that eventually led to the massacre. The study is undertaken
considering Michel Foucault’s theories on biopolitics and the management of populations. It
also looks into some of the political theories and concepts put forward by the Italian
philosophers Giorgio Agamben and Roberto Esposito, particularly focusing on their reworking
of Foucault’s research on biopolitics, to offer a deeper understanding of the complexities of
state power and the plight of migrant lives.
This paper applies the framework of biopolitics to interpret some of the literary
representations of the incident, namely Deep Halder’s Blood Island: An Oral History of the
Marichjhapi Massacre, and Amitav Ghosh’s The Hungry Tide. Combining political theories
with textual and historical narratives helps us underline the human cost of such violence, as
well as substantiate the politics of exclusion from a broader scale. The perspectives developed
out of this study take us deep into the heart of some of the pressing concerns of today’s world,
particularly with relation to forced ethnic migrations and refugee resettlements.
Keywords: Exception, Biopolitics, Ethnic, Refugee, Bare life, Thanatopolitics.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Bio-note:
Anamika Sukul is currently employed as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social
Sciences and Humanities, St. Mary’s College, Hyderabad. She earned her Ph.D. in English
from Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, West Bengal. A recipient of the Shastri Indo-Canadian
Doctoral Fellowship award (funded by MHRD, Govt. of India), she has been a visiting research
associate at the University of Victoria (BC), Canada. Dr. Sukul also holds an M. Phil degree in
English and is a University Gold Medalist. She is presently working on a monograph based on
her doctoral thesis and has published scholarly articles related to the area of forced migration
and refugee studies.
Decolonizing Ecological Ethics in Amitav Ghosh’s Smoke and Ashes
PRATISHTHA MISHRA, Post-Graduate Student, Sharda University, India
Abstract:
This paper explores the intersection of ecological ethics with decolonization through a critical
lens in Ghosh’s Smoke and Ashes. The work engages with the ecological implications of
colonialism which shaped both landscape and indigenous communities across the Global
South, particularly India. Ghosh’s narrative foregrounds the ecological destructions and
degradation resulting from colonial intervention, which prioritized the capitalist exploitation
of natural resources by ignoring indigenous environmental knowledge. Through a postcolonial
lens, this paper examines how Ghosh critiques the Eurocentric ethical framework underpinning
colonial expansion and continuing to influence global environmental policies. The paper argues
that Smoke and Ashes provides valuable insight into the process of decolonizing the ecological
imperative by raising awareness of the need to rethink human-nature interaction in light of the
colonial past. The anthropocentric vision that places man apart from and above nature is thus
problematized in Smoke and Ashes through Ghosh’s portrayal of colonialism. The paper also
evaluates how Ghosh links historical colonial activities like deforestation, monoculture
plantations, and extraction of natural resources to present-day environmental degradation and
how these practices define the ecological problems we face today, particularly in postcolonial
nations. The paper further explores how Ghosh advocates a decolonized ecological ethic that
restores indigenous epistemologies and ontologies. This includes respecting ecosystems as
interconnected with human life and recognizing the cultural and ecological wisdom embedded
in non-Western worldviews. The study posits that decolonizing ecological ethics requires both
a historical analysis of colonialism’s ecological violence and the integration of sustainable
practices based on Indigenous knowledge systems. Smoke and Ashes can be considered as a
theoretical work that can help to reconsider the concept of ecological ethics. Ghosh stresses the
need to decolonize ecology and rethink the colonial legacy of environmentalism by promoting
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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ABSTRACT VOLUME
environmental justice at the global scale and by acknowledging both historical and
contemporary ecological entanglements.
Keywords: Ecological Ethics, Postcolonial, Decolonizing, Indigenous knowledge,
Environmental Justice.
Bio-note:
Pratishtha Mishra is a dedicated scholar currently pursuing her Master’s degree in English
Literature from Sharda University, following her Bachelor’s degree in English (Hons) from the
same institution. Her research focuses on the interaction of literature, ecology and postcolonial
studies. Pratishtha Mishra has published a chapter “Samhita Arni’s Sita’s Ramayana: Unveiling
Ecofeminist Narratives” in “From Quills to Keyboards: Critical Essays on English Literature”
and continues to explore how literature can illustrate the complexities of human-environment
relationships.
Geleyara Gumpu and Navodaya: Exploring the Cultural and Socio-
Political Causes of the Emergence of a Literary Culture
NIVEDITHA B, Research Scholar, Department of Studies and Research in English
Tumkur University, Karnataka, India
Abstract:
English Studies, as an academic field, has evolved over time with its own historical trajectory.
Writing literary histories has been recognised as a recent development and an emerging trend
in the domain. Unlike traditional literary history, which focused on arranging events in
chronological order, contemporary literary history places a premium on fostering Bhasha
studies and research, championing the exploration of the emergence of vernacular literature
and culture. Just as historians of science and social science have forged their paths, literary
historians now stand at the forefront of uncovering the panorama of human creativity and
expression throughout history. The main assumption of this paper is the distinction we make
between studying literary texts and studying literary culture, which includes the contexts of
their production, reception, and their larger engagement with national culture. It is more a
contribution to the understanding of literature in general and its system than to a particular
literature.
While the idea is to study a Global South’s literary culture, Navodaya, the focus will be
on the cultural and socio-political causes that led to its emergence. The emergence of Navodaya
will be viewed with the vantage point of Geleyara Gumpu, an informal friends’ circle and
learned society of the colonial period. However, it should be noted that the study borrows the
knowledge from various other disciplines like History, Political Science, Philosophy, Kannada
Studies, Cultural Studies, Anthropology and so on. Therefore, this paper explores a literary
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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ABSTRACT VOLUME
culture in history, in relation to an informal literary coterie existed during the same period, and
thus serves to attempt in preserving a ‘cultural memory’.
Keywords: Navodaya, Geleyara Gumpu , Bhasha Studies, Literary Culture , Cultural Memory.
Bio-note:
Niveditha B is a Research Scholar at Tumkur University, Tumkur, Karnataka. Her research area
is emergence of literary culture and she is exploring the literary culture of Dharwad, a cultural
hub of Karnataka. She has completed my Master’s degree in English from Tumkur University
and cleared NET in June 2020. She has worked as an Assistant Professor in a private First
Grade College for three years and is associated with Ajim Premji University, Bangalore as an
external bilingual translator, translating from English to Kannada and Vice-versa. She has done
her M.Sc. in Botany too.
Food Hermeneutics and South Asian Identity: A Critical Study of
Madhushree Ghosh’s Khabaar: An Immigrant Journey of Food, Memory,
and Identity
MANJARI UPADHYAYA, PhD Scholar, Gauhati University, India
Abstract:
This essay aims to explore ways to look beyond food as a nutritional entity and examine the
intersection of identity, culture, and history conveyed through food. By analyzing recipes and
culinary memoirs as a genre, one can gain insight into the complex histories and cultures of a
nation. In the memoir Khabaar: An Immigrant Journey of Food, Memory, and Identity,
Madhushree Ghosh presents crucial culinary images of immigrants that convey how the
characters interact within the culinary realm and their interactions speak of identity and culture.
Using food as a central tool, she tries to showcase the diasporic person’s longing for home, and
simultaneously, a migrant’s way of creating a space for themselves by recreating the cuisine of
their homeland. By exploring their experiences, this paper aims to examine the significance of
memoirs in food writing and how a person’s identity is constructed in relation to memory,
culture, and cuisine. It examines Ghosh’s use of food images and symbolism, which not only
provide a glimpse into the culture of India but also indulge in the politicization of food. By
analyzing her text, this paper will look into collective memory as a tool to speak of South Asian
cuisine and explore ways that talk of larger aspects of identity built through food. By studying
intersections of food, culture and diaspora, we can assess the alienation faced by a migrant, and
how food helps to bridge the differences and establish their hybrid identity in a foreign land.
Keywords: Food Studies, Culture, Diaspora, Identity, Hybridity.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
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Bio-note:
Manjari Upadhyaya is a PhD Scholar in the Department of English, Gauhati University. She
specializes in Food Studies, exploring the intersection of literature and food in literary works.
She has completed her M.A from the Department of English and Foreign Languages, Tezpur
University; and completed her graduation from Tezpur College. Her area of interest includes
Food Studies, Gender Studies,South Asian Diasporic Literature and Culture, and Post Colonial
Literature.
Intersections of Gender, Race, and Social Justice in Contemporary Global
Discourse
ANAM JABEEN, Research Scholar & Guest Faculty, Magadh University, Bihar, India
Abstract:
The interconnected themes of gender, race, and social justice form the core of contemporary
global discourse. As societies confront the legacies of discrimination, inequality, and exclusion,
these issues shape historical, social, and political landscapes, influencing collective
consciousness and individual lives. Gender and race are socially constructed categories often
wielded as tools of power and control. Social justice, in contrast, reflects the moral imperative
to dismantle these oppressive systems. By adopting a holistic approach, one can examine the
complex nuances that define the pursuit of equality and fairness. At the heart of social justice
lies the struggle for liberation—the dismantling of systems that marginalize certain groups
while privileging others. This liberation manifests in many forms throughout history, from the
abolition of slavery to civil rights movements and feminist and LGBTQ+ rights movements.
Each of these movements has consistently sought to challenge and dismantle the structures of
power and oppression. In contemporary times, movements like Black Lives Matter and
#MeToo have brought issues of race and gender into sharp focus, advocating for justice for
marginalized groups. This paper will scrutinize the relationship among race, gender and social
justice and also how these movements underscore the need for addressing systemic racism and
sexism while pushing for broader cultural shifts that embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The fight for gender justice has been long and multi-dimensional, with feminism at the
forefront. Over various waves and forms, feminism has worked to dismantle patriarchy and
challenge the cultural and structural forces that perpetuate gender inequality.
Keywords: Inequality, Social Justice, Feminism, Reproductive rights, Power and control.
Bio-note:
Anam Jabeen is a multifaceted research scholar, artist, and author known for her impactful
contributions across various disciplines. Her work spans research papers, poems, book chapters
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
and a shorts story, all infused with a deep sensitivity toward social justice. Anam’s writing
reflects her commitment to addressing gender and racial discrimination, offering a profound
critique of societal inequalities.
Exploring Disability Theory in ‘Android Kunjappan Version 5.25’: Aging,
Dependency, and the Humanization of Technology
PRASANTHI. P, Assistant Professor, Department of English, KMM College of Arts and
Science, Kerala, India
Abstract:
Android Kunjappan Version 5.25 (2019)” is a captivating Malayalam-language film that delves
into the nuances of disability theory. The narrative deftly navigates themes of aging,
dependency, and the relationship between humanity and technology. An intriguing aspect of
the movie is its portrayal of disability and aging, partrough the character of Bhaskaran, who
grapples with the challenges of frailty and age-related disabilities. The introduction of the
humanoid robot, Kunjappan, as a caregiver prompts reflection on society’s inclination towards
substituting human assistance with technological solutions. This substitution raises important
questions about societal perceptions and treatment of the elderly and disabled, shedding light
on the evolving dynamics of care and support in an increasingly technology-driven world. By
closely examining the film’s exploration of these themes, we can gain valuable insights into
the intersection of disability theory and cinematic storytelling.
Formal analysis of the film Android Kunjappan Version 5.25 reveals a complex and
nuanced exploration of disability theory. The film delicately navigates the intricate web of
intersections between technology, caregiving, and societal attitudes towards aging and
disability. By presenting a narrative that challenges conventional notions of disability,
dependency, and the impact of technology on human experience, the film prompts viewers to
critically assess their own preconceptions and biases.
Through its portrayal of the relationship between an elderly man and his robot
caregiver, Android Kunjappan Version 5.25 delves into themes of independence, autonomy,
and the evolving role of technology in shaping our understanding of disability. By centering
the experiences of characters often marginalized in mainstream discourse, the film offers a
poignant and powerful commentary on the ways in which society constructs and perpetuates
notions of difference and ability.
In the broader context of disability studies, Android Kunjappan Version 5.25 emerges
as a significant and thought-provoking contribution, sparking important conversations around
inclusivity, empathy, and the ongoing fight for disability rights and representation in media and
society.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Keywords: Disabity and aging, Human-Robot Relationship, AI, Robotics.
Bio-note:
Prasanthi. P is a dedicated educator at the KMM College of Arts and Science in Thrikkakara,
Kochi, Kerala, with a remarkable 14 years of teaching experience.
Evolving Representations of Women with Disability in Indian Cinema:
From Marginalization to Empowerment
SURASREE DEB BARMAN, Research Scholar, Raiganj University and State Aided
College Teacher, (Birsa Munda College, NBU), West Bengal, India
Abstract:
The representation of women with disabilities in Hindi cinema has gained significant
momentum towards becoming a subject of interest for an increasing number of academics
reflecting the broader views of society and cultural narratives. Based on that, this paper
examines the depiction of disabled women as featured in Hindi films and, therefore, traces the
evolution of depictions from early cinema to contemporary productions. It contends that,
although there has indeed been a gradual shift toward more nuanced portrayals, the industry at
times relies on stereotypical and one-dimensional representations that reinforce societal
prejudices. These representations often intersect with issues of gender, class, and sexuality in
influencing public perception about disability.
It draws together a range of films featuring disabled female characters, explores how
such characters are framed within the narrative structure, and analyzes the use of disability as
a plot device to evoke sympathy, tragedy, or heroism. Such on-screen representations are
contributing to the marginalization of disabled women both on and off the screen. The paper
also reflects on the role of popular cinema in challenging or perpetuating existing stereotypes
and raises questions about the extent to which Hindi cinema represents a site for authentic
representation.
This paper advocates for Hindi cinema to move beyond the reductive stereotypes of
women with disabilities toward a more complex and empowering narrative. Such a shift is
imperative not only for better representation but also for fostering a more inclusive society that
recognizes women with disabilities in all their diversities.
Keywords: Hindi cinema, Disability, Women representation, Stereotypes, Cultural narratives,
Gender, Inclusion.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Bio-note:
Surasree Deb Barman teaches at Birsa Munda College. She has done her Master’s in English
Literature at Banaras Hindu University. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. from Raiganj
University (UD). Her areas of interest include Postcolonial studies, Partition Literature,
Northeast Indian Literature, Gender Studies, Disability Studies, and Children’s Literature.
The Rendezvous of Literature and Artificial Intelligence: A Fortune or
Fiasco?
FATHIMA SHIFA P, Junior Research Fellow, Amal College of Advanced Studies,
Nilambur, India & DR. SHAMEEMA T, Assistant Professor, Research Supervisor, Amal
College of Advanced Studies, Nilambur, India.
Abstract:
Literature advancing in an epoch of Artificial Intelligence, blur the boundaries between the
human and machine potency. The authenticity of authorship and human creativity are posed
with multiple challenges. On one hand, the horizon of literature expands and generate novel
opportunities with AI while on the other, human creativity is subjected to precarity. The study
primarily intends to navigate through multiple dimensions of literature merging with Artificial
Intelligence in the backdrop of post humanism and, analyses whether it is a futuristic fortune
or fiasco. It also aims to profoundly examine and distinguish between the AI-generated and AI-
assisted narratives emerging today through analogies of AI generated poetry and novels. The
pursuit of publication and plagiarism also emerges as an issue to be discussed in the paper, as
AI content in disguise finds space in e-commerce platforms like Amazon and gets published in
the name of human authors. The authorial status of human and AI narrations and the
engagement of readers with such hybrid narratives undertakes a distinct literary turn in the
contemporary era. This interdisciplinary nexus of human-AI coalition invites scrutiny in the
aspects of narratology, construction of novel plotlines, nuanced interpretation of texts and
becomes an inevitable part of the ongoing dialogue about the intersection of multiple
disciplines.
Keywords: AI Generated Narratives, Authenticity, Post-Humanism, Narratology,
Interdisciplinary Nexus.
Bio-note:
Fathima Shifa P is a Junior Research Fellow pursuing PhD at Amal College of Advanced
Studies, Nilambur, affiliated to Calicut University. Her Academic Qualifications include a
Bachelors in English language with distinction and has Post graduated with a first class. She
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
has secured UGC NET with JRF in July, 2023 and her scholarly interests are situated at the
intersection of Woke Cultural studies, Digital Humanities and Post Humanism which greatly
contribute to the ongoing academic discourse.
Dr. Shameema Thottathil is an Assistant Professor of English Language and Literature,
Amal College of Advanced Studies, Nilambur, Kerala, India. (Affiliated to the University of
Calicut). She is currently the Chief Editor of Contemporary Literary Review India, an Indian
based literary journal(https://literaryjournal.in/index.php/clri/about/editorial Team). She is also
a writer for the Kipling Studies at The Kipling Society, UK.
(https://www.kiplingsociety.co.uk/profiles.htm) . She has published articles and book chapters
in both national and international journals and books. Her fields of research include cultural
studies, Jewish and Black American studies, South Asian Literature and Minority Studies.
Unravelling Extinction: New Weird, Detective Noir, and Ecocriticism in
Jeff VanderMeer’s Hummingbird Salamander
SWAGATA SINGHA RAY, Ph.D Scholar, Raiganj University, India
Abstract:
This research paper delves into the ecocritical dimensions of Jeff VanderMeer’s Hummingbird
Salamander, exploring how the novel employs a unique blend of New Weird fiction and
detective noir to address the pressing environmental crises of the Anthropocene. VanderMeer’s
narrative constructs a complex, multi-layered critique of humanity’s impact on the natural
world, centering on the protagonist, Jane Smith, who becomes ensnared in a mysterious
ecological conspiracy. This conspiracy serves as a microcosm of the broader ecological
entanglements that define human existence in the Anthropocene, where the boundaries between
nature and culture, human and non-human, are increasingly blurred.
The paper argues that VanderMeer’s use of genre-blending is not merely a stylistic
choice but a deliberate strategy to foreground ecological themes. The novel’s non-linear
narrative structure disrupts conventional temporal frameworks, reflecting the disorientation
and urgency that characterize the current ecological crisis. By intertwining past, present, and
future, Hummingbird Salamander underscores the interconnectedness of all species and the
long-term consequences of human actions on the environment.
VanderMeer’s depiction of extinct and hybrid species, particularly through the symbolic
taxidermy hummingbird and salamander, highlights the fragile and often precarious
relationship between life and death, human and non-human. These species serve as metaphors
for the ecological disruptions caused by human activity, challenging anthropocentric views and
emphasizing the need for a posthuman perspective that recognizes the intrinsic value of all
forms of life.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Through an ecocritical lens, this paper examines how Hummingbird Salamander
functions as both a narrative of environmental degradation and a call to action. VanderMeer’s
innovative genre-blending creates a powerful commentary on the ethical responsibilities of
humans towards the environment, urging readers to reconsider their relationship with the
natural world. By situating the novel within the broader context of ecocriticism, this research
contributes to understanding how literature can serve as a vital tool for exploring and
addressing the complex challenges of the Anthropocene.
Keywords: Anthropocene, Posthumanism, Environmental ethics, Genre-blending, Ecological
crisis.
Bio-note:
Swagata Singha Ray is Ph.D Scholar in the department of English in Raiganj University,
Raiganj. She has completed her M.Phil. thesis tilted Reading Margaret Atwood’s MaddAddam
trilogy as Speculative fiction through Posthuman Lens. Her areas of interest are Posthumanism,
Indian English writing, feminist writing, diasporic studies and modernist and post modernist
literature.
Unveiling the Self and Digital Identity in A.V. Geiger’s Follow Me Back : A
Cyberpsychological Analysis
NRIPIKA SHARMA, PhD Scholar, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, India
Abstract:
In the contemporary digital age, the internet and social media have become an integral part of
life, especially for the younger generation. The virtual world of the internet could pose
considerable risks varying from mental health issues to social alienation. The blue light
emitting from the screen could certainly interrupt users and vandalize their cerebral state to a
great extent. The paper delves into the complexities of navigating the digital landscape and its
impact on personal identity. A.V. Geiger’s Follow Me Back (2017) utilizes a
cyberpsychological lens to explore the protagonist’s fight for self-discovery in the digital age,
where self-representation and digital identity engage in a complex duel. Focusing on young
individuals, the paper examines the creation of artificial identities on digital platforms:
navigating the blurring lines between their online and offline personas, and exploring how
these constructed identities can lead to estrangement from the real world. It discusses the
tension between authenticity and performance in the superficial digital world, highlighting the
novel’s portrayal of the alluring yet hollow facade of online life. The character’s reliance on
social media platforms and the pressure to conform to online aesthetics are examined as factors
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
that can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and contribute to a disrupted self-image. Finally, the
paper investigates the psychological implications of this digital duality. The paper draws on
existing framework on cyberpsychology and digital culture studies by suggesting insights into
psychological processes underlying pseudo-digital persona and its impact on real-world
relationships considering broader implications of these dynamics for youth culture and social
media use.
Keywords: Technology, Digital identity, Social Media, Cyberpsychology.
Bio-note:
Nripika Sharma is a PhD candidate in the Department of English at Central University of
Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala. Her research interests include south Asian popular culture,
cyberpsychology, urban cultures, and digital identity. She holds an MA in English from the
Department of English, Himachal Pradesh University, and a BA Honours in English Literature
from St. Bede’s College, Shimla.
Beyond the Boundaries of Motherhood: Challenging Societal Ethics and
Embracing Agency in Anuradha Roy’s All the Lives We Never Lived
NILAM GOGOI, Research Scholar, Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva
Viswavidyalaya, India
Abstract:
Societal ethics of a mother refer to the moral values and principles such as selflessness, sacrifice
personal desires and aspirations, submissiveness, devotion towards family and children and
others that society demands a mother to embrace. These societal ethics can be limiting and
oppressive, restricting a mother’s autonomy, individuality, and agency. In Anuradha Roy’s
novel All the Lives We Never Lived a mother named Gayatri challenged these mother’s ethics
of society to find her purpose in life. The novel unfolds the story through the eyes of the son,
Myshkin in search for his mother, who abandoned her son and shows autonomy upon her life.
The narrative portrays a mother’s challenges dominated around motherhood, highlighting the
need for a nuanced understanding of wome’s experience through a series of letters, journal
entries, and recollections. The story also delves into the emotional and psychological impact
on the son because of the mother’s decision as the son grapples his sense of abandonment and
legacy of mother’s choice. Thus the narration explores the intersectionality of personal freedom
and social constrain, as well as the ways in which individual carve out their own paths in the
overwhelming odds.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
This paper hence, examines the how the protagonist, Gayatri, navigates beyond
boundaries the constraints of patriarchal society and expectations placed upon her as a mother
and argues a mother’s importance to embrace agency, autonomy, and individuality in
motherhood.
The novel through Gayatri, exposes the ethical dilemmas faced by mothers who must
choose between conformity and self-expression. The novel raises crucial questions about the
responsibilities of motherhood, the sacrifices expected of women, the repercussions of defying
societal norms. From the perspective of a mother’s societal ethics the novel is a reminder of
the countless lives never lived, and the profound impact of societal constraints of women’s
lives and identities.
Keywords: Societal ethics, Motherhood, Boundaries, Individuality, Psychology.
Bio-note:
Nilam Gogoi is a research scholar specialising in women studies and embodiment narration of
motherhood. Her research explores intersectional experiences of kinds of motherhood, mothers
and cultural, social and individual identity. She has published in various journals and presented
national and international seminars, and earning recognition for her impactful scholarship.
Voices from the Silence: Chandra’s Death
Dr SUDHA JHA PATHAK, Associate Professor, Bennett University, Greater Noida,
India & Dr SUMAN LUHACH, Associate Professor, Bennett University, Greater Noida,
India
Abstract:
From the 1970s subaltern studies emerged as a distinctive school of research and writing.
However, the Women’s Question has not been the central theme in subaltern studies. Patriarchy
is a system of social structures and practices in which men dominate, oppress, and exploit
women. (Walby,1990). Ranajit Guha’s “Chandra’s Death’’ is a classic opus in the genre of
subaltern studies in Subaltern Studies (Volume V). Guha discovered an obscure document in
the archives, a legal document regarding Chandra’s death, a woman belonging to the Bagdi
caste who died in the nineteenth century due to a failed abortion. The article focuses on the
female subaltern and the role of gender in creating subalternity. The document could fit into
the universal traditional narrative of patriarchal and caste oppression. Guha has attempted to
read the document against the grain as a legal text and” reclaim the document for history.” He
picked up the remnants of subaltern existence at the lower echelons of society, which is ignored
by traditional historiography. The attempt at this reconstruction is faced with various
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
impediments such as the paucity of sources, the document being available in ‘‘fragments’’, and
the story which has come down to us as a fragment of the dismembered past. This paper will
attempt to delve into the document, analyze how women are confined and dictated as per the
norms of patriarchy, and illustrate instances of female resistance and camaraderie that are to be
found in the text.
Keywords: Women question, Patriarchy, Subaltern studies, Legal document, Chandra.
Bio-note:
Dr. Sudha Jha Pathak is an Associate Professor of History, at the School of Law, Bennett
University, Greater Noida. Her teaching and research interests include Ancient Indian History,
Legal History, Women, and related issues. She received her Ph.D degree from M.S.University
of Baroda, Vadodara.
Dr. Suman Luhach is an Associate Professor of History, at the School of Law, Bennett
University, Greater Noida. Her teaching and research interests include Critical Literary
Theories and Law, Law and Literature, Teaching of Academic Writing Skills, and Online
Collaborative Language Learning.She received her Ph.D degree from BITS, Pilani, Pilani
Campus.
Cinematic Perceptions of Ageing : Exploring Counter Narratives in
Pranayam and Oru Cheru Punchiri through Narrative Gerontology
ASHNA K ASOK, Assistant Professor, Christ College (Autonomous), Kerala, India
Abstract:
The universal process of ageing cannot just be defined by the biological changes and
transformations of the body but has to be viewed from the diverse spectrum of perspectives
that involves social, psychological, physiological as well as cultural viewpoints. Ageing thus
is a “statement of change. The inevitability of ageing is the inevitability of change
itself”(Friedman 121). To explore this change through a narrative inquiry into the past of
elderly people, through their narratives, to learn about self, ageing, and growth is what
constitutes Narrative Gerontology. It focuses on the idea of humans as storied beings and looks
into the process of ageing biographically as well as biologically. This paper intends to analyze
how ageing is portrayed both biologically as well as biographically in popular culture by
analyzing two Malayalam movies Pranayam (2011) and Oru Cheru Punchiri (2001).
Pranayam(Love) progresses through the complexities and connotations of love between elderly
couples. The storyline progresses through narrative reflections upon a shared past, by the three
protagonists -a woman and two men -all in the later stages of their lives. Oru Cheru Punchiri
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
portrays the sweet nuances of love and companionship shared by an elderly couple enjoying
their retired life. Both movies raise questions on society’s perception of the process of ageing
and challenge the limitations laid down by the rules of ‘age-appropriate’ behavior for the
elderly. This paper intends to use the framework of narrative gerontology to explore how the
movies construct a counter-narrative to the dominant discourses of ageing This paper also
attempts to explore how the characters strive to break free of socially constructed stereotypes
about ageing, such as age-appropriate behavior, not through a rejection of their mental and
physical states but by complete acceptance of it.
Keywords: Ageing, Narrative Gerontology, Counter-narrative, Cinema.
Bio-note:
Ms. Ashna K Asok is an Assistant Professor in the Department of English, Christ College
(Autonomous), Irinjalakuda, Kerala . Her areas of interest are Occult Literature, Dalit Studies
and Gender Studies.
Drifting through Lisbon: Unveiling Resistance and Reclaiming Space in
Saramago’s The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis
ARNAB DASGUPTA, Ph.D Scholar, Presidency University, Kolkata, India
Abstract:
This paper examines the concept of “drifting” as a multifaceted tool of resistance in José
Saramago’s The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis. Set against the backdrop of Lisbon under
Salazar’s fascist regime, the novel follows Ricardo Reis, a poet and doctor, whose aimless
strolls through the city become acts of subtle defiance. Through the lens of urban theory and
psychogeography, particularly the works of Michel de Certeau, Guy Debord, and Gilles
Deleuze, this study explores how Saramago uses the protagonist’s drifts as a means of
reappropriating and subverting the authoritarian control embedded in the city’s architecture and
social order.
The paper argues that Lisbon, depicted as both a physical and symbolic space, serves
as a battleground where power relations are inscribed and contested. The act of drifting, or the
dérive, allows Reis to navigate the city in ways that resist the totalizing narratives imposed by
the regime. These wanderings are not merely acts of physical movement; they represent a
deeper intellectual and existential resistance. As Reis moves through the labyrinthine streets,
he engages in a form of silent protest, reclaiming the city space from the grip of fascist
surveillance and control.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Drifting in Saramago’s narrative is depicted as a subversive practice that transforms
everyday spaces into sites of resistance. It challenges the dominant modes of seeing and
understanding the city, offering alternative narratives that resist the hegemonic control of public
and private spaces. The paper also explores how this act of drifting enables a continuous
renegotiation of identity and memory, as Reis confronts his past and the oppressive reality of
his present.
By situating Saramago’s work within the broader discourse of urban resistance and
psychogeography, this paper highlights how the seemingly mundane act of wandering becomes
a profound political and philosophical statement. The study contributes to a deeper
understanding of how literature can engage with and critique the socio-political structures of
its time through the exploration of urban space and movement.
Keywords: Urban Space, Psychogeography, Dérive, Identity, Memory.
Bio-note:
Arnab Dasgupta is presently pursuing Ph.D at Presidency University working on his
thesis titled “Remapping the Urban: Space and Postmodern Aesthetics, 1970-2015”. He has
completed his M.Phil in English on J.M. Coetzee from the University of North Bengal in
the year 2018. His research interests include Modernist and Post Modernist Literature,
Science Fiction and Indian Writing in English , Posthumanism, cultural and literary
theory. He has qualified UGC JRF in 2016.
The Disability Matrix in Indian Nepali Literature:Reading the disability
narrative in “Daughter” and “ Blank Light”
LADEN SHERPA, Assistant Professor, Sonada Degree College, Darjeeling, India
Abstract:
Indian Nepali literature has remained less explored area and out of the nineteen translated
stories in Call of the Hills (2016) the two important stories delve into the ameliorating anxiety
towards disability/impairment instance .The two short stories are translated into English from
Nepali. The paper seeks to trace precarious position of the two stories in the greater context
of disability studies and see forth the emerging diversity in disability studies in Indian
Literature . Delving into the kaleidoscopic view of the translated work “Daughter” by Sanu
Lama and “Blank light” by Agam Singh Giri, the paper seeks to analyze the larger contribution
of translated works that acts as intersections and stand as a foothold of cultural assimilation .It
is the story of Sukhlakshi and Manda ,the children who narrates the individual stories of their
gross dependence and the sense of oppression in domestic space, their exclusionary status
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
based on impairment . The paper will delve to study disability matrix that focus on the
disablement of the individual in society .
Keywords: Disability, Domestic, Exclusion, Impairment, Dependence.
Bio-note:
Laden Sherpa is working as an Assistant Professor in Sonada Degree College,
Darjeeling .Her areas of interest include hagiographical studies ,ecocritical and comparative ,
disability and cultural studies.
Beyond Boundaries: Identity, Desire, and Freedom in Taslima Nasreen’s
French Lover
ARKAJYOTI SARKAR, Research Scholar, Seacom Skills University, West Bengal,
India
Abstract:
This paper delves into the intricate themes of identity, desire, and freedom in Taslima Nasreen’s
novel French Lover, exploring the protagonist’s quest for self-discovery amidst cultural and
societal constraints. Nasreen crafts a powerful narrative around Nilanjana, an Indian woman
who moves to Paris after an arranged marriage, only to find herself ensnared in a web of cultural
dislocation, patriarchal expectations, and personal turmoil. The novel reflects the tension
between the protagonist’s traditional upbringing and her longing for autonomy in an alien
culture, offering a nuanced portrayal of a woman’s struggle to redefine her identity.
Through a feminist lens, this study examines how Nilanjana’s journey symbolises a
broader struggle against the restrictive boundaries imposed on women, both culturally and
emotionally. The paper argues that French Lover is not just a story of cross-cultural encounter
but a profound exploration of the internal and external conflicts that arise when a woman seeks
to assert her independence in a world that often denies her such freedom.
By situating French Lover within the context of feminist theory and post-colonial
discourse, the paper highlights how Nasreen critiques the societal norms that confine women
to prescribed roles. Ultimately, this research underscores the novel’s portrayal of desire and
freedom as fundamental aspects of self-actualization, urging a re-examination of the ways in
which women navigate their identities in a rapidly changing world.
Keywords: Feminism, Gender discrimination, Socio-religious norms, Gender dynamics,
patriarchy.
Bio-note:
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Arkajyoti Sarkar is currently pursuing a PhD at Seacom Skills University, West Bengal. His
research interests focus on contemporary literature, with a particular emphasis on the works of
Taslima Nasreen. Arkajyoti has published several papers analysing the intersection of religion,
politics, and gender in Nasreen’s novels. His work contributes to a deeper understanding of the
socio-political contexts that shape literary narratives in South Asia.
Humility and Humiliation: A Study of the Relationship between Morals
and Society in Perumal Murugan’s Pyre
SWASTIK SHARMA, Research Scholar, Central University of Himachal Pradesh,
India
Abstract:
This research paper deals with the outspread motifs of ethics, violence, caste-based bias, and
conflict in the novel Pyre by Perumal Murugan. The narrative of the book revolves around the
characters of Kumaresan, a common boy who works in a soda shop, and his wife Saroja, a
young romanticist girl who elopes and marries for love. Their inter-caste marriage however,
compels them to face the harsh reality of the sanctimonious society that they are a part of. This
paper probes into the contrast between the uncustomary love story of Kumaresan and Saroja,
and the deeply-rooted caste system of the rural Indian society. The novel displays how a
dehumanizing and acutely entrenched caste-based bias in a society dominates the morality of
people and, in turn, their ideologies, which leads to excruciating outcomes.
Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, in his book The Righteous Mind holds that the
function of morality is to keep a society together. But what if the morals that a society has
upheld for years are exclusivist and deeply problematic. Murugan’s novel serves as an apt
example of a society so corrupt with a precarious structure of morals and ethics that it can stoop
to the most dehumanizing demeanor in order to maintain its conventions. The research paper
under discussion analyzes the very idea of morals and ethics in their relation to societies, and
also their impact on said societies with the help of substantial theoretical aid. Furthermore, it
will look at the ideas of honor, social justice, gender hierarchies, untouchability, etc. This paper
intends to contribute to the literary and cultural studies’ discourse regarding the intersection of
society, ethics, and power among the centered and the marginalized communities.
Keywords: Caste-System, Conflict, Discrimination, Ethics, Morals.
Bio-note:
The author Swastik Sharma is a research scholar in the third year of her PhD in the Department
of English in the Central University of Himachal Pradesh. She is basically from Udhampur,
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Jammu and Kashmir. Sharma is working on her thesis with similar minor themes which explore
the social, humanistic and cultural ideas meticulously.
Reel and Real: Disability in the Indian Cinematic Imagination
SHIVANI SINGH, Senior Project Assistant, National Virtual Library of India, Janpath,
India
Abstract:
This paper explores the intersection of disability and popular imagination within the realm of
Indian cinema, examining how cultural narratives and visual representations in this medium
have historically depicted disability, often reinforcing stereotypes or marginalising the disabled
community.
As a visual medium, cinema plays a significant role in shaping public imagination. In
20th-century India, as the disability rights movement gained momentum, much of the narrative
around disability was influenced by its portrayal in popular culture, particularly in films. Indian
cinema, an amalgamation of various regional languages, has transitioned in its depiction of
characters with disabilities.
The first section focuses on how Indian cinema has portrayed disability, analysing key
films to highlight the evolving representation. The second section delves into the socio-political
implications of these depictions, exploring how they shape public perception and influence
governance and policies, contributing to the broader discourse on inclusivity. This paper
underscores the role of film in perpetuating societal attitudes towards disability in India,
offering insights into how the creative industry can foster a greater understanding of it.
Additionally, this research integrates the disciplines of Disability Studies and cinema as part of
Digital Humanities and social science, bridging the gap between theoretical analysis and digital
representation.
Keywords: Disability, Cinema, Popular culture, Humanities, Inclusivity.
Bio-note:
Shivani Singh is a researcher with a keen interest in disability studies and medical humanities.
Her passion for these fields stems from both personal experiences and professional
engagements in historical research and documentation. With a background in history from
Ramjas College, Delhi University, and Jamia Millia Islamia University, she has honed her skills
in oral history, content creation, and archival research. Currently a Senior Project Assistant at
the National Virtual Library of India, Shivani aims to pursue a PhD in medical humanities with
focus on disability in South Asia. It is to shed light on how historical perspectives can inform
contemporary healthcare practices and disability studies.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Men and the Masculine: Reimagining Typecast Heroes in Amar Chitra
Katha
SANJAY MOHAN N M, Research Scholar, Department of English, Vimala College
(Autonomous), Kerala, India
Abstract:
This paper attempts to analyse select comics published by the Amar Chitra Katha franchise
(ACK) in India to identify and problematise the masculine politics in characterising mythical
personnel as superheroes and/or enhanced individuals, and the associated socio-cultural
significance of such portrayals within the religious context of the country. Superheroes has
always been an integral part of the comic culture of any language, although each culture present
their enhanced hero trope differently. In the Indian context, it is interesting to note that the
traditional motifs of ‘alien-being’ or ‘scientific mishap’ in superhero backstories did not
achieve the same level of popularity among comic readers as they did in American comics or
Japanese manga. Several reasons contribute to this: ACK’s incorporation of Hindu mythology
into their content, and a deliberate strategy to ensure that Indian traditions were not
overshadowed by the globalised modernity often associated with comic culture, to list a few.
ACK thereby produced a new mode of the masculine superhero archetype focussing on Gods
of Hindu mythology. This strategy is problematic when it becomes a tool through which the
modern globalised temperament of young readers are manipulated, redirecting their thoughts
to primitive notions of moral and patriarchal codes of conduct.
By looking into the visual and descriptive representation of heroic characters in select
Hindu mythology-based Amar Chitra Katha comics, the paper attempts to address the ‘new
normal’ in Indian comic culture in depicting gods as superheroes, and cultural signification of
masculinity associated with it. Theories pertaining to masculinity studies would be used along
with the methodology of visual culture to analyse ‘the hero and the heroic’ in select comics of
the franchise. The article will closely examine the significant role of ACK in the country’s
comic tradition and the subsequent emphasis on mythical super-heroics within its content.
Keywords: Amar Chitra Katha, Hero and body, Visual masculinity, Hegemonic masculinity,
Comic culture.
Bio-note:
Sanjay Mohan N M is a Junior Research Fellow at the Department of English, Vimala College
(Autonomous), Thrissur, Kerala, affiliated to the University of Calicut. His doctoral research
is on the legal and moral aspects of children’s rights as represented in Malayalam comic
magazines. His research interests also include film studies, mythology, gender studies and
popular culture.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Deconstructing Anthropocentrism through Gynocentric Terrains in
Vandana Singh’s “ Speculative-Posthuman Universe”
AMRITHA A, Research Scholar, Government Arts College, Tamil Nadu, India
Abstract:
This paper critically examines how the intersection of ecocriticism, ecofeminism, and
posthumanism challenges anthropocentric frameworks in selected short stories by Vandana
Singh. Through a detailed analysis, it examines how Singh intertwines the natural world with
the experiences of marginalized communities, critiquing the exploitation of both nature and
women under patriarchal and capitalist structures. Using the framework of ecofeminism, the
paper analyzes Singh’s portrayal of female protagonists who resist industrialization and
ecological degradation by fostering ecological consciousness and cultivating deep, intuitive
relationships with their environment.
Furthermore, the paper employs a posthuman lens to challenge anthropocentric
perspectives in Singh’s work, focusing on her depiction of futures where human identity and
agency are de-centered. Singh’s exploration of posthuman bodies that blur the boundaries, is
critically examined to reveal how these narratives disrupt traditional notions of human
exceptionalism and emphasize the interconnectedness of all life forms.
From an ecocritical standpoint, the analysis highlights how Singh’s speculative fiction
addresses the consequences of human actions on the environment, often depicting dystopian
futures where ecological imbalance has devastating effects. This paper ultimately argues that
by merging ecocritical, ecofeminist, and posthuman perspectives, Vandana Singh’s short stories
offer profound insights into rethinking human identity, environmental ethics and the boundaries
of the human body, advocating for a more equitable, sustainable, and interconnected future.
Keywords: Gynocentric Perspectives, Posthumanism, Ecological Consciousness,
Interconnectedness and Speculative realms.
Bio-note:
Amritha A is currently a Research Scholar at Govt. Arts College, Nandanam, Chennai, Tamil
Nadu. She holds a Bachelors and Masters degree in English from the University of Madras.
Amritha’s research interests include the field of posthumanism, gender studies, postcolonial
studies, diaspora, media and cultural studies. She likes to explore how literature and the
technological advancements reshape concepts of identity and embodiment and challenge
traditional gender norms. She has authored a chapter, published several poems and participated
in several conferences.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Trauma and Identity: Exploring the Postcolonial Space in NoViolet
Bulawayo’s We Need New Names
Sathya Pramode, PhD Research Scholar, Reva University, Bengaluru, India
Abstract:
Postcolonial African space has been rife with uncertainties as observed in many countries
affected by the onslaught of colonisation. NoViolet Bulawayo’s novel We Need New Names
attempts an exploration of Postcolonial identities in Zimbabwe through the lens of a coming-
of-age narrative. It is not just the external trauma of migration, displacement, war, or mass-
killings that affect children in conflict ridden spaces, but also the psychological aspects of
identity, selfhood and a sense of belonging. The paper would examine the depiction of trauma
in the novel We Need New Names by locating the postcolonial protagonist caught in the
traumatic dilemma of the ‘self’, and the various difficulties of displacement and migration. The
study will be based on the theoretical framework of culture, gender and trauma while the focus
will remain on postcolonial perspectives.
Keywords: Trauma, Postcolonialism, Displacement, Identity, Migration.
Bio-note:
Ms Sathya Pramode is a PhD research scholar in English at Reva University, Bengaluru. She
is presently working as Assistant Professor in Jyoti Nivas College, Bengaluru. Having
completed MA and MPhil in English, she took up teaching as my passion and vocation. Her
total teaching experience is nine years and research experience is five years. Her research
interests include Trauma, Gender and Postcolonial studies and Children’s Literature. She enjoy
reading, dancing and travelling.
A Study on Mari Selvaraj’s Films: Iyotheethasariyam Folklore Analysis in
Tamil Songs
SHABARISH K B, PhD Scholar, Department of Mass Communication & Journalism,
Central University of Karnataka, India & DR RUPA RANI SONOWAL, Assistant
Professor, Department of Mass Communication & Journalism, Central University of
Karnataka, India
Abstract:
Iyothee Thass Pandithar (1845–1914) was a social theorist and considered the father of Tamil
folklore studies in India. One of the most notable works is “Indra Desa Sarithiram”, in which
he constructed an alternate history emphasizing Buddhism and the oppressed masses in India.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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His way of tracing the Buddhist relation with the aborigins is called “Iyotheethasariyam”. His
ideas are incorporated in many academic discourses in the contemporary socio-cultural setting.
Through the Iyotheethassars lens, songs from three Tamil films viz. Pariyerum Perumal,
Karnan, and Maamannan, directed by Mari Selvaraj will be analyzed. The main focus of the
Iyyothedasars approach is a folkloric investigation of reconstructing the histories of the
oppressed and aboriginal communities of Tamil Nadu, which are represented in songs. This
study analyses songs’ narratives from the perspective of Iyothedasars, locating folk elements
in textual, visual narratives, and ethnographic and symbolic representations. The study further
examines the revamped form of folk elements and the strategies for creating the alternative
historiography of the oppressed communities in the selected films and songs.
Keywords: Iyotheethasariyam, Folklore, Mari Selvaraj, Oral tradition, Film.
Bio-note:
Shabarish K B is a Post-graduate in mass communication, recently enrolled for the PhD
program in the Department of Mass communication and Journalism, Central University of
Karnataka’s for Karnataka. The author’s areas of interest in research are Cultural studies, folk
media, and film studies.
Dr Rupa Rani Sonowal is an Assistant Professor of the Department of Mass
Communication & Journalism in Central University of Karnataka.
Chronicle of Conflict and Trauma: Nayeema Mahjoor’s Lost in Terror
Through a Feminist Lens
GURPREET KOUR, Research Scholar, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University,
Punjab, India, DR ANKDEEP KAUR ATTWAL, Assistant Professor, Sri Guru Granth
Sahib World University, Punjab, India & DR BALJEET KAUR, Assistant Professor, Sri
Guru Granth Sahib World University, Punjab, India
Abstract:
This paper seeks to explore trauma from a feminist perspective through a critical reading of
Nayeema Mahjoor’s debut novel Lost in Terror (2016). Mahjoor in a novel observes that in a
male-dominated society, there is no voice for women’s plight in the ongoing Kashmir conflict
and highlights the impact of conflict on their psyche. She showcased the plight of women who
are silently suffering. Mahjoor, in her novel, depicts the miserable condition of women and
remarks that Kashmiri women suffered the most in the political conflict. The novel is set in the
late 1980s, when insurgency had just begun in Kashmir. The novelist acquaints us with several
painful stories of women’s struggles in conflict-prone areas. Having witnessed first-hand
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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ABSTRACT VOLUME
experience with conflict, she cleverly knits autobiographical elements in the novel, and the
novel becomes a cathartic medium for her. Mahjoor successfully portrays the reign of terror
that broke out in the valley in the nineties. The novel is impregnated with various heart-rending
stories of Kashmiri women who are directly or indirectly victims of violence. She traces the
lives of Kashmiri women who were suffering both because of the Kashmir conflict and because
they are women. Thus, the current study will explore trauma through a feminist lens.
Keywords: Trauma, Conflict, Kashmir, Militancy, Army, Insurgency, Women.
Bio-note:
Gurpreet Kour is a Research Scholar in the Department of English at Sri Guru Granth Sahib
World University, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab. The author’s area of research is Trauma in
Contemporary Kashmir Conflict Fiction: A Study of the Selected Texts.
Dr Ankdeep Kaur Attwal is an Assistant Professor, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World
University, Punjab, India.
Dr Baljeet Kaur, Assistant Professor, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Punjab,
India.
Topography of Kerala and Cultural Rootedness: A Study on Select Works
of Manjeri S. Isvaran
S SUTHARA, Research Scholar, Department of English, St. Thomas College
(Autonomous), Kerala, India
Abstract:
Kerala writing in English need a close examination in an age of discussing many Indian
literatures. The phenomenon of Malayali writing in English dates back to the lineage set by the
first generation of pre-independence era writers from Kerala such as K. M. Panikkar, G. K.
Chettur, Manjeri S. Isvaran, A. S. P. Ayyar and S. K. Chettur. The idea of writing in English—
the language of the coloniser—has been perceived in myriad ways by various writers, the major
reason being the affinity towards colonial modernity. This alongside the Renaissance quest led
to the rise of a new group of young English writers from Kerala. Their hybrid identity however
never affected their fixation to the homeland and its culture, as evidently seen in the creative
practices of these writers. The paper is an attempt to examine this complex identity and
portrayal of the landscape of Kerala in select works of Manjeri S. Isvaran. The study
problematises the cultural dynamics of being a Malayali and writing in a second language, all
the while carrying a sense of nostalgia and fixation towards one’s roots. Isvaran’s works,
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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namely Immersion (1951), selected stories from his collections No Ankletbells for Her (1949)
and Painted Tigers (1956) would be analysed to trace the presence of ‘Keralam’ as captured by
the author.
Keywords: Kerala writing in English, Manjeri S. Isvaran, Topography of Kerala, Kerala
culture.
Bio-note:
S Suthara is a Ph.D. Research Scholar at the Research Department of English, St. Thomas
College (Autonomous), Thrissur, Kerala, affiliated to the University of Calicut. She works on
Kerala writings in English and gender relations for her research. Her other areas of interest
include popular culture, film studies, performing arts and Kerala history.
Challenging the Medical Gaze: Analysing the Intersection of Illness,
Memory, and Identity in Contemporary Narratives
KIRTI VERMA, PhD Scholar, University of Delhi, Delhi, India & JHANVI GUPTA
Abstract:
This paper explores the intersectional role of memory in the lived experience of illness. The
primary texts for this analysis are Sarah Manguso’s Two Kinds of Decay (2008) and Brain on
Fire: My Month of Madness (2012) by Susannah Cahalan. In Two Kinds of Decay, Manguso
narrates her experience with a rare autoimmune disorder that caused relapses over time. Her
fragmented narrative style reflects the disruption of time and memory caused by her illness.
Similarly, in Brain on Fire, Cahalan recounts her battle with an autoimmune encephalitis that
severely impacted her cognitive abilities and memory. Her narrative combines medical records,
personal journals, and interviews with those around her, reconstructing a period of her life that
she cannot fully remember. By analysing these two narratives as autopathographies -a person’s
own account of their illness, this paper looks at how such narratives are a form of reclaiming
one’s identity. Both Manguso and Cahalan use their autopathographies to depict their illnesses,
not just from a medical perspective but as deeply personal, subjective experiences. This allows
for an exploration of how illness disrupts memory, time, and identity.
Analyzing these texts within the framework of Health Humanities, this paper aims to
explore how the medical gaze, extends beyond medical setting into broader cultural narratives.
The stories of Manguso and Cahalan show the limitations and the harmful effects of this
medical gaze, emphasizing the need for more holistic approaches that consider the cultural
dimensions of health. This analysis of how memory and identity are affected by illness provides
insights into how society understands personal and collective identity. Furthermore, these
illness narratives show that identity is not fixed but is constantly constructed and reconstructed,
especially in the face of physical and mental challenges.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Keywords: Autopathography, Medical gaze, Identity, Health humanities, Identity
reconstruction.
Bio-note:
Kirti Verma is a PhD student at University of Delhi. She has a deep interest in fields that depict
the covalence of Sciences and Humanities. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Health
Humanities. Her current research analyses autopathographies written by medical doctors,
detailing doctors’ experience as patients. She believes that interdisciplinary research is one of
the best ways that the world can move forward, and that science and humanities, as academic
fields can help each other very much. Through her Ph.D. Kirti hopes to delve into
autopathographies and aims to analyse them through a lens of literary theories as well as
Cultural Studies. Outside of academia, Kirti enjoys watching medical shows and is an avid
reader.
Jhanvi Gupta is an aspiring English professor and research scholar specializing in
Gender Studies, Cultural Studies, and Indian Literature in English. Currently a guest faculty at
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, she completed her Master’s thesis on the ostracized lives of
Indian widows, securing the top position in her postgraduate program at Hindu College,
University of Delhi. Passionate about teaching and student development, she also enjoys
exploring mountains and immersing herself in books.
Gender and Race in the Shakespeare play Othello
ASRA SUHA, Assistant professor of English, Vivekananda Institute of Management,
India
Abstract:
William Shakespeare’s most celebrated tragedies, Othello reflect the eponymous character’s
utter devotion to his wife Desdemona, which the reader continually questions in reading the
play. Shakespeare’s play, written originally in 1603 and published in 1622, includes a racial
perspective that is imperative for the reader to consider. The theme of gender, though, is an
equally significant factor in the play. Immediately recognised is the theme of racism with the
subtitle’s reference to the protagonist Othello’s identity as the ‘Moor of Venice’ and he is seen
as the only black man in a European society. (The subtitle also finds a structural resonance with
that of Hamlet: Prince of Denmark.) He is thus caught almost in the talons of a society in which
he does not instinctively belong and the norms of which he struggles to conform and comply
with. Being the sole black man surrounded by white people, who were considered to be racially
superior at the time, makes him strive to compensate for what is considered by the society to
be a lack in him and this is why he takes the initiative to prove himself a worthy general. It is
due to this state of isolation, and view of his racial identity as undesirable, in which he exists
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
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that he develops a deeply rooted sense of insecurity, which is why he is so easily swayed by
the antagonist Iago’s words. Othello experience a lot of racism .He finds it easy to doubt that
his wife loves him as an older Black man when she is a young pretty ,white woman.The colour
difference between is not very important to them but Othello s colour is dramatically important
as a symbol of uniqueness .The theme of race is used to condemn Othello and Desdemona s
marriage by associating blackness with evil.The racial stereo types enacted in Othello can be
historical where Elizabethan retrospectively can be seen as insensitive and racist.
Keywords: Racial stereotype, Insensitive, Elizabethan, Colour, Moor.
Bio-note:
Asra Suha is from Bangalore,India and have M.A in English and 13 years of teaching
experience. She has been teaching General English, Additional English, soft skills to all the
foreign students as well as Indians. She has presented paper in International as well as national
seminars. She is interested in Feminism and the literature related to it.Afro American literature
and short stories is my favourite literature. Her Specialisation in M.A English was American
literature. She has written many papers on Feminism.
Environmental Humanities in Indra Sinha’s ‘Animal’s People’
NIMISHA KANABAR, Research Scholar, University Department of English, Ranchi
University, Ranchi, India
Abstract:
This research explores the intersection of environmental humanities in Indra Sinha’s novel
Animal’s People, focusing on the profound impact of industrial disasters on both human and
environmental health. The novel is set in the fictional city of Khaufpur, a place deeply affected
by a catastrophic chemical leak that parallels the real-life Bhopal disaster. Through the narrative
of Animal, a young man physically deformed by the toxic exposure, Sinha delves into the
enduring consequences of environmental degradation on marginalized communities.
The study analyzes how Animal’s People portrays the intricate relationship between
humans and their environment, emphasizing the long-lasting physical and psychological scars
left by ecological disasters. The novel critiques corporate negligence and the systemic failures
that exacerbate environmental injustices, highlighting the disproportionate burden borne by the
poor and powerless. By focusing on Animal’s unique perspective, the research reveals how
environmental damage intertwines with personal identity and social dynamics, offering a
poignant commentary on the broader implications of industrialization.
Moreover, the research examines the theme of activism in the novel, showcasing how
the residents of Khaufpur mobilize to seek justice and accountability. This resistance reflects
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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broader environmental justice movements, emphasizing the importance of community action
in confronting environmental and human rights violations. The study also delves into the
novel’s treatment of cultural and environmental memory, exploring how collective trauma
shapes the identities of those affected by environmental disasters.
By situating Animal’s People within the framework of environmental humanities, this
research underscores the novel’s critical engagement with ethical considerations surrounding
industrial development, environmental justice, and the need for sustainable practices. Sinha’s
work challenges readers to confront the moral imperatives of addressing ecological harm and
advocating for a more equitable and just world.
Keywords: Environmental Humanities, Industrial disaster, Bhopal Disaster, Human-Nature
Relationship, Ecological degradation.
Bio-note:
Nimisha Kanabar is currently pursuing a PhD in English Literature from University
Department of English, Ranchi University, Ranchi. Her research focuses on ‘Ecological
Consciousness in the Select Works of Indra Sinha, Barbara Kingsolver, and J.G. Ballard,’ with
a dedicated emphasis on Ecocriticism. She has qualified the UGC NET (ENGLISH), reflecting
my commitment to academic excellence. Her academic background includes a Master’s degree
in English Literature from Ranchi University and a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and
Literature from St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi.
Her scholarly work is centered on analyzing literature through an ecological lens,
contributing to the broader discourse on environmental awareness within the literary field. In
parallel with my academic pursuits, she works as a soft skills trainer, specializing in Business
Communication, where she effectively blend theoretical insights with practical skill
development.
The Semiotics of Power: Ecocritical Study of Kalki 2898 A.D.
NAITIK, Research Scholar, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, India
Abstract:
In recent years, nature and the environment have emerged as prominent themes in Indian
cinema, both in mainstream and parallel films. As the cinematic medium reaches its most
advanced state in the 21st century, it critically engages with contemporary issues through
dynamic storytelling. Termed “ecocinemas” or “green cinemas,” films such as Kaun Kitney
Paani Mein (2015), Kadvi Hawa (2017), Sherni (2021), Sherdil: The Pilbhit Saga (2022),
Kantara (2022), and 2018 (2023) critically examine the relationship between nature, culture,
and the Anthropocene. Positioning itself in this trajectory, Nag Ashwin’s sci-fi film Kalki 2898
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
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A.D. (2024) presents a dystopian future devoid of natural resources and spiritual-human
connections. By drawing connections between Indian mythology and a futuristic wasteland,
the film anticipates ecological threats such as water scarcity, deforestation, pollution, and
infertility, driven by anthropocentric motives like war, colonization, and resource
concentration. However, the environment in the film does not merely serve as a backdrop for
human characters; rather, it plays a crucial role in the narrative, aesthetic, and thematic
functions. The article situates Kalki 2898 A.D. within the framework of “ecocinema” and
conducts a semiotic analysis to explore how it portrays ecology as an active agent, emphasizing
its interconnectedness as well as interdependence with human life on a spiritual level beyond
mere utility. It also examines the representation of power dynamics through a Foucauldian lens,
exploring how power operates in the absence of a central authority while being exercised
through narrative agents, thereby decentring its own ontological existence. Considering the
Complex as a postmodern heterotopia, it also explores the film’s strategic portrayal of the
relationship of urgency between the present and the future.
Keywords: Ecocriticism, Semiotic theory, Heterotopia, Power, Biopolitics.
Bio-note:
Naitik is a Doctoral candidate in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at the
Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee. His research encompasses film studies, cultural
semiotics, and cultural studies. His academic pursuits also span modern British literature, eco-
criticism, theatre of absurd and Indian drama. He likes to explore human culture and society
with different creative mediums, such as poetry, cinema, fictions, memoirs and popular articles.
In addition to his academic pursuits, he also writes film criticism and book reviews for popular
e- magazines.
The African Diaspora in South India: A Regional Perspective
JAYENDRA NARAIN, Research Scholar, Department of African Studies, University of
Delhi, India
Abstract:
The African Diaspora in South India represents a unique and understudied aspect of the broader
African presence in Asia. This paper explores the historical and cultural trajectories of African
communities, particularly the Siddis or Sidis, who were brought to South India through the
Indian Ocean slave trade, maritime mercantile exchanges, and military employment spanning
from the 14th to the 19th centuries. Through a regional perspective, it examines their
integration, adaptation, and contributions within South Indian society, focusing on states like
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. The study highlights the cultural
syncretism that emerged as Africans interacted with local customs, languages, and social
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
systems. It also addresses the challenges of social stratification, identity, and community
cohesion faced by the African descendants, while shedding light on their resilience and agency
in preserving African cultural heritage. Drawing from historical texts, oral histories, and
ethnographic research, this paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the diverse
experiences and legacies of the African Diaspora in South India, broadening the scope of
diaspora studies in a global context.
Keywords: African Diaspora, Indian Ocean Trade, South India, Migration.
Bio-note:
Mr. Jayendra Narain is a Research Scholar at the Department of African Studies, University of
Delhi. Recently, he has completed his M. Phil. research work on “A Study of African Influence
and Rule in Bengal during 15th-16th centuries”. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.)
in History from Delhi College of Arts and Commerce at the University of Delhi. He has
completed his post-graduation in History from Indira Gandhi National Open University. His
areas of interest include the African Diaspora, Bengal History, Women’s role in the Indian
freedom movement, and Tribal history.
He authored a few peer-reviewed articles and one chapter in the book “Women Empowerment
in Modern Age”. He also took a certificate course and presented his few research papers at
national and international conferences and webinars.
Navigating the Margins: The Poetic Landscape of Ranjit Hoskote
Dr PRIYANKA THAKUR, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Govternment
Degree College, Himachal Pradesh, India
Abstract:
Ranjit Hoskote’s Icelight is a compelling exploration of identity, memory, and the intersections
between the personal and the political. This paper delves into the themes and stylistic elements
of Icelight, a collection that resonates with the echoes of myth, history, and the fragmented
narratives of contemporary life. Through his distinct poetic voice, Hoskote navigates the
landscapes of language and culture, weaving a tapestry that is both reflective and forward-
looking.
The research will examine how Hoskote’s use of imagery and metaphor creates a sense
of place and displacement, reflecting the tension between tradition and modernity. His poems
often juxtapose the natural world with human emotion, creating a vivid tableau where ice, light,
and shadow serve as metaphors for clarity, ambiguity, and the hidden depths of human
experience.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
The paper will also consider Hoskote’s engagement with form and structure, exploring
how his innovative use of line breaks, enjambment, and cadence contributes to the rhythmic
and visual dynamics of his poetry. Through close readings and discussion, I aim to uncover the
layers of meaning within Icelight, highlighting its relevance to contemporary conversations
about culture, politics, and identity in an increasingly globalized world.
Keywords: Identity, Memory, Personal & Political, Human Emotion.
Bio-note:
Dr. Priyanka Thakur is an Assistant Professor at Govt. Degree College, Nirmand, District
Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. She received her M.Phil. and doctoral degree from the Department
of English and Cultural Studies, Panjab University, Sector 14, Chandigarh. She has also
participated and presented paper in conference at South Asian Literary Association (SALA) in
Chicago, USA . She has recently worked as a Co-Convener in organizing an inter-disciplinary
national seminar at Govt. College, Nirmand. Kullu. She has a publication in literary journal
Dialog of Panjab University, Sector 14, Chandigarh. Her varied interests include reading and
writing poetry, teaching creative writing and exploring the fields of Literary Theory and
Cultural Studies.
They Never Get Justice: Exploring the Poverty and Pain of the
Marginalized People in the Short Stories of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay
ISHANI DAS, Research Scholar, School Of Education, Adamas University, Barasat,
India
Abstract:
Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s wittings mainly portraits the picture of Bengali society with
deep humanity, empathy and critical insight. The neglected, poor, downtrodden and
marginalized people of the society get a prominent role in his writings. Through his writings,
he highlighted the greed and injustice of the upper-class society and he tried to reform the
society by eliminating the so-called rotten sections of the society. Through his writings the
voiceless got the voice. This paper deals with two famous short stories of Sarat Chandra,
‘Avagir Swargo’ and ‘Mahesh’ and reveals the exploitation of the marginalized people of rural
Bengal before independence. It also focuses on the colonialism and how British Raj destroyed
the economy of India and its impact on the society. The attitude of the zamindars of that time
and the violence of caste system, misery of women and social injustice, culture and traditions
of Bengali people, humanity of the poor’s is also discussed here.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Keywords: Marginalization, Social Injustice, Caste System, Zamindars, Colonialism.
Bio-note:
Ishani Das is a Research Scholar doing her PhD from School of Education, Adamas University,
Barasat, India, West Bengal. She has completed masters in English literature from West Bengal
State University located at Berunanpukhuria, Barasat, West Bengal. After she did her B.Ed
from Monalisa B.Ed College and Higher Education located at Duttapukur, West Bengal, she
completed her M.Ed from Pailan College of Education located at Pailan, Kolkata, West Bengal.
Finally in the year 2023 I joined District Institute of Education and Training, Hooghly under
SCERT, West Bengal as a guest faculty of D.El.Ed department.
To Die or Not to Die: An Analysis of the Portrayal of Aging in Chie
Hayakawa’s ‘Plan 75’
LEKSHMI SONY, Research Scholar, The Central University of Kerala, India
Abstract:
A dystopian society which conveniently places assisted euthanasia on a platter for the
population that has crossed the age of 75 forms the premise of Chie Hayakawa’s 2022 movie
‘Plan 75’. This movie perfectly portrays the two competing forces conceptualized by Sigmund
Freud: Thanatos and Eros. The theory of Thanatos or the death drive is rooted in the idea of
people feeling the need to let go where as Eros or the life instinct focuses on the preservation
of life. The constant state of tension between these forms the basis of this movie.
Through the application of psychoanalytic theory, Freud’s idea of the death drive, this
paper examines the motivations and experiences of the characters and delves into the intricate
relationship between guilt, confusion, and social pressure that persons in this age group
encounter. The paper explores how a policy of this kind will affect family dynamics, individual
autonomy, and the general cultural perception of aging and death. Through an emphasis on the
experiences of those who must make this choice, the study investigates the social, ethical, and
psychological aspects of aging and death. This paper focuses on the difficulties experienced by
the elderly population and the moral ramifications of end-of-life choices in modern society.
Keywords: Aging, Social pressure, Ethical implications, Individual autonomy, Ethnographic
analysis.
Bio-note:
Lekshmi Sony is currently pursuing her PhD in English from the Department of English and
Comparative Literature, The Central University of Kerala. She completed her B.A. in English
Language and Literature from S.D. College, Alappuzha under Kerala University and M.A. in
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
English Literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. Her
research area is rooted in gender studies.
The Aesthetics of Everydayness: A Critical Reading of Arun Kolatkar’s
Poem ‘Meera’
Priyanka Yadav, Research Scholar, University School of Humanities and Social
Sciences, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi, India
Abstract:
This paper aims to discuss the poem Meera by Arun Kolatkar published in the collection titled
Kala Ghoda Poems in 2004. The poem appears as the third poem in the collection, which
focusses on the everyday life surrounding the Kala Ghoda square in Mumbai while capturing
the cityscape with a peculiar perspective and understanding. This paper seeks to explore how
everyday life, with its mundane, ordinary, and commonplace experiences, offers a creative and
contemplative space for Kolatkar to express the modern sensibility of his times. It probes how
the poem dramatizes the ordinary work of a sweeper woman to give rise to a distinct poetic and
aesthetic possibility in the poem. Through this creative and imaginative take on the ordinary
act of sweeping and cleaning, the poem transforms the sweeper woman and her work into a
work of art, like dance. The ordinary objects, places, people, and experiences transform into a
playground for the ‘modern’ possibility of life. This paper delves into the encounter of the
‘everyday’ and ‘modern’, where they come together to interact, interplay, and implicate each
other in the poem. This interaction inevitably informs and shapes the aesthetic experience of
the poem. This paper also aims to establish the poem as an expression of the aesthetics of
‘everydayness’.
Keywords: Aesthetics, Every day, Modern, Modern sensibility, Indian poetry.
Bio-note:
Priyanka Yadav is a Ph.D. Research Scholar at the University School of Humanities and Social
Sciences (USHSS), Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), Delhi, India. Her
research interests include modernist literature with a particular focus on Indian modernity and
its expression in Indian poetry. She is currently working on the intersections of the ‘everyday’
and the ‘modern’ in the poetry of Arun Kolatkar.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Integrating Daoist Philosophy with Critical Age Studies: A Novel
Perspective on Aging in Wim Wenders’s Perfect Days (2023)
HARISHMA A GIREESH, Research Scholar, National Instititute of Technology,
Telengana, India
Abstract:
The interplay between Daoist perspectives on aging and the critical theories advanced by
Gullette offers a promising avenue for enhancing age studies discourse through the integration
of philosophical and cultural dimensions. By synthesizing both the philosophical
underpinnings and critical examination of age studies, the researcher introduces a novel
perspective of “narrative aging” (Gullette 103) exemplified through an analysis of the character
Hirayama in the Japanese film Perfect Days (2023). By applying Gullette’s theoretical
framework, this paper investigates the manner in which Perfect Days portrays the phenomenon
of aging as a multifaceted experience, rather than a mere decline. The study will also assess
how the film conforms to or diverges from conventional Japanese cultural depictions of aging,
thereby addressing Gullette’s critique regarding cultural narratives and their influence on
societal perceptions. This discourse aspires to enhance the comprehension of aging by
emphasizing how modern cinema can provide alternative viewpoints that either correspond
with or contest prevailing cultural constructs.
Keywords: Narrative aging, Aging, Daoist philosophy, Gullette.
Bio-note:
Harishma A. Gireesh is a PhD Research Scholar at the Humanities and Social Science
Department, National Institute of Technology, Warangal. Her current field of interest is Age
Studies, with a focus on midlife. She is engaged in the interdisciplinary study of vulnerability,
literature, and health humanities. In addition, she is working on research articles concerning
memoirs of illness and ageing
Queer sensation and intersectional queer reading: a case study of
Thiagarajan Kumararaja’s Super Deluxe (2019)
KRISHNA KHARWAR, PhD scholar, Central university of Himachal Pradesh, India
Abstract:
This paper explores the complex notion of gender identity intersecting with caste, class, and
religion in filmic discourse. The case study focuses on the Tamil language film Super Deluxe
(2019), directed by Thiagarajan Kumararaja. The film presents four interwoven narratives that
examines the darker aspects of humanity. Each story showcases the intersecting themes of
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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ABSTRACT VOLUME
gender, sexuality, and societal norms. In this research paper, the researcher investigates Shilpa,
a trans woman’s journey defying the binaries of gender and sexuality. The film presents how
Shilpa showcases her identity in front of her family and examines the attitudes of her parents,
wife (Jyothi) and her child (Rasukutty) towards her newfound identity. The study employs
intersectional lens to understand and explain the complexity in Shilpa’s life, and intersection
with the world around her. The researcher argues that character of Shilpa sheds light on a
complex queer sensation which not only overflows from the film but also pervades within the
heterosexual-dominated Indian society outside the screen. Analysis demonstrates how narrative
elements, visual attitudes, and music work together to guide viewers in empathizing with the
character of Shilpa. This research paper also investigates the viewer’s acceptance, challenges,
or rejection of the film by analyzing reviews on IMDb and Letterboxd. The analysis in this
paper highlights the film’s role in pushing the boundaries of mainstream cinema in India,
contributing to a more inclusive representation of diverse gender identities and expressions in
popular culture.
Keywords: Queer films, Queer sensation, Intersectional theory, Online review, Film analysis.
Bio-note:
Krishna Kharwar is a PhD scholar in the New Media Department at the School of Journalism
and Mass communication and New Media from the Central University of Himachal Pradesh.
His research interests focus on queer representation in Indian cinema. He has been exploring
queer narratives and the queer gaze on the silver screen. Additionally, he is eager to learn about
the queer experiences and exposures both behind and in front of the camera. Besides this, he is
also interested in climate change and its impact on mountain ecosystems. In his leisure time,
he pursues nature, landscape, and professional photography.
In The Mirror of Words : Society, Race and Gender
HARSHITA SHARMA, Research scholar, University Department of English, Ranchi
University, Jharkhand, India
Abstract:
Racism is a discriminatory practice based on race or ethnicity that manifests in social actions
or political systems like apartheid that support discriminatory practices. Race and racism have
long been pervasive in society and remain significant social concerns today. Literature provides
profound insights into these complexities as a reflection of society. While the modern world
faces challenges such as the environmental crisis, terrorism, poverty, and resource scarcity,
discrimination continues to weaken society. Literature serves as a witness, informant, and
advisor, ensuring generations are aware of societal fragility and ongoing crises like racism and
gender equality. Discrimination runs deep within human consciousness, posing extreme
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
challenges to tolerance and acceptance. Embracing diversity remains a profound challenge,
despite talk of fraternity and liberty. Throughout history, tribes and ethnic groups have fought
for basic human rights, and literature serves as a powerful reminder of society’s ethical and
moral responsibilities. Amid racial bias and prejudice dominating headlines, literature offers
hope through engagement. Through diverse voices and narratives, one can find resilience to
continue fighting for equality and justice. Books provide the opportunity to explore and
confront these crucial issues constructively. This article will delve into the works of Maurice
Carlos Ruffin and Tara M. Stringfellow, shedding light on crucial issues within the framework
of postcolonial theories of racism, gender, racial identity, and racial theory. It will explore how
their works highlight the challenges faced by Black Americans due to their race, ethnicity, and
gender.
Keywords: Race, Gender, Society, Literature, Racial Theory.
Bio-note:
Harshita Sharma is a JRF Scholar in the University Department of English, Ranchi University.
She has done her Masters from VBU and the title of her Research Topic is ‘An Existentialist
Reading of the Mahabharata’. She is from Jharkhand.
Narrative of truths and untruths: Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer
DR RAVNEET KAUR GROVER, Assistant Professor, Ramanujan College, University
of Delhi, India
Abstract:
The existing oeuvre of filmmaker Christopher Nolan display a fascination with an array of
subjects. In fictionalizing the life of American physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, the narrative
of the film oscillates between the story of the physicist and the subtexts of history and politics
that surrounded World War II and cold war. Adapted on the book, American Prometheus by
Bird Kai & Martin J. Sherwin, the film provides a tragic and personal narrative on
Oppenheimer who became quintessential part of the rapidly changing scenario in both
scientific and political space. From the onset of events such as Einstein’s letter to President
Roosevelt till Oppenheimer’s trials, the book is laden with the nuances of subjectivity in an
obscure storytelling which Nolan further complicates with his narrative style. The paper
discusses the film as an artistic venture; a revisit to the memory of trauma, scientific genius
and moral ethics in debate attached to the event of nuclear explosion in contemporary times.
However, the paper will also take into account the third cinematic space which Nolan creates
between a fiction and a biography. The aesthetic admiration of the protagonist, Oppenheimer
is also essential part of the paper. The schemata of the narrative, trial-within-trial in which he
is strategically placed refers constantly to the very character of time, which made the creation
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
of nuclear bomb a possibility- the paper investigates the nature of time which unfolds for the
spectator along with Oppenheimer’s imaginings. In the intricate paradox of truths and untruths
does the film simplify Oppenheimer’s guilt of having led the Manhattan Project or further
compounds it, the paper seeks to engage in these realms. Finally, the paper will also investigate
the impact of the film on the recent popular media engaging with nuclear arms race.
Keywords: Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan, Politics, Science, Nuclear Arms Race.
Bio-note:
Dr Ravneet Kaur Grover is an Assistant professor, teaching in the English Department of
Ramanujan College since 2005ha, who has recently completed phd in the area of Film Studies
from English Department, JNU. The author wrote thesis on the oeuvre of Hollywood filmmaker
Christopher Nolan and the concerned area of specialisation is Film Studies, 20th century
Literature and Literary theory.
Decoding Intersectional Feminism: A Comparative Study of Bama’s
Karukku and Alice Walker’s The Colour Purple
JAHANVI, Independent Researcher, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Bihar, India
Abstract:
Gender equality is a term which is quite popular in the contemporary period. The
transformative power of this right has been depicted in various works of literature by authors
like Simone de Beauvoir, Virginia Woolf, Tony Morrison, Mahashweta Devi, Arundhati Roy,
Anita Desai, Jhumpa Lahiri, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie etc. These works have been studied
and analysed under the umbrella term of Gender studies and Feminism. Intersectionality
emerges as a pivotal theme within the literary realm which portrays the amalgamation of a
person’s social and political identities to create different modes of discrimination and
privileges.
This abstract delves into the exploration of Intersectional Feminism within the
comparative analysis of Bama’s Karukku and Alice Walker’s The Colour Purple. Both works
take into account the factors apart from gender that would add to the plight of women. These
works symbolise freedom, sense of belonging and identity. There is an effective relationship
between language and identity as depicted by Bama and Alice Walker.
This research paper aims to shed light on the subtle dynamics of gender stereotypes and
cyclical nature of three-fold oppression. This paper endeavors to analyse the evolution of
literary narratives in response to gender dynamics. This comparative study further aims to
provide a comprehensive understanding of diverse perspectives. This will result in reflecting
its relevance for present and future aspirations.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
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Keywords: Intersectional Feminism, Gender, Identity, Plight, Three-fold oppression.
Bio-note:
Jahanvi is an aspiring research scholar. She has done her post-graduation from Mahatma
Gandhi Central University, Bihar. Her research interests are Indian Writings in English, Eco
humanities, Memory studies, Gender studies.
Legal Reforms and Lunacy in Colonial India: It’s representations in
history and literature
KYAMALIA BAIRAGYA, Assistant Professor, Turku Hansda Lapsa Hemram
Mahavidyalay, Birbhum, India
Abstract:
The British were involved in the act of passing laws during their reign in colonial India.
According to the laws passed in England, a lunatic was described as a person who had lost the
use of reason either from grief or any other accident. England was already going through a
practice of establishing asylums for the lunatics since the eighteenth century. The first mental
hospital in India is recorded to have been established in 1600 by the East India Company. The
first asylum in Bombay was established in 1745 and the second asylum was established in
Calcutta in 1784. Besides this the passing of the Lunacy laws in England also necessitated the
implementation of similar kind of laws for the lunatics in Colonial India as well. According to
Waltraud Ernst, around 15- 20 lunatic asylums were built in British India by the late 1840s.
However there was an introduction of Western psychiatry in the field of legal reforms for the
lunatics in colonial India in the nineteenth century as well. The process behind the
implementation of legal reforms talks about the colonizer’s attempts at regulating the body
through various laws. The literary representation of lunacy in colonial India provides the social
and other broader aspects of lunacy in a more complicated manner. This paper will try to
analyze the various implications of the representation of legal reforms and lunacy in colonial
India both in history and literature.
Keywords: Lunatic, Asylums, Psychiatry, The Body, Lunacy.
Bio-note:
Kyamalia Bairagya completed her Master’s degree in English Literature from Visva-Bharati,
Santiniketan (West Bengal) in 2012. She qualified the National Eligibility Test on 2013. She
has submitted her Ph. D dissertation in 2023 at the English department of Visva- Bharati. She
is working as an Assistant Professor of English at Turku Hansda Lapsa Hemram Mahavidyalay
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
in Birbhum district of West Bengal. Her areas of interest include Victorian Literature, Indian
English Fiction and Poems of the Romantic Age. She has published a number of papers in a
few peer reviewed journals besides contributing papers and chapters to 3 edited books. She has
also presented a few papers in national and international seminars. She can be contacted at
kyamaliabairagya457@gmail.com. She has also been awarded the PhD degree in March 2024.
Beyond the Boundary: Critiquing Dystopic Gender Dynamics and Power in
Manjula Padmanabhan’s Escape
SOUGATA SAHOO, Research Scholar, Raiganj University, West Bengal , India
Abstract:
The onset of the Holocene epoch has always been accelerated by a multitude of hedonistic
practices. Despite the trying circumstances, people are becoming increasingly polarized among
themselves as their symbiotic relationship with Mother Nature deteriorates. A close
examination of the distinctions between dystopia and utopia subverts the idealized
representation of a utopian society where people can find refuge. Someone else’s camouflaged
dystopia could be another person’s utopia. Delving further into the intricacies of dystopian
fiction, we begin to see the genre’s ability to unveil deeper truths about our own world. It goes
beyond mere entertainment and forces us to confront uncomfortable realities with dismantling
the concept of ‘Hedonism’.
This paper will endeavour to explore how Manjula Padmanabhan in her remarkable
dystopic fiction Escape shows gender-roles are societal constructs that enslave men and women
in a hierarchical power structure by offering the privilege of those in position of money and
power in an attempt to bring about self-awakening to give voice to the oppressed women in a
dystopic land through the representation of the Meiji, a fallen woman. This work functions as
a mechanism to sustain the brutal exploitation of women and reflect, actively engage with, and
attempt to shape the immediate social, political, and economic aspects of the times. It also
serves as a ray of hope for individuals whose voices are muted in the reign of authoritarian
dictatorship. The intent of this paper is to examine the discourse around gender dystopia as
well as power and how it has shaped the postcolonial discourses.
Keywords: Dystopia, Gender, Patriarchy, Power, Feminine.
Bio-note:
Sougata Sahoo is presently working as a State Aided College Teacher Category I of English at
Egra S. S. B. College affiliated to Vidyasagar University, West Bengal, India. He is also
working as a counsellor of English at the same college under Netaji Subhas Open University.
He is also pursuing his doctoral research at Raiganj University, West Bengal, India. He is
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
interested in activism as well as academics. He is a member of Shakespeare Society of Eastern
India, Kolkata, West Bengal since 2017. He has participated and presented several papers in
seminar, webinar and conference at state, national and international level. He has published
several book chapters in few edited books by a Publishing house of national repute. He has
contributed numerous articles on literary topics in various National and International journals.
His research area includes Ecocriticism, Postcolonial Feminism, Dalit Literature, Dystopian
Fiction .
Intergenerational Trauma and Memory : Exploring the Impact of Conflict
in Chandel and Tamenglong Districts, Manipur
NGORUH ENGNITHAR AQUILINE MOYON, Research Scholar, Department of
English, Dhanamanjuri University, Manipur, India & POUSUAIKINGLIU RIKHI
PANMEI, Research Scholar, Dhanamanjuri University, Manipur, India
Abstract:
Manipur, a small northeastern state in India, has faced ongoing conflict and instability since
the country’s independence. The Naga tribal districts of Chandel and Tamenglong like many
parts of the region, has experienced inter ethnic clashes between the Naga and Kuki
communities, alongside actions by armed forces during periods of insurgency. Every family
has stories of loss and survival, contributing to a collective memory shaped by these traumatic
events. Although the memories may fade over time, the trauma remains deeply rooted in the
body and psyche of those affected. This paper explores the narratives of these conflicts as they
are passed down through generations, analysing how different age groups within society
perceive and understand these memories.
Keywords: Intergenerational trauma, Conflict narratives, Memory and trauma, Insurgency,
Collective memory.
Bio-note:
Ngoruh Engnithar Aquiline Moyon is currently pursuing a PhD in Literature at Dhanamanjuri
University, Manipur with a research focus on war literature. She completed her Master’s in
English from Delhi University and has cleared both NET and JRF in English. Her research also
delves into the impact of conflict in Chandel, Manipur, particularly the intergenerational trauma
and memory that emerge from these experiences. Ngoruh is dedicated to advancing education
and scholarly research in her field.
Pousuaikingliu Rikhi Panmei is a Research Scholar of Dhanamanjuri University in
Manipur.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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ABSTRACT VOLUME
The Trap of Wounds: Memory, Trauma and Identity on the Cross-cultural
Perspective of Global Postcolonial Narratives
BHASWATI MONDAL, Postgraduate Student, Department of English, St. Paul’s
Cathedral Mission College, Kolkata, India
Abstract:
Memories are everything in inside or outside the earthly realm to shape every soul. Whether
it’s filled with trauma or tranquility, it becomes a major part of every individual’s life, being
hidden from others. In the realm of literature, every hidden picture is portrayed with all
darkness and lightness. So, on the aspect of postcolonialism, the relevance of this study lies
upon the cultural domination and oppression over postcolonial mind which creates the border
between their identity and their original tradition and scratches their memories with never
ending trauma. How far do postcolonial trauma narratives speak about the dark side of memory
which deals with cultural loss, aggressive hybridity and psychic imprisonment? Following this
research question, the objective of this paper is exploring the aftermath of colonial aggression
upon African, Caribbean and Indian post-colonies which causes a despairing hollowness inside
their mindset. To make this objective successful, an in-depth analysis is drawn upon three
postcolonial trauma narratives which are Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche’s Purple Hibiscus, Derek
Walcott’s Dream of Monkey Mountain and Anita Desai’s In Custody. On the background of
globalization, the weaving of three different contexts highlights the cross-cultural exploration
of trauma and memory in postcolonial era which is presented through Adiche’s expression of
destruction in social, cultural, domestic life of Nigerian people, Walcott’s dramatic narration of
cultural isolation, suffering and feeling of homelessness in Caribbean people and Desai’s
presentation of cultural and linguistic erosion, declining tradition, loss of personal identity and
well-being of Indian people. Through the entire analysis, key findings come out in this way
that in postcolonial era, individuals are finding eagerly their root of culture to feel the homeland
in mind but the quest seems unfinished for their age-old trauma, hidden inside the memories
which makes this study contribute new perspectives on interdisciplinary aspects.
Keywords: Postcolonial Literature, Trauma narratives, Memory and identity, Cross-cultural
Perspectives, Cultural trauma.
Bio-note:
Bhaswati Mondal is a final year postgraduate student of Master of Arts in English Literature at
St. Paul’s Cathedral Mission College, University of Calcutta, with a focus on Postcolonial
Literature, New Literature and Indian Literature with their global impact. She actively
participates in literary seminars and workshops and has presented papers at international
literary conferences, organised in different states of India. Bhaswati aspires to contribute to the
field of literary studies through her innovative research and critical perspectives.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Aspects of Identity: The Effect of Race and Gender.
ASHIHRII ATHIPHRO, Research Scholar, India & Dr SUBRATA SINGH, Associate
Professor, DM University, Manipur, India
Abstract:
Traditions are the guideposts driven deep in our subconscious minds. The most powerful ones
are those we can’t even describe, aren’t even aware of” by Ellen Goodman. India is a diverse
country with around 1.8 billion people living in it with 22 official languages, 121 languages
and 270 mother tongues along with more than 700 ethnic groups recognized as Scheduled
Tribes. The NE India has around 27.42% Scheduled Tribe. This people share similar beliefs
and therefore, fostering a sense of belonging and identity within the group. Cultural traditions
significantly shape an individual’s identity, after all this very individual becomes the historical
continuity in the future. NE Indian shares similar cultural traditions, giving them a sense of
belonging to each other compared to other parts of the country. How does this race and gender
affect the identity? How has the NE changed since the time of oral traditions? The quote “My
culture, my identity” is proven right as the individual identities or personal identity leads to
racial identity and hence the social dynamics. Gender takes a crucial part in determining and
influencing the traditions. For instance, certain traditions may assign specific roles or
responsibilities based on a gender, such as leaderships and domestic duties. How does the NE
women differ from the rest?
With the modernity, the cultures and traditions are fading away. To retain these qualities,
one must know the roots and causes of it. Cultures and traditions are not just a word or
something to tell about a story but it has to deal with the individuality and identity of a person.
It also shapes the roles of genders, etc. Therefore, cultural traditions plays a vital role in each
individuals as people are born with it!
Keywords: Cultural traditions, Historical continuity, Racial identity, Social dynamics,
Personal identity, Gender.
Bio-note:
Ashihrii Athiphro is a Research Scholar of India.
Dr Subrata Singh is an Associate Professor of DM University in Manipur.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Gender, Power and the Environment in Kaala Paani: An Ecocritical Study
AMRITA MITRA, Research Scholar, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences,
National Institute of Technology, West Bengal, India & DR SUTANUKA BANERJEE,
Assistant Professor, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, National Institute
of Technology, Durgapur, West Bengal, India
Abstract:
Kaala Paani, a popular Hindi Web series in 2023, addresses the environmental concerns in the
growing age of capital investments and rapid industrialisation. The binaries of nature/culture,
feminine/masculine, have been sensitively woven in the narrative set in the beautiful Andaman
and Nicobar Islands, or Kaala Paani as it is famously called, separated from the Indian mainland
by a natural divide of water. The story begins when a family vacationing in Andamans is
impressed by the simple charm of the local tour guide, Cheenu, an ardent supporter of
commercial development in the area. Ironically, his widowed mother and brother Vinayak are
passionate environmentalists, and their clash of opinions resonates throughout the series. The
lives of all characters delve into absolute chaos as an age-old disease spreads throughout the
islands. In light of this medical emergency, we see how power, ethics and the sanctity of human
lives are enmeshed in a complicated web. The prioritisation of profitable businesses over the
dangers of ecological imbalance stresses the patriarchal notion of exploiting Nature, often
visualised as the sacrificing motherly persona.
The presentation attempts to analyse the gendered relations that mark the narrative,
along with an emphasis on ecological considerations. It draws particular attention to the
portrayal of masculinity exemplified by characters such as Cheeru, Vinayak, the corrupt police
officer Ketan fixated on his return to the mainland for which he readily sacrifices his moral
compass, the helpless father Santosh finally gaining courage out of desperation and love for
his family, and the majestic LG Qadri, an authority figure taking grave decisions. It will also
touch upon the depiction of female characters like the disabled rebellious Dr Singh, the
scholarly Ritu and the disciplinarian mother Gargi in the series.
Keywords: Gender, Ecocriticism, Masculinity, Web series, Kaala Paani.
Bio-note:
Amrita Mitra is an Assistant Professor in the Department of English at Banwarilal Bhalotia
College, Asansol, West Bengal, India. She is also pursuing her PhD at the Department of
Humanities and Social Sciences, National Institute of Technology, Durgapur, West Bengal,
India. Her research areas are Gender Studies, Cultural Studies and Digital Media.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Dr Sutanuka Banerjee is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Humanities and
Social Sciences, National Institute of Technology, Durgapur. She has completed her PhD from
the Department of Culture and Global Studies at Aalborg University, Denmark. Her areas of
interest are Gender and Women’s Studies, South Asian Literature, and Popular Culture.
A Quest for the Self: Reading Diasporic Experiences in Bharati
Mukherjee’s Jasmine
MANASHI PATRA, Assistant Professor, Acharya Girish Chandra Bose College, Kolkata,
India.
Abstract:
Bharati Mukherjee is a renowned author of diaspora. Diaspora refers to a group of people who
have migrated from the land of their forefathers to some foreign land. They are now settled in
that land. It signifies “a more general sense of displacement, as well as, a challenge to the limits
of existing boundaries”. The themes of alienation, dislocation, nostalgia, displacement,
ethnicity, and cultural identity constitute the corpus of diasporic writings. Mukherjee’s works
mostly deal with the “phenomenon of migration, the status of new immigrants, the feeling of
alienation often experienced by expatriates” and the expatriate’s quest for identity in a foreign
land. Her novel Jasmine depicts the crisis of a migrant who suffers from multicultural identities.
Her protagonist struggles against all odds and finally emerges as an empowered woman. It
shows that absorption, acculturation, and accommodation are essential in a multicultural
society. Jasmine follows traditional beliefs. America appears to be a land of freedom, promise,
and fulfillment. The novel manifests diasporic dreams and prominent post-colonial issues such
as transformation and identity. It alludes to Mukherjee’s liberating transformation as an
immigrant. Sumita Roy opines, “…to read Bharati Mukherjee’s Jasmine as an ambitious
endeavour to outline the life of a woman engaged in a serious quest for values is rewarding”.
Mukherjee asserts “Like in my novel Jasmine, we are reinventing ourselves a million times”.
Feminine perspectives of the novel allow us to delve into the problems of women in the context
of cross-cultural crisis. This paper will explore the protagonist’s struggle for existence and
adaptation in her quest for self-identity.
Keywords: Diaspora, Migration, Cross-Cultural Crisis, Adaptation, Quest for Self-Identity.
Bio-note:
Manashi Patra is presently working as an Assistant Professor in English at Acharya Girish
Chandra Bose College, Kolkata. She did her graduation and postgraduation from the University
of Calcutta. Her areas of interest include children’s literature, Indian writing in English,
partition literature, folklore, and popular literature. She loves reading, writing, doodling,
gardening, and spending time with her pets.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Adversity of Commuting Patterns in a Rural Region of West Bengal and
It’s Impact on Rural Education System
NITU JAISWAL, Assistant Professor, SRSVM College, West Bengal, India
Abstract:
About 70% of India lives in villages and gets educated in rural areas. Small rural areas pose
several challenges for students due to a lack of resources and limited learning opportunities.
The resource constraints impede the academic stimulation needed for the students’ cognitive,
intellectual, and social development.
Most students need to cover long distances on foot to attend classes without any proper
transportation facility. This situation often demotivates them to attend school/college regularly.
Moreover, students in these villages don’t have access to proper public transportation system,
economical affordability, and even basic infrastructure facility and support facilities.
Furthermore, many of these students come from families with meager incomes, which is not
enough to feed a family of 4 or 5 people. Therefore, they are asked to assist the family’s earning
members in making extra income instead of going to school/college and study. Hence, longer
commuting distance schools/colleges deprive less mobility or poor opportunities for them.
Again, longer reliance on motorized system lead to emission, thus pollution.
Since no National survey on travel behaviour has done, the study tries to frame a picture
of such travel irregularities and challenges faced by students. The study is a survey based where
2 areas of interest are there.
Keywords: Sustainable future transport, Community determinants, Area based variable
Bio-note:
Dr. Nitu Jaiswal is associated with research for past 15 years. She has completed her PhD thesis
along with the coursework on research assessment and methodology and have good
understanding on measurement of qualitative and quantitative data, impact analysis,
monitoring of development parameters, etc.
In her M.Phil. and PhD research, the author have used several advanced statistical and
econometric techniques, including development of Decent Work Index (DWI), dummy variable
model to identify the MGNREGA impact by using the data (secondary-NSSO, AWI and
primary); the results were highly appreciated by internal as well as external examiners. In the
professional sphere, she started her career in 2017 as a consultant with DPIIT, ISU unit at
Ministry of Industry, New Delhi. During one year of my tenure she worked on collection and
calculation of monthly IIP data and also being one of the members of the GST facilitator cell
of DPIIT.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Subsequently, in 2018 with Research & Analytical Division of Ministry of
Corporate Affairs as Senior Research Associate, Delhi for 2 years (till 2020). She is mainly
involved in internal research work related to Company Laws and MCA database.
The author have also gained skills on GIS techniques, advance statistical tools for data
collection and analysis for both qualitative and quantitative data from ISI- Kolkata, analysis of
large scale data such as NSS, etc. using statistical software and packages like SPSS, STATA,
etc. I have participated and presented my research findings in various international and national
seminars in India.
From Goya to Delacroix: Aesthetics of Violence and Theology as Portrayed
in the Paintings of the Romantic Artists
DIPANWITA ROY CHOWDHURY, Student, Calcutta University, West Bengal, India
Abstract:
This paper will mainly focus on the following art works- “The Third of May 1808”(Francisco
Goya), “The Raft of the Medusa” (Théodore Géricault) and “The Death of Sardanapalus”
(Eugène Delacroix). Edmund Burke’s concept of sublime is recognizable in the portrayal of
violent incidents by Delacroix, Gericault and Goya. Romantic painters like Turner, Friedrich
and Constable, who were usually associated with the Kantian sublime, used their brushstrokes
to encapsulate the chaos and upheaval in the Nature. Taking a glance at the paintings of Goya
and Delacroix, it may appear that their aesthetic perception of the sublime do not align with
that of Kant’s. This paper will, however, try to argue that Burke’s as well as Kant’s theory of
aesthetics merge in the depiction of violence in the works of Romantic painters like Gericault
and Delacroix. Again, Friedrich Schleiermacher believed that human beings’ relation with God
is dictated by personal experience and passion, and this notion is evident in the works of Goya,
Gericault and Delacroix. None of them were overtly religious; rather they were critical of the
various unscrupulous practices of the church. However, this does not mean that they were
atheists even though their works were revolutionary according to contemporary standards. The
paintings which will be referred here were brimmed with religious motifs and symbols and at
the same time displayed copious amount of violence. The main objective of the paper is to
study how the aesthetics of theology and that of violence merge in the works of Goya,
Delacroix and Gericault, and how their creative inventions were different from their
contemporaries.
Keywords: Aesthetics, Violence, Theology, Sublime, Romanticism, Art.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Bio-note:
Dipanwita Roy Chowdhury has completed her Post Graduation course in English from Calcutta
University and is currently doing a diploma course in Sanskrit from Ramkrishna Mission
Institute of Culture. She is currently preparing for my NET exam and wants to pursue PhD in
future.
A Foucauldian Analysis of the Vocabulary of Sexual Assault: Gendered
Narratives
R. HARINI, Undergraduate Student, Hansraj College, India & AADYA JHA,
Undergraduate Student, Sri Aurobindo College, India
Abstract:
Power is invariably inscribed onto the corporeal identities of those upon whom violence is
inflicted, sustained by the continuity of a narrative that subverts the description of how the
recipients of violence are interpreted within the language we consume, legitimize and
popularize. The depiction of sexual violence is shaped by prevailing narratives, which in turn
construct the ideological frameworks that govern social existence, interaction, and
engagement. Thus, this paper attempts to deconstruct the vocabulary that has portrayed sexual
assault, harassment and abuse in popular literature and text—from the 19th century to
postcolonial works—in light of a Foucauldian critical analysis. The language we use either
reinforces or deconstructs normative prescriptions of societal control, thereby either
objectifying or personifying the survivor within a given narrative. Honour that is vested and
enacted upon the female body intersects with race, caste, class and sexuality, determining how
trauma and pain are conveyed and consumed. The contextual treatment of the abuser and the
victim within the narrative reflects on a collective perception as much as it underlines an
individual identity. This analysis employs Foucault’s concepts of biopower — the management
and regulation of populations — and governmentality — the art and practices of governance
— to critically examine how intersecting mechanisms of oppression and punishment influence
societal perceptions and internalizations of the body and the injustices inflicted upon it.
Majoritarian discourse shapes and limits the ways marginalized peoples are perceived and
represented, often dehumanizing them or portraying them as “the Other.” By analyzing how
this language has transformed across history, one can discern how power dynamics, social
perceptions and collective movements have evolved; as survivors construct their own lexicon.
Keywords: Power, Objectification, Social control, Dehumanization, Narrative.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Bio-note:
R.Harini is a 3rd year Undergraduate student pursuing B.Sc (H) Anthropology from Hansraj
College, Delhi University.
Aadya Jha is a 3rd year Undergraduate student pursuing B.A (H) English from Sri Aurobindo
College, Delhi University
Caregiver Narrative and Sense-Making: A Reading of Em and the Big
Hoom and Sepia Leaves
Dr BHANUPRIYA ROHILA, Assistant Professor, Mohanlal Sukhadia University,
Udaipur, India
Abstract:
Sensemaking is the process through which a person gives meaning to the events and
experiences one undergoes or attempts to make sense of their existence. Thus, it is closely akin
to identity construction too. The crisis of identity and the sense of meaninglessness overpowers
very easily the people who are in the act of caregiving to a disabled person. Despite being
‘abled’ both physically and psychologically, they are not able to live their life fully. Especially
when a parent is disabled either physically or psychologically, the growing child faces the loss
at most. Em and the Big Hoom by Jerry Pinto and Sepia Leaves by Amandeep Sandhu are the
semi-autobiographical novels that relates the stories of families wherein the children witness a
mentally unwell parents and also take over the role of caregivers.
The present paper argues that the such autobiographical caregiver narratives not only
showcase the story of the struggle but also act as a tool of sensemaking through such narratives.
They not only help the readers to empathise and understand the life of a mentally unwell person
and the members of the family especially the caregivers but also help the authors to get out of
the identity crisis and regain the loss of sense in life overall. The paper uses the two novels
wherein the authors use their autobiographical memory and construct their narrative self too.
Keywords: Sensemaking, Caregiver narrative, Narrative self, Identity construction,
Autobiographical fiction.
Bio-note:
Dr Bhanupriya Rohila has been working as assistant professor with Mohanlal Sukhadia
University for last five years and teaching courses like Indian Diasporic Literature, Research
Methodology, History of Indian Writing in English, History of English Literature and Cultural
Studies. She earned her doctoral degree in 2015 with specialization in Indian Diaspora
Literature. Besides, she is keenly interested in other areas of research like Folk Literature,
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Graphic Literature, Gender Studies, Caregiving Literature and City Literature. Currently she is
supervising four research scholars on Folk literature and Caregiver narratives. She has
presented several research papers nationally and internationally and has her papers published
in books and national and international journals including journals like Sahitya Akademi’s
Indian Literature and a Spanish Journal Indialogs. She has also created e-content on British
Romantic Literature in 2021 for Swayam Prabha.
Historicizing Mental Health and Well-being: Insights from conventional
Ancient Indian Texts
MEGHNA PATHAK, Ph.D Research Scholar, Department of History, Government P.G.
College, Jhalawar, India & Dr IQBAL FATIMA, Professor and Head of Department of
History, Government P.G. College, Jhalawar, India
Abstract:
The paper attempts to historicize the understanding of mental illness and well-being in India
since the ancient period. It utilizes the ideas and concepts related to mental health as mentioned
in the prominent ancient Indian texts such as the Bhagwad Gita, Charaka & Sushruta Samhita,
Ramcharitmanas amongst others. While the coming up of modern institutions like the mental
hospitals (erstwhile lunatic asylums) and modern psychiatry is ‘recent’ i.e. it coincides with the
colonial rule; the understanding of insanity is not. We find detailed description of insanity and
treatment in Chapter 9 (Unmad Chikitsa) in Charaka Samhita, an Indian treatise on medicine.
Through an interdisciplinary lens on ancient Indian literature, an attempt is made to study the
history of mental illness and wellbeing in India.
Keywords: Mental health, Insanity, History, Ancient Indian texts, Indian psychiatry
Bio-note:
Ms. Meghna Pathak is a Ph.D Research Scholar at University of Kota, Rajasthan. Her Ph.D
topic pertains to “A Historical Study of Insanity and Asylums in the United Provinces (1850s-
1947).” She has done her Masters in Modern Indian History from Delhi University.
Dr Iqbal Fatima is a Professor, Research Supervisor & Head of Department of History
at Govt. PG College, Jhalawar, University of Kota. She has published over 5 books on Indian
culture, freedom movement in Rajasthan and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. She also regularly
contributes to UG & PG level study material for VMOU (Kota) & MDSU (Ajmer).
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Quest for Identity through Cultural Interaction: an Identity and
Representational Perspective
PRACHISHRI MISHRA, Assistant Professor, Department of Humanities and Social
Sciences, ITER, Bhubaneswar, India & ROHIT KANT MISHRA, Assistant Professor,
Talcher Autonomous College, Talcher, India
Abstract:
In “Tomb of Sand” by Geetanjali Shree, the intertwined themes of identity and the quest for
roots blossom like a tangled vine throughout the narrative, with each tendril reaching into the
souls of its characters. At the heart of this labyrinthine journey is Ma, the elderly protagonist,
whose rediscovery of self mirrors a far-reaching, collective search for identity in a post-
colonial, post-Partition India. Her odyssey is not just personal but emblematic of an entire
generation’s struggle to reclaim their fractured sense of self in the wake of history’s upheavals,
as she traverses the landscapes of memory, nationhood, and time itself. She defies societal
expectations, reshaping her identity and challenging traditional ideas of womanhood. Her
journey across the India-Pakistan border symbolizes a quest for roots, exploring inter-
generational identity, Partition’s trauma, and the fluid, ever-evolving nature of self and
belonging. This article seeks to illuminate four central elements of the novel: the reclaiming of
identity, the quest for roots through Partition, inter-generational identity, and the exploration of
borders as symbols of self-discovery. Through the lens of identity and representational cultural
theory, this study unravels the prevailing themes woven throughout the narrative.
Keywords: Identity, Quest, Self-discovery, Roots, Cultural interaction.
Bio-note:
Prachishri Mishra is a distinguished faculty member in the Department of Humanities and
Social Sciences at ITER, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar. With expertise
spanning Linguistics, ELT, Corporate Communication, and Culture Studies, she brings a
dynamic approach to her academic endeavors., She harbors a deep fascination for the art of
retelling mythological tales, weaving timeless stories into modern narratives.
Rohit Kant Mishra, works as an Assistant Professor at Talcher autonomous college,
Talcher Odisha. He has worked in various government and non government technical institutes
of Odisha and shared his expertise with his students in the area of Linguistics and ELT,
Communicative English, Legal English, English Literature and so on.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Challenging Social Norms: A Critical Study of Deviance and
Discrimination from Won-Pyung Sohn’s Almond: A Novel
V. GODSON DE PAUL, Ph.D Research Scholar, Madurai Kamaraj University, Palkalai
Nagar, Tamil Nadu, India. & Dr PRABHA P. PAUL, Assistant Professor, Madurai
Kamaraj University, Tamil Nadu, India
Abstract:
Human civilisation is built based on the principles and norms of society; when a person doesn’t
fit these norms, they are considered an outsider. The stigma and discrimination towards a
particular person for their behaviour, which gives a negative impression on them, is the root
cause of labelling them as deviant. The paper is illustrated by applying a qualitative approach,
which provides an insight into this research. In order to understand the behavioural change due
to the influence of society, the research uses labelling theory to accomplish the objective.
Further analysing, it is found that the background reason for Yun Leesu’s deviant behaviour is
the society that separated him from his parents in childhood. In previous research, the Seon-
Gon relationship was interpreted through the lens of queer theory, and another research study
was done based on the issues that occurred due to a lack of moral integrity. Yun Leesu (Gon)
is the second protagonist of the novel, who is portrayed as a bully, rogue, and delinquent from
the beginning itself. Before Gon’s arrival, his new classmates began to gossip about him for
his tyrannical attitude. Rumours about him spread to everyone like wildfire; no one was ready
to cross-check the rumours with Gon. Everyone around Yun saw him with fear and hatred; they
labelled him as a bully and unruly person. The research tends to analyse the cause and effect
that made Gon a deviant.
Keywords: Bully, Delinquent, Deviants, Discrimination, Labelling Theory, Stigma.
Bio-note:
Mr. Godson De Paul is Ph.D student at Madurai Kamaraj University, where he is carring out
his thesis research on Korean-translated narratives. His field of interest covers Health
Humanities, disabilty studies and film adaptation.
Dr. Prabha P. Paul is working as Assistant Professor in the Department of English and
Comparative Literature at Madurai Kamaraj University.. Her field of interest covers Indian
Writing in English, Diasporic Literature and Korean English Literature.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Navigating the In-Between: Memory, Identity and Liminal Spaces in
Suzan-Lori Parks’ Imperceptible Mutabilities in the Third Kingdom
PALVI SHARMA, Research Scholar, PGGCG, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
Abstract:
This paper explores how Suzan-Lori Parks’ play Imperceptible Mutabilities in the Third
Kingdom portrays the Black experience as an ongoing negotiation of liminal spaces, in which
identity, memory and history converge in a dynamic and often disorienting interplay. The titular
Third Kingdom conceptualized by Parks literally represents a realm suspended in-between the
geographical and cultural landscapes of Africa and America while metaphorically it embodies
a space positioned between contradictory forces of imposed societal structures and the
lingering reverberations of a traumatic past. Parks develops a disjointed and circular narrative
that traverses distant spatio-temporal realms, capturing the Afro American experience of
existing within the surreal ambiguity of the Third Kingdom. The paper posits that Parks
employs the concept of liminality, drawing connections between ritualistic transformations and
the dynamic nature of identity within spaces of transition. Figures navigate through transitions,
confronting distorted histories and memories, altering cultural expectations, and the elusive
nature of belonging. Parks, through journeys of different characters, deconstructs meta-
narratives of history revealing the inherent racism and stereotypical perceptions within. The
paper examines how Parks utilizes liminal spaces to both mirror the Black experience and as a
means to challenge dominant historical narratives. The analysis would be pursued by studying
the play’s non-linear structure, recurring motifs and language play in light of the theoretical
perspectives developed by Suzan-Lori herself in her essays concerning plays. Finally, the paper
suggests that Imperceptible Mutabilities in the Third Kingdom presents a profound reflection
on the enduring impact of the past on the present, urging audiences to engage with the intricate
dynamics of memory, identity, and the persistent quest for self-definition in a society shaped
by historical trauma.
Keywords: Liminal spaces, Memory, Identity, History, Black experience.
Bio-note:
Palvi Sharma is currently a research scholar pusuing Ph.D. from Panjab University Chandigarh.
She did her masters in English Literature from the university of Jammu and her research area
concerns the exploration of African American histories and memories by Suzan-Lori Parks
through the dynamic medium of drama.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
A Study of Interlacing Connection between the Indian Culture and
Manifestation in Education to make prior Achievements of Indian Female
Scientists : Special Reference to ‘Lilavati’s Daughters :The Women
Scientists of India’
RUCHI SINGH, Ph.D Scholar (English), Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya Bilaspur,
Chhattisgarh, India
Abstract:
Science, deals with human knowledge and develops a curiosity for ‘how things work’. Science
is a scientific procedure to find out observable facts. The joy of science is a cultural-personal
factor in the lives of scientists who propagate scientific inventions and discoveries. An
Anthropologist quotes, the field is all mankind, how we developed in mind and body from
primitive cultures Science and early forms. Science education has not only built technological
applications with effects on health care, lifestyle, astronomy and industries but also shaped the
culture of modern society. The importance of culture and institutional qualities in Science
education have signified the lives and achievements of Indian scientists in pre-independence
and post-independence eras. The scientists made themselves as inspirational sources for the
country- ‘Srinivasa Ramanujan’, ‘S.N. Bose’, ‘C.V. Raman’, ‘Meghnad Saha’ and ‘G.N.
Ramachandran’. All have proved the scientific manpower in their chosen fields.
‘Lilavati’s Daughters: The Women Scientists of India’ is basically a collection of essays
on women scientists of India, written by Rohini Godbole and Ram Ramaswamy. I have chosen
this book to understand the circumstances that women faced to build a career in Science
education and how much we can relate the biographical and autobiographical stories of women
scientists in the present context of Indian women society in the field of making career in
Science education.
The proposed research paper has objectives – to explore psychological motivation of
an Indian scientist to find his/her curiosity during the chaos of pre-independence time, to
remember the forgotten Indian scientists who fought for freedom and Science and to emphasize
on reforming Science knowledge, facilities and infrastructures in school education and higher
institutions places.
In the present era, we are seeing the decline stage of Indian education system. Mostly,
the quality of Science education is declining in educational sectors except Institutes of National
Importance like IITs, IIMs. Participation of Indian women is less in the field of Science &
Technology than the academics. It is relevant for the young generation of Indian society to be
enthusiastic, to cultivate an intellectual stimulation for Science within themselves and get to
inspire by the accomplishments of Indian scientists.
The proposed research paper will apply the descriptive, analytical and referential
methods. It will include critical analysis, close reading, narrative ideas, techniques and
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
interpreting secondary sources on the basis of my primary source, ‘Lilavati’s
Daughters:Women Scientists of India’.
Keywords: Indian Education System, Gender, Women identity, Freedom, Culture.
Bio-note:
Ruchi Singh is pursuing Ph.D in English from Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya Bilaspur and
has done 5 years Integrated course in English from Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur.
The author possess an interest to read Indian Dalit Feminism and Dalit autobiobiographies,
Along with,fiction and poetry.
Cyborg Intimacies: From Samantha to Kunjappan
DEVAPRIYA T T, Independent Researcher, University of Hyderabad, India
Abstract:
With the developments in the disciplinary backgrounds like Posthumanism and its precursors
poststructuralism and postmodernism towards the end of the twentieth century, the arena of
Humanities has acknowledged the rejection of traditional Western humanism. Scholars and
theories of posthumanism recognized the breakup anthropocentric reinterpretation(s) of history
and world by the late twentieth century. The theoretical design of humanities, as developed
from Western Humanism and Renaissance Humanism, situated the human or the Cartesian
thinking subject as the epicenter of the world. The digital turn in human culture has brought up
irretrievable changes in the disciplinary architecture of humanities. The paradigm of
Comparative literature, also in congruence with its disciplinary networks such as Cultural
studies and Comparative Cultural studies, nurtures an alternative articulation of Humanities
that is divorced from anthropocentrism. This paper attempts to situate intimate relationship(s)
between human beings and machines in the disciplinary framework of Comparative literature
from an angle of critical posthumanism. Drawing on theories of cyborg intimacies, this paper
studies the ramifications of intimacies in the portrayals of human-machine relationship in
filmic narratives.
By comparing the representation of cyborg intimacies in Spike Jonze’s Her (2014) and
Android Kunjappan Ver 5.25 (2019) by Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval, this study attempts to
examine the manifestations of posthuman intimacies in various parameters critically. More
concisely, the paper also attempts to explore theoretical categories of (Dis)embodiment, digital
spaces and intimacies in different forms and affect in relation to the social connection humans
are developing with machines or technologies in general. Comparative analysis of filmic
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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ABSTRACT VOLUME
narratives from varied socio-cultural context facilitates the study to critically engage different
layers of cyborg intimacies, from a romantic exchange to that of a parental interaction.
Keywords: Cybernetics, Intimacy, Embodiment, Affect, Cultural Posthumanism.
Bio-note:
Devapriya TT is a recent graduate in Comparative Literature from the Centre for Comparative
Literature, University of Hyderabad where she predominantly worked on films and Death
Studies. The author has a keen interest towards Cultural studies, Visual Anthropology and
Ethnocinema and has a keen curiosity primarily remains intact through music and finds
consolation in cinema, watching cinma in isolation.
Food, Culture, and the Politics of Marginalisation
Dr SHANTA SUREJYA, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Udit Narayan Post
Graduate College, Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract:
Food is an essential part of a culture. It is deeply imbued with latent social, historical, and
political chain of significations, particularly for marginalized communities across the world.
This paper attempts to explore the intersection of food, culture, and politics by analysing how
food evolves as a marker of marginalization, complexities surrounding native identities, and a
stream of resistance in both Dalit literature and African American narratives. Through the lens
of Om Prakash Valmiki’s Joothan and African American texts like Toni Morrison’s Song of
Solomon that discusses “soul food,” the paper investigates the complex dynamics of food and
its association with caste, race, and socio-economic oppression. Valmiki’s Joothan highlights
the entrenched caste-based discrimination in India, where food becomes a symbol of purity and
pollution, reinforcing social hierarchies. Valmiki’s autobiography emphasizes how food
practices were used to humiliate and dehumanize Dalits. Food is supposed to nourish humanity
but in case of the marginals it emerges as a symbol of their degraded existence. Similarly,
African American narratives situated around ‘soul food’ reveal how food reflects both cultural
pride and the legacy of slavery and segregation in the United States. ‘Soul food’, deeply rooted
in African traditions, was adapted by enslaved Africans who were forced to make do with
meager provisions. In Song of Solomon, soul food appears as a marker of tradition, comfort,
and connection to African roots, particularly within family and communal gatherings. It also
highlights how food functions as a source of strength and continuity in the face of societal
challenges. Over time, it evolved into a symbol of resilience, survival, and cultural identity,
offering a means for African Americans to connect with their heritage and resist cultural
erasure. This paper examines how food, in both contexts, operates as a site of political and
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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ABSTRACT VOLUME
social struggle. By reclaiming and reimagining food practices, marginalized communities
challenge the systems that sought to devalue their existence, transforming food from an
instrument of subjugation into one of empowerment and cultural resistance.
Keywords: Food, Identity, Race, African American, Dalits, Soul food.
Bio-note:
Dr Shanta Surejya is currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Department of English,
Udit Narayan Post Graduate College, Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh. She did her PhD from the
Department of English, Banaras Hindu University and was a senior research fellow during her
tenure. She has presented papers in numerous national and international seminars and
conferences and her areas of interest are New Literature in English, Cultural Studies, and
Disability Studies. She has also published several research articles in refereed and UGC care
listed journals.
Video Gaming: Cultural Practice or Instrument of Compliance
DR KETAKI DWIVEDI, Assistant Professor, Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for
Women, Chandigarh, India & DR VIKASH KUMAR, Assistant Professor, Centre for
Research in Rural and Industrial Development, Chandigarh, India
Abstract:
Video games are an important aspect of contemporary social reality. The sociological and
cultural studies highlight the arrival of video games as concomitant to information age. Further
expansion of video games to mobile devices, social networking sites have been termed as
“casual revolution”.
In a way video games reflect of some important aspects of society affecting our
interactions and participation social lives in significant manner. Also, video games impose and
reproduce a system of compliance and governmentality by neoliberal social order.
The present study explores the relationship between video gaming cultural practice as
well as its connection to neoliberal world order.
Keywords: Culture, Gaming, Governmentality, Neoliberal.
Bio-note:
Dr Ketaki Dwivedi is working as Assistant Professor, PG Department of Sociology, Mehr
Chand Mahajan DAV College For Women, Chandigarh. Her areas of interest include Gender
studies, Indian Society and Culture.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Dr Vikash Kumar is working as Assistant Professor, CRRID, Chandigarh. His interest
areas include Sustainabilty, Agrarian Issues and Challenges.
Cultural Entanglements of Space Traveller Alien in the Earth: Matt Haig’s
The Humans
ÖZNUR CENGİZ ÇELİKER, Assistant Professor, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University,
Department of Western Languages and Literatures, Turkey
Abstract:
The Humans (2013) is a science fiction novel of English author, Matt Haig that expounds an
alien’s visit from outer space in order to prevent a discovery of a professor in the world. Alien
culture in outer space, interested in humans’ scientific enhancements, intends to protect the
universe from occupying forces of humans. Therefore, an alien is sent to the earth to kill the
mathematician who has solved a difficult theory which will enable a great progress in space
researches. Instead of completing his mission and returning to his planet, alien prefers to imbibe
human life despite deprecation of his directors. In this process, unnamed alien belies the
professor’s image and observes to become a human by following his daily routine, particularly
involving in new tastes such as music, history, and cinema. However, there is a great
demarcation between being an alien and a human that he has to relinquish super powers like
changing image, healing, and reading mind. In other words, the identity of alien is not
supercilious that he is interested in both human attitudes and cultural interactions. Moreover,
this is a tortuous set of entanglements in which unnamed alien is able to adapt himself to human
life from the world/planet the author has built. Thus, this paper aims to peruse experiences of
the protagonist as an alien from a different planet and a human circumventing complex human
relationships in terms of being an outsider and portrayal of an alien. The alien protagonist will
predicate on the core of the paper propounding a transformation throughout the novel.
Keywords: Science Fiction, Alien, Outer Space, Human, Identity.
Bio-note:
Öznur Cengiz Çeliker completed her BA and MA at the Department of Western Languages and
Literatures, Dumlupınar University (Kütahya/Turkey). She prepared her PhD thesis on science
fiction at the Department of Western Languages and Literatures (English Language and
Literature), Graduate School of Social Sciences, Ankara University. She has been working as
an assistant professor at the Department of Western Languages and Literatures, Faculty of
Humanities and Social Sciences, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University. Her current studies are
on posthumanism, dystopia, science fiction, and climate fiction.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Archival Selectivity: The ‘Marginalization’ of the KPAC Songs and
Cultural Memory
Dr ASHWATHI, Assistant Professor, Department Of Languages, Bangalore, Jayanagar
Campus, India
Abstract:
The songs in the plays of the KPAC or the “KPAC Theatre Songs”, as popularly known, is
widely circulated and reproduced through various musical reality shows, as back ground music
to interviews and party events and YouTube channels. However, only a ‘select’ set of songs had
been in the acoustic preferences and that assumedly revived the ‘memory of the revolutionary
past’. There are more than 200 songs that were written for the plays. The songs have been
published but it is also not widely in circulation. Even the library dedicated to the KPAC has
archived mostly the plays only, both the published ones and the handwritten manuscripts. The
discussions around the KPAC mostly happen either with regard to the plays, the popularly
circulated songs or based on the fame of their musicians, lyricists, or singers rather than their
original content or the songs itself. This paper tries to understand the selective archiving in the
context of the KPAC songs when there are intrinsic ties to the socio-cultural and temporal
contexts in which they were originally created and experienced and the ideas and emotions
they evoke now. With the changing socio- political and cultural sphere and the power relations
in these spaces, the discourse and reception of such archival materials by later audience, also
tries to look at how it has led to a ‘death’ of the archived text when it fails to be available in
either their sonic or written form. The discussion underscores the politics of and process of
archiving of the materials and documents connected to the songs and its impact on the creation
of a selective nostalgia. It argues that without active engagement or interaction with these texts,
and with an overemphasis on the aesthetic elements of the performance, the relevance of the
archival material risks fading, resulting in a disconnect that may ultimately render the material
obsolete in the present context.
Keywords: Archive, KPAC, Memory, Songs, Theatre.
Bio-note:
Dr Ashwathi is an Assistant professor in the Department of Languages, English division, Jain
Deemed to be University, Bangalore. She has extensive teaching experience, having previously
served at Christ Deemed to be University, Bangalore; Maharaja Agrasen College, University
of Delhi; and various colleges in Kerala as a guest lecturer. Dr Ashwathi holds a PhD in Gender
Studies and an MPhil in Women’s Studies from JNU, New Delhi. Her research interests lie
primarily in life narratives and theater texts, with a recent academic focus on the intersections
of food and literature.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Gendered Spaces in Alzheimer’s Disease: Perspectives on Spatial Criticism
and Autobiographical Narratives
JAYASHREE C, Assistant Professor, Jain Deemed-to-be University, Karnataka, India
Abstract:
Spatial experiences in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) have been proven to define a person’s journey
through the neurodegenerative disease until the very end. This study aims to explore the
intersection of gender and spatial experiences in Alzheimer’s disease through autobiographical
narratives. The study also focuses how historical and social norms of gender define the roles
of caregiving, spatial navigation, and personal identity within the context of Alzheimer’s
disease. By choosing autobiographical narratives, this study also aims to break the reinforced
stereotypes of navigating spaces in AD. The study also examines the impact of gendered
expectations on the systemic design and usage of caregiving facilities and the impact of spaces
in memory processes of the patients. It also considers the implications of inclusive spaces, both
in terms of gender and disability, and recommendations to address gender-specific needs in AD
experience. Through textual analysis and qualitative study of autobiographical narratives, this
study aims to contribute to a nuanced understanding of the lived realities of Alzheimer’s
patients through their own voices, and advocate for a better spatial design from a gendered
perspective.
Keywords: Alzheimer’s Disease, Spatial criticism, Spatial experiences, autobiographical
narratives.
Bio-note:
Ms. Jayashree C. is an Assistant Professor of English at Jain Deemed-to-be University in
Bangalore. With a strong research background in literature and disability studies, her recent
research works have delved into a nuanced understanding of Alzheimer’s Disease experiences
with autobiographical narratives as the focus. Other research areas include feminist studies,
post humanism and sports literature. Her teaching career at the university level allows her to
engage with young minds and strive for a more inclusive society for posterity.
Cultural Brew: Hadia, Sarhul, and the Intersection of Tradition and Policy
in Jharkhand
HARE KRISHNA KUIRY, Research Scholar, University Department of English, India
Abstract:
Hadia is a traditional rice beer widely consumed by various indigenous communities in India,
particularly in the state of Jharkhand. It is made from fermented rice and a mix of natural herbs
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
known as ranu, which act as fermenting agents. Hadia holds significant cultural and social
value, especially during festivals, rituals, and community gatherings. It is not just a beverage
but a symbol of communal harmony and shared heritage among the Adivasi people.
This research explores the intricate relationship between traditional food practices and
cultural identity, focusing on Hadia, a rice beer, and the Sarhul festival in Jharkhand. Hadia is
more than just a beverage; it is deeply intertwined with the social and spiritual fabric of
indigenous communities, particularly during the Sarhul festival, which celebrates the arrival of
spring and the worship of nature. Through a comprehensive analysis, this study examines how
Hadia and Sarhul serve as cultural cornerstones that reinforce communal bonds, sustain
indigenous traditions, and assert identity in a rapidly changing world. Additionally, the research
delves into the policy implications of these practices, investigating how local and national
policies impact the production, distribution, and consumption of Hadia. By situating Hadia
within the broader cultural and policy landscape, this paper seeks to highlight the importance
of preserving indigenous food traditions in the face of globalization and modernity. The
findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive policies that protect and promote
traditional practices, ensuring that the rich heritage of Jharkhand’s indigenous communities
continues to thrive.
Keywords: Hadia, Food, Rituals, Tribals, Jharkhand.
Bio-note:
Hare Krishna Kuiry is a Research Scholar, English Department, Ranchi University. He has
completed his master degree in English Studies in 2020 from Central University of Jharkhand,
Ranchi, India. His area of interest is tribal Issues, culture and festivals. His topic of the
dissertation is “Tribal Festival Celebrating Nature in Jharkhand: An Eco-Critical Study of the
Rituals and Lok kathas of Tussu and Sarhul”. He has also presented documentary on Murma
Mela at Birsa Munda Language and Cultural Festival 2020.
Music, Memory and Resilience: Buchanan’s The Beginning of Everything
in Health Humanities
V. KOUSALYA, PhD Research Scholar, Kanchi Mamunivar Government Institute for
Postgraduate Studies and Research, Puducherry, India & DR MARIE JOSEPHINE
ARUNA, Assistant Professor, Kanchi Mamunivar Government Institute for
Postgraduate Studies and Research, Puducherry, India
Abstract:
Health Humanities, an inquisitive emerging interdisciplinary field of study which engages in a
critical dialogue between two broad disciplines like health science and humanities have gained
gushy prominence in the contemporary era given to the practice of gender disparities,
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
indifference, negligence and power politics in the healthcare setting. Addressing the issues and
lacunas in the practice of the art of medicine from every possible extremities thereby including
the voices of all those who have been marginalized by biomedicine like informal carers, allied
healthcare professionals, people of color, LGBTQ etc. Health Humanities aim at rendering
qualitative and holistic healthcare access. Besides, it also critically examines how the creative
practices of arts and humanities instead of being deployed only to foreground the traumatic
trials and tribulations of the afflicted or to inculcate empathy in physicians’ could also be
utilized as a mindful therapeutic interventions. Set in the broader framework of Health
Humanities, this study aims to analyze the literary narrative titled The Beginning of
Everything: The Year I Lost My Mind and Found Myself written by an eminent American
author Andrea J. Buchanan through the neuroscientific theoretical lens of reparative
neuroplasticity. The memoir narrates the disruptive event in the life of Buchanan where she
catches a severe cold fits one fine day on her way to have breakfast, which tear the dura mater,
the protective membrane covering the brain and spinal cord and renders severe headache.
Already being troubled in the midst of divorce and the obligation to take care of her two
adolescent children, Buchanan’s life comes to a standstill with the affliction of this rare kind of
disorder named Cerebrospinal fluid leak. Buchanan being a piano player since childhood, the
study shows how the musical training and its effects on the brain are able to foster holistic
resilience thereby aiding her to get back to a new normal life through the lens of reparative
neuroplasticity.
Keywords: Neuroplasticity, Music, Mindful therapy, Resilience, Health Humanities.
Bio-note:
V. Kousalya is pursuing PhD in English at Kanchi Mamunivar Government Institute for
Postgraduate Studies and Research and has cleared National Eligibility Test. The author’s areas
of interests are Health Humanities and Gender Studies.
Dr Marie Josephine is an Assistant Professor of Kanchi Mamunivar Government Institute for
Postgraduate Studies and Research, Puducherry.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Cultural Interactions and Identity in Reading Lolita in Tehran: The
Intersection of Western Literature and Iranian Society
DR GARIMA JAIN, Associate Professor of English, M.S. J. Govt. P. G. College,
Bharatpur Rajasthan, India
Abstract:
This research article explores the themes of cultural interactions and identity formation in Azar
Nafisi’s Reading Lolita in Tehran, focusing on the intersection of Western literature and Iranian
society. Set against the backdrop of post-revolutionary Iran, Nafisi’s memoir portrays a unique
literary resistance where a private reading group of young Iranian women engages with Western
literary classics such as Lolita, The Great Gatsby, and Pride and Prejudice. The act of reading
these texts becomes a subversive space for negotiating identity, autonomy, and freedom within
a restrictive political and cultural context. By juxtaposing the repressive socio-political climate
of Iran with the emancipatory potential of Western literature, these literary works provide a
mirror for the women to reflect on their personal and collective experiences of oppression,
desire, and resistance. The analysis also delves into the broader implications of cultural
exchange, where Western literary narratives become tools for reimagining selfhood and agency
in a society grappling with ideological control and cultural conservatism. This paper argues
that Nafisi’s memoir illustrates the transformative power of literature to challenge dominant
discourses, foster critical thinking, and cultivate new forms of cultural and personal identity.
Keywords: Cultural interaction, Western literature, Literature and education, Iranian
repressive society.
Bio-note:
Dr. Garima Jain is an Associate Professor of English at M. S. J. Govt. P. G. College, Bharatpur
(Rajasthan). She has published more than fifteen research papers and authored four books. Her
area of specialization is postcolonial studies, cosmopolitan studies, dispora and migration
studies, etc.
The Legal Implications and Prohibitions Surrounding Femal Genital
Mutilation
MANSI SRIVASTAVA, Advocate, Masters student (LLM), Amity University, Noida,
India
Abstract:
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) represents a profound infringement on human rights and
personal integrity. This article explores the legal frameworks designed to combat FGM, the
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
intersection of international and domestic laws, and the practical challenges in enforcing such
laws. The analysis draws from international treaties, regional agreements, and national
legislation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive legal and social responses
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) refers to the non-consensual, non-medical
procedures involving the partial or total removal of external female genitalia. This practice,
entrenched in certain cultural contexts, poses severe risks to physical and psychological health
and stands in violation of fundamental human rights. Legal mechanisms globally and
domestically have been established to address and eradicate this practice. This article evaluates
these legal frameworks and their effectiveness in combating FGM.
Keywords: Female Genital Mutilation.
Bio-note:
Mansi Srivastava is a practising advocate in Delhi. She is currently persuing her Masters from
Amity University, Noida. Her research interest include constitutional rights, laws protecting
rights of women and childern. She holds work experience in areas like white collar crimes,
civil, commercial and family law. As a practicing lawyer She has appeared before Supreme
Court of India, various High Courts, and other subordinate courts.
Humanizing the Dehumanized: Examining Resistance to ‘Metaphors of
Dehumanization’ in Select War Diaries and Blogs of Iraqi Women
SOMEDUTTA MUKHERJEE, Assistant Professor, Department Of English, Centre For
Distance and Online Education, The University Of Burdwan, India
Abstract:
The war-time language of public discourse, and the metaphors used in it are not simply
descriptive, but, as theorists like Edward Said, Philip Knightly and Debra Merskin have, on
different occasions, pointed out, is “something conditioned and assembled, put together from
fragments of information and observation and shaped by the context of their assembly” (Steuter
and Wills 153). History offers many examples how, during times of conflict, enemies are
‘made’ through metaphors. As pertinently stated by Steuter and Wills, through such use of
metaphors, “enemies are made into the Other, dragged symbolically backwards down the
evolutionary ladder until they are no longer seen as human” (153), giving rise to extreme
adversity and a sense of repulsion towards the ‘enemy.’ During American war and Occupation
of Iraq, extensive use of such metaphors of dehumanization abounded different mainstream
media, which ideologically manipulated their audience into hating the Other. By analysing a
few diaries and blogs written by some ordinary Iraqi women during American Invasion of Iraq,
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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ABSTRACT VOLUME
this article seeks to show how these narratives serve to represent the Iraqi civilian voice, which
frequently remains unheard in mainstream media coverage of war where sensationalization is
prioritized over sensibility. Resisting the ‘metaphors of dehumanization’ used by the western
mainstream media to subtly manipulate their audience into nourishing a deep-seated aversion
for the Iraqi people, and thereby garner support for their militaristic activities on the Iraqi soil,
these narratives attempt to humanize their own people against the dehumanizing policies of the
western mainstream media. By delivering a multi-layered portrayal of Iraqi lives through a
first-person perspective, these war testimonials break the unilateral and one-sided depiction of
America’s ‘war on terror’ and ‘Operation Iraqi Freedom’ as promulgated through Western
media.
Keywords: Metaphors of Dehumanization, War on Terror, Iraqi diaries, Iraqi blogs,
Resistance.
Bio-note:
Somedutta Mukherjee is Assistant Professor of English at Centre for Distance and Online
Education, The University of Burdwan. She has submitted her doctoral thesis at The University
of Burdwan. Her primary areas of interest include Resistance literature, self-narratives and war
narratives, with a focus on Middle Eastern literature. Her current research focuses on
contemporary Arab (Iraqi) writers, especially women.
The Representation of Mental Illness in 19th-Century Literature
PRANVI SHUKLA, Independent Research Scholar, Indira Gandhi National Open
University, Delhi, India
Abstract:
This research paper observes how insanity is depicted in characters in 19th century Victorian
novels and how the novels engage with and subvert masses of madness and gender norms of
the time. This research paper examines the depiction of mental illness in seven major
Victorian novels including Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre (1847), Wilkie Collins’s The
Woman in White (1860), Mary Elizabeth Braddon’s Lady Audley’s Secret (1862), Emily
Bronte’s Wuthering Heights (1847), Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s The Yellow Wallpaper
(1892), George Eliot’s Middlemarch (1871), and Anne Bronte’s The Tenant of Wildfell Hall
(1848). This paper examines mental diseases, gender, and society as it analyzes these texts
in search of mental diseases and historical understandings of illness. Close reading and
historical context have been utilized to render an understanding of women’s madness in
Victorian literature as a critique of patriarchal power and an example of oppressive
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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ABSTRACT VOLUME
healthcare practices that women have experienced, for example, through institutionalization
or the curtailment of women’s voices.
The Victorian writers, from feminist and psychoanalytic perspectives, showed how
their representations of mental illness are both a symptom of gendered repression bounded in
social norms, but also a mobilization method for critiquing the restrictions imposed by those
social norms of the time. This research paper highlights the important role that historical
considerations play in current interpretations of mental health discourse, and it can be useful
for future research as well. Especially, in regard to further exposing the gendered dimensions
of mental illness discourse in literature. Additionally, the comparisons could be made not
only between male to female characters, for example, but could also lead to insights into the
engagement with psychological disorders in Victorian literature.
Keywords: Victorian literature, mental illness, patriarchy, societal attitudes, narrative
strategies, hysteria, madness, and 19th century.
Bio-note:
Pranvi Shukla is the author of this paper and holds a Master’s degree in English Literature and
Linguistics from Indira Gandhi National Open University, Delhi, as well as a Bachelor’s degree
from the University of Lucknow. In India, aspiring professors must successfully navigate the
UGC NET exam to pursue PhD opportunities at esteemed institutions, a challenge Pranvi is
currently undertaking.
A lifelong literature enthusiast, she has diligently crafted this research paper to present
innovative insights to the global literary community, seeking constructive feedback from
experts. Pranvi has actively participated in international conferences on English Literature and
excelled in Faculty Development Programs, achieving great scores with recognition. Her
passion for literature is profound, and she aspires to dedicate her career to this field, continually
exploring and sharing her love for literature.
Violence, Society and the Artist: Salman Rushdie’s Knife: Meditations After
an Attempted Murder
DR SHRUTI RAWAL, Assistant Professor, St. Xavier’s College Jaipur, India
Abstract:
The idea of absolute freedom has allured the individual and the artists to express themselves
without any constraints from societal norms, censorship or restraints. Jean-Paul Sartre, the
existentialist philosopher and writer believed that human beings are “condemned to be free,”
meaning that we are always free to make choices, but this freedom comes with the weight of
responsibility. It was the same dilemma that Hamlet faced of action and responsibility. In his
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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famous essay “What is Literature?” Sartre argued that literature is a means to reveal the world
and provoke change, not just an escape or a means of entertainment, though he also opposed
any restraint from authorities on the same. This research evaluates the same idea from the
perspective of the artist through Salman Rushdie’s Knife: Meditations After an Attempted
Murder which was released in 2024 narrates the violent attack on him in 2022. Rushdie has
been a supporter of freedom of expression which he advocates that without the freedom to
offend ceases to exist. This memoir is a brave attempt to advocate freedom of expression while
contemplating personal and public.
Keywords: Artist, Freedom, Society, Violence.
Bio-note:
Dr Shruti Rawal is an Assistant Professor in the Department of English at St Xavier’s College
Jaipur. She has a distinctive academic record with merit scholarships from CBSE (All India
Rank) and UGC (PG Merit Scholarship). She completed her post-graduation in 2008 with
distinction and a Gold Medal. She cleared her NET and was awarded the Junior Research
Fellowship by UGC in the same year and went on to pursue her PhD in City Narratives which
she completed in 2011. She has been teaching for over fifteen years in different institutes like
UIT-RGPV, Bhopal, Sophia Girls’ College, Ajmer and IIS Deemed to be University, Jaipur.
She has over twenty publications in research journals and has presented papers at conferences.
Her research interests include City Narratives, Indian Writing in English and Literary Criticism
and Contemporary Fiction. She is a certified trainer from the Cambridge Teacher Development
Program on Business English Skills. She has also successfully guided four PhD scholars on
topics ranging from modern short fiction, postcolonialism and contemporary world literature.
She is associated with editorial boards of journals as a reviewer.
Womb as Vessel: Analyzing Surrogacy Narratives in Mahabharata through
Multifaceted Feminist Lenses
PRAGYA SINHA, Masters Student, Christ University, Bengaluru, India
Abstract:
The Mahabharata, an ancient Indian epic, contains rich narratives that delve into the
complexities of human existence and societal norms. Among its diverse themes, surrogacy
emerges as a significant discourse, reflecting intricate dynamics of power, agency, and gender
roles. The Mahabharata portrays women not only as vessels of fertility essential for the
continuation of dynasties but also as agents of change who influence the course of events.
However, the extent of control they have over their fate is often contested and remains open to
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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interpretation, highlighting tensions between societal expectations and individual autonomy.
This paper explores the nuanced portrayals of surrogacy within the epic through the lens of
multifaceted feminist theories like intersectional feminism and ecofeminism, aiming to make
the research intersectional, interdisciplinary, and relevant to the contemporary world’s ethical
dilemma about surrogacy. Through a comprehensive analysis of key surrogacy episodes in
Mahabharata, along with examples from popular culture, this study contributes to the broader
dialogue on surrogacy, feminism, and literature by shedding light on the complexities of
women’s experiences and autonomy. It examines how ancient narratives continue to inform
and challenge our understanding of gender, power structures, and reproductive ethics in the
modern world.
Keywords: Mahabharata, Surrogacy, Feminist lenses, Intersectionality, Popular Culture.
Bio-note:
Pragya Sinha is currently pursuing a master’s degree in English Literature and Cultural Studies
from Christ University, Bengaluru. India. She has bachelor’s degree in information technology
from Lovely Professional University, Punjab, India. She has done six-month internship in
Bosch and worked with Machine learning. She has worked as Business Analyst in Capgemini
for three years. She is an avid reader and likes to dance and write random poetry in her free
time. She knows Hindi, English and currently learning Spanish.
Becoming Women: A Study of ‘A Woman’s Life’ and ‘The Final Solution’
DR DEBABRATA ADHIKARY, Assistant Professor, Hooghly Women’s College,
Hooghly, India
Abstract:
The endeavour of the present paper is to look at the commodification of woman in the male-
market driven economy by looking at two texts; namely ‘A Woman’s Life’ by Sadat Hasan
Manto, and ‘The Final Solution’ by Manik Bandopadhyay. Famous French feminist and
philosopher Simone de Beauvoir once commented that “One is not born, but becomes a
woman”, which perhaps holds true in case of both the short stories where the women
protagonists (Saugandhi and Mallika) had to become commodities in the perennial male
commercial market. In ‘A Woman’s Life’, Saugandhi is a prostitute who has to depend on the
male for physical sustenance by selling her body, as well as for her emotional survival (on
persons like Madhu, who cheats on her hard-earned money by playing a game of deception),
while in ‘The Final Solution’, Mallika has to become a mere pawn to enter into the market of
prostitution in order to make her family (especially her two-and-half-year-old son Khokon)
survive. Not only the bodies of both these women are targeted, exploited and made use of in
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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ABSTRACT VOLUME
the patriarchal male money-market of prostitution, run and aided by persons like Pramatha
(The Final Solution) and Ram Lal (A Woman’s Life); but also the overpowering of their entire
emotional and psychological being is also ensured in the process. Saugandhi and Mallika both
become a prey in the eternal patriarchal game of deception and foul-play and search frantically
for a ‘Final Solution’. The paper would try to explore how much they become successful in
finding and reaching the final solution out of the problems of their women’s life.
Keywords: Commodification, Male-market, Patriarchal, Deception, Exploitation.
Bio-note:
Dr Debabrata Adhikary is an Assistant Professor of Hooghly Women’s College for the last 9
years.
Table of Inclusion: Exploring Food and Disability in Select contemporary
Indian fiction
DR SUMAN RATHORE, Assistant Professor of English, Morarji Desai National
Institute of Yoga, New Delhi, India & DR ARPIT KUMAR DUBEY And Dr PAWAN,
Assistant Professor of Yoga Education, Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, New
Delhi, India
Abstract:
Food constitutes the most integral aspect of our culture, society, and identity. For centuries,
authors have used it as a tool to illustrate the social, cultural or political dynamics while
focusing on the search for identity, question of survival or a sense of belonging. Food in relation
to disability allows us to study the socio-cultural dynamics in relation to inclusion, exclusion,
nurture, neglect, and other broader aspects of our culture and society. The present paper will
explore the symbolic and practical role of food in the lives of children with disabilities and
their caregivers as portrayed in select contemporary Indian English fiction. By analysing food
as a narrative tool, the paper seeks to explore familial bonds, social and cultural struggles, and
the journey of characters with disabilities and their caregivers towards self-discovery and
resilience.
Keywords: Disability, Food, Caregivers, Culture, Food, Survival.
Bio-note:
Dr Suman Rathore is an Assistant Professor of English at the Morarji Desai National Institute
of Yoga (MDNIY), Ministry of Ayush, New Delhi. With a focus on the intersection of literature
and disability studies, she has dedicated her research to exploring representations of children
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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with disabilities in contemporary fiction. Along with publications in peer reviewed and UGC
care listed journals, her academic pursuits have led her to present insightful papers at various
national and international conferences, contributing significantly to the discourse on disability
in literary studies.
Arpit Kumar Dubey is an Assistant Professor of Yoga Education of Morarji Desai
National Institute Of Yoga in New Delhi.
Reading the Ecological and Economical Ghosts in Selected Bengali Ghost
Stories of Leela Majumdar
SUBHAJEET SINGHA, Assistant Professor, Dept. of English, Deshapran
Mahavidyalaya, under Vidyasagar University, West Bengal, India
Abstract:
One repetitive trope in most of the Bengali ghost stories is either one railway employee or a
postmaster painstakingly points out a haunted bungalow to a complete stranger. All the
renowned authors of supernatural in Bengali literature have come across this formulaic
presentation of gothic atmosphere and that is where Leela Majumdar’s tales of uncanny,
supernatural ghostly encounters are different. Her ghosts do not spring from the macabre world
of severed head or bloody apparitions. Her preternatural beings are not a concoction of
‘uncanny’. Usually the gothic tales draw much critical insight from the Freudian analysis of
‘unheimlich’ whose original German connotation means closer to ‘unhomely’ or ‘unfamiliar’
than ‘uncanny’. The malevolent spirits invade our homely space and they are needed to be
exorcised off, as it was done in the famous movie “The Exorcist” (1973). But Majumdar’s
understanding of the world of spirit was entirely different. In her own introduction to her
volume of ghost stories, “Sab Bhuture” (All is Scary), she writes that the soul of a human being
is most holy-therefore she never believes that human soul can be transformed into such evil
spirit after death. That is why her ghosts and spirits are never ghastly enough to scare us. Like
our ancient myths and beliefs, Majumdar’s ghosts are more like guardian spirits of the social
eco-systems around us. Etymologically ‘eco’ comes from Greek ‘oikos’ meaning home and
ghosts are always ‘unhomely’. Majumdar deconstructs this myth and creates a universe where
human world and spirit world intersect and propitiate each other- as in a symbiotic relationship.
This symbiosis is possible because of an oriental philosophy against a colonial western
philosophy that governs gothic throughout. My paper will discuss selected stories from Leela
Majumdar’s “Sab Bhuture” from a postcolonial, ecocritical representation of oriental gothic.
Keywords: Gothic, Ecocriticism, Postcolonialism, Uncanny.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bio-note:
Subhajeet Singha is an Assistant Professor, Dept. of English, Deshapran Mahavidyalaya, under
Vidyasagar University, East Midnapore, West Bengal, India
The Supremacy of Poetic Rapture in Rohit Manchanda’s Novel The
Enclave Perpetuates the Possibility of Encompassing A Timeless World
SUDEEP GHOSH, Theory of Knowledge Coordinator, Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad,
India
Abstract:
This critical paper reviews the poetic rapture in Rohit Manchanda’s recent novel ‘The
Enclave’(Harper Collins 2024) aimed at perpetuating the possibility of encompassing a
timeless world. The novelist’s poetic exuberance renders beauty to fleeting and random
moments of empirical reality. The paper probes into the supremacy of poetic rapture in
unravelling the nature of fracture or fragmented existence that the poet-persona confronts and
responds to a world of repression and inhibition with a keen sensibility to poetry where multiple
sensory perceptions come into play to mitigate and heal her inner dissonance. The novel
examines and envisions a timeless world which is a world of imagination, a world of
transcendence to animate the unknowable, a world that redeems the uncharted realm, and a
world of poetic indulgence. Poetry seems to lie at the center of empirical experience and its
flight into a timeless world that beckons the protagonist Maya. Maya’s journey from the diurnal
world to a timeless world is inescapably through poetry. Manchanda’s technical virtuosity
captures poetry that overwhelms Maya. Maya, lost in her commitment to seeking a timeless
world, discovers poetry and the incantatory beauty of cadenced words. The paper deploys
Amartya Sen’s notion of well-being freedom and agency as Maya is moored in seeking the
inscapes of her lyrical interiority and a world where the trappings of humanity are not stripped
away.
Keywords: Wellbeing, Humanism, Freedom, Interiority, Representation, Angst, Truth.
Bio-note:
Sudeep Ghosh is Theory of Knowledge Coordinator at the Aga Khan Academy
Hyderabad(India). His pedagogical articles, poems, research papers, translations and art
criticisms have appeared in national and international journals. Aesthetica Magazine (UK), Le
Dame Art Gallery (UK), Canadian Literature (University of British Columbia, Canada),
Wasafiri (Open University, London); national journals - Teacher Plus(Azim Premji University),
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Apurva (BHU, Varanasi)The Indian Literature (Sahitya Akademi), Penguin India, Mentor,
Knowledge Review, to name a few.
Paradox Of The Golden Age And Dystopia: A Study of Arthur C. Clarke’s
Science Fiction Novel Childhood’s End
BANDANA DEVI, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Vallabh Government
College, Mandi, India
Abstract:
Thomas More has given the name Utopia to an ideal province in the literary terrain, similarly
Arthur C. Clarke has shown the “Golden Age” in his science fiction novels. But Clarke’s perfect
society is incomplete without scientific and technological advancement. Moreover, his vision
of the “Promised Land” is a momentary peep into the quiet “Utopia.” Clarke’s works give some
glimpses of dystopia underlying the utopian vision, which has some flaws. Dystopia of the
literary world is not always apocalyptic and bleak, but it has paradoxical utility. The social
problems then lead to the personal predicament and the crisis of the self arises, which takes the
characters to the search for a lasting home. The novel taken into consideration is Childhood’s
End (1953), which demonstrates an extraordinary thematic uniformity of science, technology
and society by analysing the journey of characters in the utopia and dystopia setup. Clarke has
reverberated the New Historicism’s idea of contextualized reality in this science fiction novel.
This seminal work draws attention to the manifold and paradoxical social forces relevant in the
present context also.
Keywords: Science, Technology, Science Fiction, Utopia, Dystopia
Bio-note:
Bandana Devi is an Assistant Professor of the Department of English in Vallabh Government
College in Mandi.
The Interplay of Nature and Colonialism in Rabindranath Tagore’s The
Waterfall: A Postcolonial Perspective
SHAMBHAVI SINGH, Undergraduate Student of English Literature, Deen Dayal
Upadhyaya College, India
Abstract:
Rabindranath Tagore’s writings reflect a profound respect for nature and the environment,
extending beyond mere appreciation of its utility to explore deeper spiritual and existential
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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themes, such as the value of life and the soul’s existence. Writing during the colonial era,
Tagore’s works are inextricably linked to the subjugation of India by British colonizers and the
broader context of the Indian freedom struggle. Tagore’s writings embody a postcolonial
perspective, as noted critic Edward Said, also regards him as a ‘postcolonial thinker’. Collins
believes, “Tagore can help us better understand some of the failures of postcolonial theory.”
(Collins, 2011) Tagore vehemently critiques British practices of rapid industrialization, which
Nehru termed the ‘disease of gigantism’ while maintaining a thoughtful distance from eco-
critical dogmatism. Muktadhara serves as a pointed critique of industrialization, environmental
degradation, and the unchecked pursuit of development, illustrating how these forces have
adversely impacted various communities. The present paper will analyze Muktadhara through
a postcolonial lens, focusing on Tagore’s critique of colonial exploitation and the detrimental
effects of what Nehru called the ‘temples of India’ on indigenous communities. The study aims
to provide a nuanced understanding of Tagore’s environmental thought and its implications for
postcolonial theory. Further, it will also try to trace how the Indians metamorphosized from
worshippers of nature to exploiters of nature.
Keywords: Eco-colonialism, Development, Destruction, Resistance.
Bio-note:
Shambhavi Singh is an undergraduate student of English literature from Deen Dayal
Upadhyaya College, University of Delhi. Her research interests include Modern American and
Romantic Literatures.
Is the Emotional Signals through Linguistic Manifestation the corollary of
Encoding Traumatic Disorders in Episodic Memory?
SWATI TOKEDAR, Research Scholar, Department of English, Vel TechRangarajan Dr.
Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu, India & DR R.
UDHAYAKUMAR, Professor, Department of English, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.
Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu, India
Abstract:
Emotional signals is a psychosomatic phenomenon expressed either in combination or in verbal
and non-verbal mode. In verbal mode ofsignaling, the human being necessitates language with
common characteristics for transmitting appropriate connotation of words. Paul Eckman has
recognized six fundamental types of emotions, namely sadness, disgust, fear, surprise,
happiness, anger with an extension of pride, shame, embarrassment, and excitement
surrounding all ethnic groups of human society. Specific lexicons are applied in communication
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
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Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
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harmonizing these emotional qualities. In contrast, if someone miscarries the harmonization or
yields to improper application of lexicons spasmodically, he or she is diagnosed with traumatic
disorder that may occur in different stages of development in human life. The factors
responsible include diversity in socio-economic strata, partisan politics, religious sectarianism,
and genetic inheritance. Resultantly, if some kinds of horrifying incidents occur in human life,
the mental growth withstands and the sensory images of incidents are stored in hippocampus
area of temporal lobes in our cerebral hemisphere as negative impressions. During the
recollection of specific incidents through episodic memory the personality replicates in
multiple and each replica has special modus operandi to defend. One of the modus operandi is
symbolic manifestation of language. Frederique Gayraud and Yann Auxemery have
recommended “SPLIT-10’ diagnostic scale” for assessing ‘traumatic psycholinguistic
syndrome’ caused by death, derealization, depersonalization, flashbacks and unspeakability.
They have analyzed ‘two corpora of traumatic event narratives, namely “Bataclan” and
“Afghanistan War” matching to a control group. As linguistic characteristics have been proved
insignificant, they have advised for upgradation of SPLIT-10 scale. Han Qiu, Bernadette
Watson, Dennis Tay emphasize on metaphoric analysis to conceptualize the psychological
trauma. Their findings ‘reveal the possibility for symptomatologic manifestations to be
captured in metaphorical language. The present article aims at exploring the genre of symbolic
words and their frequency based on clinical case studies relating to forceful pregnancy and
abortion prior marriage.
Keywords: Emotional signals, Connotations, Traumatic disorders, Personality, Modus
operandi, Corpora, Narrative.
Bio-note:
Swati Tokedar is a Research Scholar of the Department of English, School of Science and
Humanities in the Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and
Technology in Chennai.
Dr R. Udhayakumar is a Professor of the Department of English, School of Science and
Humanities in the Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and
Technology in Chennai.
Political and Literary Intersections in The Adventures of Tintin by Hergé
CHAMPAK DYUTI MAJUMDER, PhD Scholar, Bankura University, India
Abstract:
Hergé’s The Adventures of Tintin is much more than an adventure series in pictures for young
readers. It is not difficult even for a first timer to discover the adventures’ multi-layered
structure and nature. The series wonderfully creates intersections between literature and
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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ABSTRACT VOLUME
contemporary international politics in many of its adventures like Tintin in the Congo, Tintin
in the Land of the Soviets, Tintin and the Broken Ear, etc. There are three albums that initiate
intelligent and deep interactions between literature and Science & Technology as well the most
prominent of which are The Shooting Star, Destination Moon, Explorers on the Moon, and
Flight 714 and the last of them stands on the border between a well plotted crime thriller and
science fantasy, both alluding subtly to contemporary world politics. While following the Tintin
adventures chronologically, one often thinks that politics gradually vanishes from the Tintin-
universe but in actuality it becomes much subtler and more universal with the passage of time.
Analyses of Tintin-stories to explore this wonderful literature-politics intersection, besides
helping us closely observe the same phenomenon operating in other superhero stories that are
hitherto unexplored from this perspective, can tell us a thing or two about the powers exclusive
to visual narratives like comics to present the non-presentable in a pleasantly and often
comically presentable manner.
Keywords: Political and literary intersections, Tintin, Herge, The Phantom, International
power politics.
Bio-note:
Champak Dyuti Majumder is currently pursuing his PhD from Bankura University. He has
taught English in private engineering and management colleges as a Lecturer, Senior Lecturer,
and Assistant Professor for more than twenty years in Siliguri, Durgapur, and Kolkata
respectively since 2002 and also at a university as a part time lecturer. At the moment he is at
his ancestral home in Cooch-Behar and pursuing his PhD full time. He has presented papers in
various seminars and conferences before.
Lubricated Sexuality and Encoded Gender in the Flesh of Orlando:
Making and Unmaking of Body as a Text
DEBOJYOTI DAN, Assistant Professor, Naba Ballygunge Mahavidyalaya (College),
West Bengal, India
Abstract:
From the Tudor court of sexual gendering to the codified Victorian morality, Virginia Woolf
seeks to de-hegemonize the body of Orlando from the male ‘being’ to a female body. The
construction of Heteronormativity in the ever-changing social framework is a special dosage
of political subversion and the emergence of counter-culture through firing the cannon that
Woolf develops with the deft cut to the male body of Orlando.
The delocalized self of identity becomes a biological maneuvering in the hands of
Woolf and Orlando’s body becomes the fulcrum of gender politics. Nature too is made to play
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
evident part of de-robbing the masculinity of Orlando and Woolf makes use of snow as a form
of sterile coldness to counter the warmth of gender hegemony. Sasha is not only a Russian
display of the rhetoric of East, but acts as the reminder of the masculinity of Orlando in the
Tudor days.
Orlando did not suffer from pathogenic or genetic disorder, but a psychological
movement from masculinization to feminization. Whether Viginia Woolf was aware of Magnus
Hirschfeld who performed the first genital reassignment surgery in 1921 is of course debatable,
but Woolf was definitely aware of the ‘Gender dysphoria’ (GD), or ‘gender identity disorder’
(GID),which is the distress a person experiences as a result of the sex and gender they were
assigned at birth. Woolf never clearly stated that Orlando is the Genetic males (with one X and
one Y chromosome) with androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) are resistant to androgens.
Rather Woolf was more focused in the politics imbedded in the male body outside the genetic
or pathogenic formulations.
Keywords: Body, Gender, Heteronormativity, Fluidity, Sexuality.
Bio-note:
Debojyoti Dan is a poet and a literary critic. He has been teaching in Naba Ballygunge
Mahavidyalaya (College) in the department of English, since 2009. He has special interests in
Modern and Postmodern literature and theories. He was the Head of the Department in English
in Naba Ballygunge Mahavidyalaya (College), from June, 2015 to January, 2017. He learned
French initially From Rama Krishna Mission and then pursued further diplomas in French from
Alliance Française du Bengal. He has several publications to his credit including two books of
poems Enigma of Red Shadows (2011) and Enigma Unveiled (2023). He has written various
chapters in edited international books and peer reviewed journals. His recent one being
“Question of Identity and Memory in Godard’s Lear and Kurosawa’s Ran” published in the
edited book Woman and Cinema with the ISBN no: 978-93-5529-840-9 in 2024. He was
awarded the first prize in the world French Poetry Competition known as ‘Le Printemps des
Poètes’ in 2007. He had worked in Alliance Française du Bengal as a cultural coordinator in
the Cine club from 2007-2009.
Influence of Cheese in French Literature
JAYITA BASAK, SACT, Chandernagore College, Chandernagore, Hooghly, India
Abstract:
The French is known by their gastronomy. French cuisine is some of the best in the world and
the culinary history of France goes back hundreds of years. One of the finer points of French
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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ABSTRACT VOLUME
cuisine is the cheese. France has a rich cheese-making history that is long, storied and delicious.
There are many different types of French cheese, each with its unique background, taste and
production method.
There are more than 500 kinds of cheese in France. 96% of French people regularly eat
cheese. For the French, cheese is a way of life, a daily indulgence to share with family and
friends and a product of real national pride. One of the best times of day is after the dinner
plates are cleared away and cheese, accompanied by fresh baguette is ushered onto the table.
With 26.7kg of cheese consumed per person per year, the French are amongst the highest
consumer of cheese in the world. I would like to make a liaison between French cheese and
literature. We could say the influence of French cheese in French literature.
Keywords: French cheese, French author, French literature.
Bio-note:
Jayita Basak is a Translator and working as a SACT in the Department of French in
Chandernagore College since 2009. Having experience of different teaching method from
University of Nantes in France, she has published many literary articles in different university
journals. Recently, she has got enrolled in a Ph.D program.
Intersections of Survival, Trauma, and Resilience in the works of Arupa
Patangia Kalita, Mitra Phukan, and Uddipana Goswami: A Comparison
ARADHANA SINGHA, Research Scholar, Gauhati University, Assam, India
Abstract:
This paper focuses on the contemporary Assamese writers: Arup Kumar Patangia Kalita, Mitra
Phukan, and Uddipana Goswami by attempting to studying the themes which are based on
survival, trauma and resilience and the definition of it on the face of various intersections of
class, ethnicity and class. In order to understand the mechanism through which these writers
attempt to negotiate features of humanity in conflict situation; it will equally dissect the issue
of intersectionality as pertains to the framework for formulating definition for the same. In the
given paper the author shall discuss how different aspects of society are intertwined with their
management of pain, memory and the capacity for bearing the same. The work of these writers
provides a complexity of trauma as a multifaceted force entering the private and public domain,
and, often, but not implicitly, residing at least in the level of invisibility, though more
profoundly in the most hopeful humane manner. When employing this kind of analysis on the
text, the paper will identify the writer’s portrayal of the intersections, survival, trauma and
resilience, and women in relation to the mentioned backgrounds.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
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In this case, the role of literary in portraying the concept of conflict and gender violence
in relation to women coping and survival mechanisms in conflict environment will form the
basis of the analysis. The study will also look at how different factors in the life cycle of people
who experienced conflict and gender-based violence intersect with each other and how they
determine their capability to develop resilient mechanisms to come out of the situation. The
significance of the texts written by Arupa Patangia Kalita, Mitra Phukan, and Uddipana
Goswami builds up the understanding of the notions of community, survival, trauma and
resilience that will be discussed from the feminist perspective.
Keywords: Culture, Society, Intersection, Survival, Resistance.
Bio-note:
Aradhana Singha is a Research Scholar in the Department of Women’s Studies of Gauhati
University. She has done her Masters in English Literature and Gender Studies. Her areas of
interest include vulnerability and survival studies of women, memory and trauma studies. She
is an enthusiastic proponent of women’s studies, employing her academic pursuits and research
to challenge societal norms, promote gender equality.
Exploring the Prototype Masculine ‘Bhadrolok’ in Select Canonical Bengali
Detective Narratives
PRITHA SANYAL, Assistant Professor - Senior Scale, Presidency University,
Bangalore, India
Abstract:
Shadows of a colonial prototype of ‘Bhadrolok’ are seeped into the representation of the
investigators in the canonical Detective series. Bengali ‘Bhadrolok’ is an extension of 19th-
century cerebral masculinity. A very textual translation of the word may be ‘gentleman’. The
typical qualities a man needs to have to claim to be a Bhadrolok are educated (preferably in
the lines of the West), well-read, intellectual, intelligence, political awareness, well-travelled
(at least through reading), and liberal worldview. A quintessential Bengali detective must have
deductive ability, empirical problem-solving capacity, and accuracy. Interestingly all of these
have been attributed to ‘male’ qualities which have been the accepted norms in concept and
practice. The masculinity is cerebral unlike the conventional muscle-flexing one. As Feluda
puts it ‘magaj vidya’.
Satyajit Ray’s Feluda series and Sharadindu Banerjee’s Byomkesh Bakshi are two
pioneering Bengali detectives who have reigned in the minds of the audience both in print and
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
in celluloid. Despite being distant temporally, socially, and politically and engaging different
target audiences, the quintessential Bhadrolok qualities are evident in both the male Detectives.
Of the two texts, Byomkesh is more political in its approach and execution. Byomkesh
is a family man, and the screen versions of the text have occasionally tried to project Satyabati
as a domestic equal to her rationally inclined husband Byomkesh but with restraint. The female
characters often seem to be oscillating between the morally impeccable Satyabati to the femme
fatale. However, the deduction, investigation, and mystery-solving are solely monopolized by
Byomkesh and Ajith, his friend-cum -author.
If Byomkesh Bakshi sidelines the female voices, the Feluda franchise does not even
include them. The most obvious argument in favour of excluding female characters and hence
their voice in the narrative is that it primarily caters to children. This problematizes the presence
of female characters in detective works who are only seen as sexual interest or for insignificant
roles that are not particularly relevant to the main plot. It might be antithetical to the eulogy of
Bhadrolok Detective, who is intended to play an aspirational role.
This paper intends to explore the ‘Bhadrolok’ version of masculinity in canonical
detective narratives in Bengali texts and celluloid resulting in the almost negligible presence
of women in the sleuth verse.
Keywords: Bhadrolok, Detective, Masculinity, Intellectualism.
Bio-note:
Dr. Pritha Sanyal is presently an Assistant Professor - Senior Scale of English in the Department
of Languages in Presidency University, Bangalore. She has 13 years of teaching experience
and has served as an HoD and Vice-Principal as well. Her academic areas of interests are
African American Literature, specifically Black Feminism, British Victorian Literature,
Partition Literature, Theatre studies, Film Studies, Gender Studies, Media Studies among many
other. She is also a research supervisor of PhD scholars.
Dr. Pritha Sanyal has many research publications, including Scopus indexed ones to her
credit. She has also presented research papers in national and international conferences. Dr.
Sanyal has also had opportunities to be the resource person in academic meets. She is also in
the BOE in an autonomous college.
Dr. Pritha Sanyal is extremely passionate about teaching and mentoring. She has
inspired her students to experience life through her Literature sessions. She is also a public
speaker and is an orator par excellence.
She has received multiple awards and recognitions including ‘The Best Teacher Award’ in
theyear 2020 by Institute of Scholars (InSc) and also featured in the cover page of She Inspire
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
magazine for being recognized for excellence in teaching as the Top 20 Influential Women in
Education in 2023. Dr. Pritha Sanyal is placed among the Top 10 Percentile globally in the
International Teachers’ Olympiad held on 15th October 2022 conducted by Suraasa. And is
also a recipient of CENTA Teaching Quotient (TQ) Badge. She has also received ‘The Best
Teacher’ Award by Reliance Foundation and ‘the Best Academician Award’ by Scientific
International Publishing House.
A Stylistic Study on the Scope of Marxist Discourse in Literary Studies
RAJESH S, PhD Research Scholar, Department of English, Bangalore University, Jnana
Bharathi, Bangalore, India & DR GEETHA BHASKER, Professor, Department of
English, Bangalore University, India
Abstract:
The essay proposes to review the significance of Marxist Discourse in literary studies and
develop critical aptitude. The concept has gained wider scope in literary studies than in social
sciences. In literary studies it extends its inclusivity to gender, hegemony, suppression,
repressive actions of the state and overall social, political and economic inequalities. The
elongated observations make Marxism a critical concept to study literature and provides a way
for arriving at different views and opinions of the readers. Moreover, the concept enables the
reader centric criticism of the literary texts.
Keywords: Discourse, Stylistic Reference, Hegemony, ISA, Neo-Marxism, RSA.
Bio-note:
RAJESH S is a PhD Research Scholar from the Dept of English, Bangalore University. He is
pursuing his research under the supervision of Prof. Geetha Bhasker, a specialist in Linguistics
and Discourse Studies, since 2020. His research area is Stylistics, an amalgamation of
linguistics and critical theory. He has applied the same theory to study the poems of American
poet Louise Gluck.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
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From Sonnets to Scan Code: The Expanding Frontiers and Challenges of
Poetry
SHELLY NARANG, Assistant Professor, SGGS College, Panjab University,
Chandigarh, India
Abstract:
As Torres (2013) points out, the poetic genre has found in technology ‘a new transtemporal
and trans-spatial dimension, expanding its frontiers with surprising and open forms’
The paper will take into cognizance all the digital shifts and corresponding intersections
in the creation and circulation of poetry as not a mere technical achievement, for it has reached
there long ago, but, rather, as a flexible tool for the poet to express himself/herself. The essential
levels in digital poetry: verbal, visual, and sonic, or vocal which can now be experienced better
through interactive algorithms or structures which is basically the digital poem will also be
dwelt upon. One part of the paper will take recourse to pioneering studies in digital humanities
and literature to sufficiently document and demonstrate how various forms of digital poetry
promise to truly immerse the reader in the ‘reading’ experience.
While the emerging space in which poetry is being engineered’ makes room for a great
amount of multimodality, interactivity and hyper textuality leading the reader into interesting
cursor and mind gymnastics , there is also an overwhelming concern about the fading emotive
function of poetry. After all is poetry a game? While the digitisation of poetry allows an
interaction that places the reader as a creator of new poems, enabling new learning in
accordance with his age and reading and literary competence, the second part of the paper also
casts a keen scathing glance at an altering poetic landscape, oops digiscape, that might have
turned the process into a crude travesty of its original , pristine yearnings . While one revels in
the effects of rotation, panning , zooming , scaling, flipping, yawing, rolling , overlays, speed
controlling, flying-through, highlighting, generativity, micromovement, stratification of
content, and other navigational choices , what kind of impact this creates on the time tested
aesthetics of poetry creation ?
Keywords: Digital, Visual, New Media, Interactivity, Reader centric.
Bio-note:
Shelly Narang has been teaching English literature in a college affiliated to Panjab University,
Chandigarh. She has been teaching British Poetry and Post colonial Literature to postgraduate
students for a decade now. A Gold Medallist from the Department of English and Cultural
Studies, Panjab University Chandigarh, she was awarded the FLTA Fulbright Scholarship at
University of Texas, Austin in 2008. In the succeeding years, she has published in The Book
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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ABSTRACT VOLUME
Review, SHSS, Dialog and Journal of Contemporary Theory and has contributed articles to
various literary anthologies. Apart from that, she frequently writes poetry in English and has
contributed to poetry journals like Atrium, The Poet Magazine, The Red Wolf Journal, Sahitya,
Muse, Thrush, The Yale Review etc.
Her areas of interest include Gender Studies, South Asian Literature and Linguistics. She
has published 2 academic books titled Visible Fears, Invisible Lives in 2017 and The Eternal
Homelessness in 2018. She was shortlisted for the IUC-UGC Associateship at Indian Institute
of Advanced Study, Shimla, India in 2020
Integrating Cultural Studies and Dalit Studies: De-Brahmanizing the
Disciplinary Space
MANISHA RANI, Research Scholar, Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo, Punjab,
India & DR SUNNY KUMAR, Assistant Professor, Guru Kashi University, Talwandi
Sabo, Punjab, India
Abstract:
Indian Dalit Literature is literature written by the oppressed; it is usually associated with a large
number of individuals who have historically been referred to as “untouchables” and considered
to be the lowest segment of the Indian population. This paper begins with the context in which
Dalit culture and resistance originates as well as the ways in which the brahminical social order
uses entrenched cultural disparities in the preponderance of power and knowledge to try to
preserve the status in the society. This study analyses the anti-caste rhetoric and Dalit cultural
resistance from the colonial and postwar periods by finding the cultural past of Dalit
humiliation and referencing various assertions of hegemonic epistemologies re-articulated by
Dalit intellectuals. In an attempt to bridge the gap between Dalit and cultural studies, the study
makes the case that Dalits can recover power and knowledge in connection to the “politics of
difference” by opposing the development of brahminical cultural knowledge. Identity is a
concept that has been much debated and defined. The subtleties of personal identity and agency
have been a topic of discussion among theorists. In order to talk about the identities of
marginalized groups that “shared experience” oppression, a number of factors must be
acknowledged. Above all, this concept of experience, which constitutes an unquestionable
evidence of the marginalized narrative’s legitimacy, the Dalit aesthetic dehumanizes the great
narratives that have previously been produced and circulated in culture. Furthermore, by
introducing the rhetoric of Dalit experience of caste and humiliation into mainstream academia,
it aims to de-brahmanize the established academic space. Finally, the study will focus on the
prospect of developing a field of Dalit Cultural Studies as a step forward—a newer avenue for
the oppressor’s cultural resistance—drawing on the multidisciplinary setting so as to give them
a place for residing in the society.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Keywords: Dalit culture, De-Brahmanization, Anti-Caste, Interdisciplinary, Resistance.
Bio-note:
Prof Manisha Rani is working as an Assistant Professor at Akal Degree College Mastuana,
Sangrur, Punjab. She is M.A(English), M. Phil in English Literature, UGC-NET qualified in
English Literature and Ph.D in English (pursuing) in Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo.
Her area of specialization is Feminism. She has 8 years’ experience of teaching in Colleges.
She has presented and published many papers in International as well as National Journals. She
has presented and attended many papers in Conferences, Seminars and Workshops.
Dalit Women in India: Gender, Class and Caste Intersections
MEENAKSHI RANI, Research Scholar, Guru Kashi University Talbandi Sabo & DR
SUNNY KUMAR, Assistant Professor, Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo, Punjab,
India
Abstract:
Dalit in Indian society have historically experienced social exclusion from economic, civic,
cultural, and political rights due to their lower caste status. This community’s women
experience much discrimination due to their gender, caste identification, and the ensuing lack
of financial resources. Dalit women are also subjected to heinous social and religious practices
that lead to sexual exploitation under the pretext of religion.The additional prejudice Dalit
women experience as a result of the differences in human achievement between individuals
based on their gender and caste are evident. Promoting fairness, equality, equity, and rights in
a variety of spheres of society, such as the economy, education, and employment prospects, is
known as social justice. Numerous academics have advocated for the subject to incorporate
social and racial justice perspectives more fully. Regarding human growth and have argued that
socioeconomic equity is composed of both a theoretical framework and a collection of theories
to look into and comprehend the state of humanity. It is necessary to have a deeper
understanding of the emergence, experience, and consciousness of social injustice from a
developmental and psychological standpoint. Four domains that demonstrate conceptual shifts
in the field of human development research includes the following: theories of racial
socialization, development of ethnic and racial identity, developmental moral thinking and
social identity, popular theories and essentialism in society. This article will examine the
economic and social circumstances of Dalit women in India, delving further into their lives to
provide insights into their status.
Keywords: Dalit Women, Gender, Discrimination, Exclusion, Scheduled Castes.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Bio-note:
Meenakshi Rani M.A(English) and now she is doing Ph.D in English from Guru Kashi
University, Talwandi Sabo. She has 4 years’ experience of teaching in Colleges. She has
presented and published many papers in International as well as National Journals. She has
presented and attended many papers in Conferences, Seminars and Workshops.
Reclaiming Harmony: Environmental Humanities and Post-Colonial
Ecofeminism in Vandana Singh’s With Fate Conspire
MANSI BINANI, PhD Scholar, GD GOENKA UNIVERSITY, Haryana, India & Swati
Singh, Assistant Professor, GD GOENKA UNIVERSITY, Haryana, India
Abstract:
This paper delves into Vandana Singh’s short story “With Fate Conspire” from Ambiguity
Machines and Other Stories through the lens of post-colonial ecofeminism. Set in a dystopian
future, the narrative portrays environmental degradation, urban displacement, and the
intertwined fates of women and nature, offering a poignant reflection on the broader themes of
climate change, gender, and indigenous knowledge in the Global South. The protagonist, Gargi,
navigates an oppressive urban landscape, symbolizing the exploitation of both the environment
and marginalized communities. Her journey towards reconnecting with nature and traditional
knowledge underscores the ecofeminist notion that nurturing the environment is intrinsically
linked to nurturing the community.
The paper explores how the story echoes Ursula K. Heise’s concept of eco-
cosmopolitanism, portraying the characters’ struggles as part of a larger planetary narrative.
Gargi’s acts of defiance against an exploitative system highlights the ecofeminist theme of
resistance against patriarchal and colonial structures. The narrative’s depiction of the Majhi’s,
or boatmen, as keepers of indigenous knowledge and sustainable practices, emphasizes the
importance of reconnecting with traditional ways of living to combat environmental
degradation. Additionally, the paper examines the displacement experienced by Gargi and her
search for a home, paralleling the experiences of many communities in the Global South facing
displacement due to environmental destruction. This aspect of the story aligns with subaltern
eco-narratives, providing a voice to those often marginalized in mainstream environmental
discourses.
Through a comprehensive analysis of these themes, the paper demonstrates how “With
Fate Conspire” serves as a potent example of post-colonial ecofeminism, offering critical
insights into the interconnected liberation of women and the environment. The narrative’s
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
exploration of environmental justice, gendered connections to nature, and the preservation of
indigenous knowledge systems provides a rich tapestry for understanding the complex
interactions between culture, ecology, and power in the context of the Global South.
Keywords: Post-Colonial Ecofeminism, Environmental Humanities, Indigenous Knowledge,
Eco-cosmopolitanism, Sustainable Practices.
Bio-note:
Mansi Binani is a dedicated scholar and educator with a passion for literature and critical
analysis. Holding degrees in English from the University of Delhi and Guru Gobind Singh
Indraprastha University, Mansi is pursuing a PhD at GD Goenka University, focusing on post-
colonial ecofeminism in speculative fiction by Indian women writers. Mansi serves as a Post
Graduate Teacher of English at St Johns School, Faridabad. Having qualified for GATE and
UGC NET in 2023, Mansi combines robust theoretical knowledge with practical teaching
experience to contribute to academic discourse.
Fragmented Memory of Eknath: Psychological Trauma in Sadanand
Deshmukh’s Baromaas
ANITA MUKUND POWAR, Assistant Professor, The New College, Maharashtra, India
Abstract:
Psychological trauma and memory are reciprocal concepts in human psychological studies.
Trauma has been studied with memory gaps and fragmented memories as the effect of assault
on human mind. This branch in psychology is applied for the studies of characters in the novel.
Marathi writer Sadanand deshmukh’s (1959) Sahitya Academy award winning novel Baromass
can be studied with the view of psychological trauma and fragmented memory of the
protagonist Eknath. Originally Marathi novel Baromass was published in 2002. This is the
study of the English version of 2013 as Baromaas, Twelve Enduring Months, translated by
Vilas salunkhe. The novel reflects wretched condition of unemployed young man in the drought
and rural area of Vidarbh, region in Maharashtra. His life is engulfed by exploitations on
personal and social levels. Certain traumas severely effect his psychological condition. This is
the objective behind this research to study the fragmented memory of Eknath who is suffered
by certain psychological traumas. One of the traumas is the feeling of rejection and it is no less
important than certain assault on human mind like war and riots. Eknath is rejected by
contemporary social structure as well as by his wife Alka. These failures become prominent
reasons for creating trama in him. The novel explorers his tormented memories on three
different life experiences: first is, own existence as economically unstable person with good
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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ABSTRACT VOLUME
qualifications, second is, his infertile image of husband in the mind of his wife and third is his
pathetic reconnection with native soil with the memory of his forefathers.
Keywords: Memory, Traumas, Rejection, Fragment, Torment.
Bio-note:
Anita Mukund Powar is an Assistant Professor of English in The New College, Kolhapur,
Maharashtra. She likes to study literature specifically novels with its relation to other branches
of study like psychology, culture and society. She is also eager to listen, read and grasp about
novels with various views and perspectives.
Narratives at the Crossroads: Analysing Interdisciplinary Perspectives in
Mahesh Dattani’s Works
DR GARIMA HARINIWAS TIWARI, Assistant Professor, Vanita Vishram Women’s
University, Surat, India
Abstract:
Mahesh Dattani, a very prominent playwright in India, adeptly explores the convergence of
literature and social sciences in his works, delving into the intricate nuances of Indian society.
This research paper investigates the effectiveness of Dattani’s plays as influential tools for
critiquing societal issues, namely in the areas of gender, sexuality, and identity. Dattani sheds
emphasis on the challenges faced by marginalised people and questions deeply entrenched
cultural traditions through his plays, including Final Solutions, Tara, and Bravely Fought the
Queen. Dattani’s narratives combine literary creativity with perspectives from sociology,
psychology, and cultural studies to provide a comprehensive knowledge of human behaviour
and social institutions. His characters are not only depictions, but rather personifications of the
intricate and frequently contradictory identities that typify contemporary Indian society. This
study contends that Dattani’s work surpasses the limitations of conventional literary analysis,
offering significant insights into social science discussions on power dynamics,
marginalisation, and the search for identity. The paper also analyses how Dattani’s plays, by
depicting real-life situations, encourage a thoughtful involvement with the socioeconomic
realities of present-day India. This study emphasises the multidisciplinary nature of Dattani’s
work and highlights the importance of literature as both a reflection of society and a powerful
force that may shape public consciousness and stimulate discussions on urgent social matters.
Dattani’s plays are not only regarded as artistic accomplishments, but also as crucial texts for
comprehending and confronting the complexities of contemporary Indian culture.
Consequently, his contributions are indispensable to both the fields of humanities and social
sciences.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Keywords: Mahesh Dattani, Interdisciplinary, Social Critique, Marginalization, Indian
Society.
Bio-note:
Dr. Garima Hariniwas Tiwari is an Assistant Professor of English in the School of Humanities
at Vanita Vishram Women’s University, a Professional Translator, an Empanelled English
Language Trainer for the Finishing School Programme of the Gujarat Government. She has
completed PhD titled, “Psychology of Rasa, Emotions and Experience in the Stage Plays of
Mahesh Dattani” from The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. Dr. Garima has also
qualified NET and GSET Examinations. She has teaching experience of more than 8 years in
Diploma, UG and PG Programmes. She has been in an Editorial Committee of the University
News Letter of the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. She also investigates the areas
like Dramaturgy, English Language Teaching, Translation Studies and Communication Skills.
She has published many articles in international and national UGC CARE journals and peer
reviewed journals in the area of Indian Aesthetics, Rasa Theory, English Language Teaching,
etc. and also presented papers in the National and International Conferences.
Science Fiction as Postcolonial Critique: A Study of Amitav Ghosh’s The
Calcutta Chromosome
DAISY RANI DOLEY, Assistant Professor, Ph. D. Research Scholar, Assam University,
Diphu Campus, India & DR SHREYASHI MUKHERJEE, Assistant Professor English,
Assam University, Diphu Campus, India
Abstract:
Amitav Ghosh, born on 11 July 1956, is an Indian writer who is renowned for his novels that
delve into the complexities of national and personal identity in India and South-East Asia. In
Ghosh’s fourth novel, The Calcutta Chromosome (1996), the complex narrative examines the
discourses of science and technology. This paper analyzes Amitav Ghosh’s The Calcutta
Chromosome (1996), which critiques Western scientific narratives and their claims to objective
truth. Ghosh challenges the portrayal of science as culturally neutral and questions the
conventional depiction of Western scientists as solitary geniuses driving epistemological
progress. By intertwining historical facts with fictional elements, the novel blurs the boundaries
between science and fiction, suggesting that scientific knowledge is provisional and constantly
evolving. Through its postcolonial lens, The Calcutta Chromosome redefines science fiction
by placing non-Western figures at the center of discovery, subverting traditional narratives that
position the West as the ultimate arbiter of truth. This study explores how Ghosh uses science
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
fiction to question power dynamics, critique Eurocentric scientific rhetoric, and challenge the
distinction between scientific “truth” and fiction.
Keywords: Science, Fiction, Postcolonial, Chromosome, Unmasks, Façade, Counternarrative.
Bio-note:
Daisy Rani Doley is presently working as an Assistant Professor in English. She is also
pursuing her Ph.D. from Assam University, Diphu Campus. Her areas of interest are Indian
Writing in English, Science fiction, feminist studies, and postcolonial studies. She has
published many articles in Scopus-indexed and Web of Science journals. She has also attended
various national and international seminars.
Impact of Globalization on World Culture
SADANANDA BORAH, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Amguri College,
Amguri, Sivasagar, Assam, India
Abstract:
Globalization is often exclusively associated with worldwide economic integration and the
emergence of a borderless global market. However, globalization also involves sweeping
changes on the social, cultural and political terrains. Globalization is not an inclusive or
progressive form of internationalism. Rather, it is the successful expansion on a world scale of
particular localisms of social, economic, and political organization, which are neo-liberal and
capitalist in character. The mix of material and ideological elements that make this expansion
possible makes globalization a hegemonic process. Nor does globalization create or encourage
economic freedom, opportunities, and choice at all levels; rather it is more akin to a
monoculture of ideas, politics, and economic models. The major consequences of globalization
have been: the transmogrification of traditional religions and belief systems; the beginning of
the disintegration of the traditional social fabrics and shared norms by consumerism,
cyberculture, newfangled religions and changing work ethics and work rhythms; the fast
spreading anomie forcing an ever increasing number of individuals to fall back upon the easily
accessible pretentious religious banalities, and attributing to religion the creation and
acceleration of extremist, fundamentalist and terrorist tendencies in the third world countries.
To sum up, culture as a way of human life is constantly undergoing change. Certain
developments in modem times have helped to accelerate this process of change in an
exponential manner involving two major consequences: (a) reduction in cultural diversity; and
(b) increasing hegemonic control in the name of free trade and freedom of communication, at
all levels. The implications of this change are varied and there are no indications that they are
in any way increasing the social, material or spiritual well-being of humanity. Finally, it can be
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
said that every culture of world was affected by one way or other in terms of its influence and
identity. Only one culture dominates that is western culture. Western culture also dominates
due to power approach of Western World. Today, every culture of the world is under the
umbrella of Western culture, It was always interest of West to rule over the world especially to
marginalize the developing world. West becomes successful in its mission by implementing a
slogan that was globalization. Through this process West projected, its own culture, polity,
economy, values, across the globe etc.
Keywords: Globalization, Culture, Impact, Economy.
Bio-note:
Sadananda Borah is an Assistant Professor in the Department of English, Amguri College,
Amguri, Sivasagar, Assam, India
Myth, Migration, and Environmental Crisis: A Study of Ecocriticism in
Gun Island
YOGESH KUMARI MADHUKAR, Assistant Professor, M.S.J. PG Govt. College,
Rajasthan, India
Abstract:
This research paper explores Amitav Ghosh’s novel Gun Island through the lens of
Environmental Humanities, focusing on its critique of anthropocentrism, its portrayal of
ecological displacement, and its engagement with the themes of myth, migration, and
environmental crisis. Ghosh’s narrative intertwines these elements to highlight the
interconnectedness of human and non-human actors in the Anthropocene, emphasizing the
agency of nature and the ethical responsibilities humans bear in addressing environmental
degradation. The paper analyzes how Ghosh uses the myth of the Gun Merchant as a narrative
strategy to link past and present ecological crises, exploring the novel’s depiction of “ecological
grief” and its impact on both individual and collective identities. Additionally, the study
examines Ghosh’s critique of anthropocentrism, arguing that the novel challenges traditional
human-centered worldviews by foregrounding the agency of non-human entities such as
animals and weather phenomena. The paper also considers the novel’s portrayal of migration
and ecological displacement, suggesting that Gun Island offers a profound reflection on the
social and environmental injustices of the Anthropocene. Through its rich thematic exploration
and complex characters, Gun Island contributes to the discourse on environmental ethics and
justice, offering insights into the role of literature in understanding and responding to the global
ecological crisis. This study underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Environmental Humanities, demonstrating how literature can provide a critical framework for
addressing the multifaceted challenges of our environmental present and future.
Keywords: Amitav Ghosh, Gun Island, Environmental Humanities, Anthropocene,
Ecocriticism, Anthropocentrism, Ecological Displacement, Environmental Ethics, Migration,
Myth.
Bio-note:
Yogesh Kumari Madhukar is an Assistant Professor in the Department of English at M.S.J. PG
Govt. College, Bharatpur, Rajasthan. His research interest primarily lies in the fields of
ecocriticism and environmentalism. With a strong commitment to exploring the intersections
between literature and environmental studies, he has presented research papers at various
national and international seminars. Additionally, he has published numerous papers in
esteemed journals and have contributed chapters to two books, further establishing his expertise
in this research field.
Contextualizing Child Body as Commodity, Affect, and Trauma: Reading
Patricia McCormick’s Sold
SHEETAL KUMARI, Research Scholar, Indian Institute Of Technology Roorkee, India
Abstract:
This paper aims at situating sexual abuse, violence, and the body as a commodity in the context
of affect and trauma. The study analyses Patricia McCormick’s Sold, a narrative of a child who
is sold into sexual slavery. The child body loses its livelihood, protective cultural artifacts, and
social relationships when exposed to the commercial sex trade. The body’s exposure to such
horrific and awful experiences, which eventually induces inhibition, and diminution of the self,
amplifies suffering and pain. This paper analyses McCormick’s portrayal of a child sex
worker’s traumatized bodily experiences through Michel Foucault’s concept that the body is
disciplined to perform tasks efficiently, produce value for capital, and symbolize and perform
political roles based on cultural expectations and societal norms. The scholarship of trauma
advocates for a social constructivist process of thought and understands the significance of the
body in structuring traumatized experiences in language. The sex worker’s body is treated and
controlled like an object and a commodity that is bargained, traded, or appropriated in divisible
and fractional components. The paper consults Affect theory, such as Gilles Deleuze and Brian
Massumi’s concepts and its contemporary development, which focuses on cultural forms as
sites for articulating embodied experiences.
Keywords: Commodity, Sexual violence, Trauma, Affect, Child body.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Bio-note:
Sheetal Kumari is a Full-time Research Scholar working with Dr. Sarbani Banerjee, Assistant
Professor, at the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology
Roorkee, Uttarakhand. Her research interests include Gender and Trauma Studies, primarily
focused on Child Trauma Narratives. She is currently working on Child Sex Trafficking and
Childhood Trauma. She has published a book review of Sold by Patricia McCormick. She has
presented several papers on child sexual abuse and trauma at International and National
Conferences. She is a teaching assistant in NPTEL courses on ‘Partition Literature’ and
‘Narrative Mode and Fiction’.
Macbeth as Maqbool: Bridging British Shakespeare and Indian Bhardwaj
DR MUSTABSHIRA SIDDIQUI, Assistant Professor, Department of Languages, Taibah
University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Western Asia
Abstract:
Shakespeare’s compelling tragedies have transcended generations and enraptured diverse
audiences across the globe. This scholarly work delves into Shakespeare’s enduring legacy as
the foremost playwright of the 16th century, meticulously examining his profound influence
on the Indian cultural landscape through Vishal Bhardwaj’s innovative adaptation of Macbeth
as Maqbool. By intricately weaving connections between 16th-century London and 21st-
century Uttar Pradesh in India, this paper aims to illuminate the timeless resonance and
universal allure of Shakespearean tragedies disseminating the most intricate traits of human
beings in the form of love, hate, greed for power, and betrayal.
Maqbool (2003) is a fascinating adaptation that brings Shakespeare’s classic tragedy
into the vibrant and gritty world of Indian gangsters. Vishal Bhardwaj’s reimagining of
Macbeth is set against the backdrop of the underworld in Uttar Pradesh, India, and it intricately
weaves Shakespearean themes of ambition, power, and betrayal into the context of organized
crime. The adaptation skillfully bridges the timeless themes of the original play with the
contemporary Indian cultural landscape, offering a unique and compelling reinterpretation of
a literary masterpiece.
Keywords: Macbeth, Murder, Greed, Betrayal, Gangster.
Bio-note:
Dr. Mustabshira Siddiqui is an Indian born- Saudi Arabia based Assistant Professor and Mental
Health Counsellor. She has been working as a lecturer since 2012, and is currently working at
the Department of English, Taibah University, Saudi Arabia as an Assistant Professor. Her
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
research interest mainly lies in Postcolonialism, Feminism, African Theatre, Shakespearean
Drama and their adaptations. She has written more than thirty five research papers and she has
been published in reputed journals including Anglisticum and SAARJ.
Marriage and Identity: A Critical analysis of When I Hit You by Meena
Kandasamy
NISHA KHAN, Ph.D. Scholar, DIT University, Dehradun, India & Dr SHRIYA
GOYAL, Associate Professor, DIT University, Dehradun, India
Abstract:
This article examines the complex dynamics of marriage and identity in Meena Kandasamy’s
novel When I Hit You. Through a feminist lens, the study explores how marriage can shape and
erase individual identities, particularly for women. The protagonist’s tumultuous relationship
serves as a case study demonstrating the ways in which societal expectations, gender roles, and
patriarchal control can lead to a loss of autonomy and self. This paper reveals how the novel
critiques traditional marriage and its oppressive dynamics, highlighting the conflict between
individual desire and societal expectation. Furthermore, it examines the protagonist’s writing
as an act of resistance and reclamation of identity. This study contributes to the continuing
discussion regarding gender, identity, and marriage by emphasizing the role of autonomy, self-
expression, and agency. This study offers light on the ways in which women can reclaim their
self within and outside of the marriage system by investigating the intersections of marriage
and identity. Through a critical analysis of the protagonist’s experiences, this study reveals how
the novel exposes the darker aspects of modern marriage, where love and violence coexist. The
article examines how the intersection of marriage, love and power perpetuates domestic
violence, highlighting the ways in which societal expectations and patriarchal values contribute
to the oppression of women. Ultimately, this study reveals the novel’s powerful critique of the
institution of marriage and its call to action for change.
Keywords: Marriage, Identity, Societal expectations, Power and control, Patriarchy, Violence.
Bio-note:
Miss Nisha Khan is pursuing PhD degree from the school of liberal arts and Management DIT,
University Dehradun, India. During the span of three years in PhD, she has published two
papers in the reputed journals and presented many papers in the national and international
conference. Currently working on research papers titled “The Politics of Marriage: Exploring
the Intersection of Love, Violence, and Power” in When I Hit You by Meena Kandasamy.” She
has achieved her Master’s degree from CCS University Meerut, India. Her area of
specialization is gender studies and currently working on the topic “Domestic violence against
women in major English Writings.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Translating the Politics of Veil: Qaisra Sharaz’s The Holy Woman
PRAGTI SOBTI, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, Department of English, Maharaja Ganga
Singh University, Bikaner, India
Abstract:
An important difference between western and third world feminism is found in their
conceptualization of women as the subject of struggles. While western feminists make equality
between men and women, the centre of their struggles, third world feminism “stressed
satisfaction of basic material needs as a pressing issue in the context of disadvantageous
international economic order.” (Saunders, 2002,). Here, the situation of women is perceived
not only as the result of unequal gender relations, but as the consequence of a wide range of
oppressive situations that transcend gender categories and are also related to race , class and
citizenship cleavages. Women’s Literature from South Asia and from other Third World
countries finds itself at the risky juncture of the three oppressive agencies: racism, imperialism
and sexism. Racism ‘othered’ them as ‘non-whites’, Imperialism treated them as colonial
subjects and Sexism, at hands of an oppressive patriarchy even in native societies, reduce them
to machines of reproduction and domestic servilience.
Qaisra Shahraz, a prominent Pakistani feminist writer possess a distinct and reminiscent
talent to create a feminine diegesis in which her characters come out to be realistic, giving a
baroque style to her narratives. Her fictional work The Holy Woman (2001) serves as an alley
leading to the conflicting issues faced by the Pakistani women. The thematic concerns of the
Shahraz’s The Holy Woman include “ Purdah” , its association with female sexuality and
assertion of female identity in sexually segregated Muslim Society. The paper will try to
translate the politics of Veil in Qaisra Shahraz’s novel The Holy Woman from an unhackeneyed
point of view.
Keywords: Women Literature, Female Identity, Muslim Society, Veil, Gender Relations.
Bio-note:
Dr. Pragti Sobti has taught English for over a decade as Assistant Professor in Department of
English, Maharaja Ganga Singh University, Bikaner(Rajasthan). She carried out her doctoral
research on Novels of Shashi Deshpande. She has edited twelve books published with Oxford
and Macmillan and published several articles in literary journals of repute. Her areas of interest
are Women Studies and Contemporary Indian Fiction. She has presented various research
papers in National and International conferences. She has also conducted Orientation classes
at local and regional level. Dr. Sobti is member of R.A.S.E., CLAI, ELT@I Jaipur chapter and
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
English Language Teaching Institute, Bikaner. Along with an inclination towards academic
pursuits, she is active in a variety of civic and social causes.
The Myth of Reproductive Choice: Exploring Sex Selection in 21st Century
Novels by Female Authors
UJJWAL ANAND, PhD Research Scholar, Indian Institute of Technology Patna, India
Abstract:
The study critically examines the portrayal of women’s positionality, daughter elimination, and
reproductive choice as depicted in the novels Witness the Night (2010) by Kishwar Desai and
Hush a Bye Baby (2018) by Deepanjana Pal. Through a critical discourse analysis, this study
investigates the societal, cultural, and historical aspects that perpetuate gender biases,
particularly in the context of sex selection practices. Employing the theoretical lens of the
‘Gendered Biopolitics of Sex Selection’ by Ravinder Kaur and Tanya Kapoor (2021), the study
intends to scrutinize the pervasive practice of son preference and daughter aversion in Indian
society. The study engages with these two novels to illuminate the complex interplay between
gender, power, and reproductive politics, offering a nuanced understanding of how these factors
shape individual and collective experiences. The study aims to bridge the realms of literature,
gender studies, and cultural studies, contributing to the broader discourse on gender equality
and social justice. By doing so, it seeks to generate new insights and contribute to the
interdisciplinary dialogue on the socio-cultural dynamics that influence reproductive choices,
ultimately advancing the conversation on human rights and gender equity within the Indian
context.
Keywords: Sex selection, Reproductive Choice, Daughter aversion, Female feticide.
Bio-notes:
Ujjwal Anand is a Junior Research Fellow and Teaching Assistant of English at the Indian
Institute of Technology Patna, India. His research interests include Gender Studies, South Asian
Fiction and Film theory. Email: ujjwal_2221hs12@iitp.ac.in anandujjwal9560@gmail.com
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Bridging Realms Through Diaspora: Location, Dislocation, and Relocation
of Beings
DR KAVITA PATIL, Assistant Professor of English, B.M.Ruia Girls’ College, Mumbai,
India
Abstract:
Translation as a mode helps to bridge the realms of Humanities and Social Sciences as it
intersects the abstruse situations of migration, diaspora, and languages in which we lead our
lives. In this research paper I investigate the notions ‘location,’ ‘dislocation,’ and ‘relocation’
in the narratives of Indo-Canadian diasporic experiences being translated by what Salman
Rushdie calls ‘translated men.’ These translated human beings have been translating their
experiences through narratives either lamenting or imagining, celebrating their homelands and
roots. However, imagining or having one root seems problematic as South Asians or in the
context of this research paper, Indo-Canadians have already been translated by the presence of
Europeans during the colonial period. They have already been uprooted and enrooted under
colonialism and after migrating to Canada the similar process of dislocation and relocation
happened.
Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari’s (French philosophers) concept ‘rhizome’ helps to
understand their situation, which is reducible neither to the one nor to the multiple roots, which
constitutes the ‘in-between’ position of Trishanku’s heaven, living in an aporia. This is where
Walter Benjamin’s metaphor for translation as ‘transplantation’ helps to understand their
relocation in the new land.
Uma Parameswaran, one of the renowned Indo-Canadian diasporic writers has
translated her homeland, cultural baggage, Indian mythology, and the sense of relocation
through her plays like “Sita’s Promise”, “Meera”, “Dear Deedi, My Sister”, and “Rootless but
Green are the Boulevard Trees”. The plays “Sita’s Promise” and “Meera” are the translations
of Indian myths in the sense that Parameswaran has presented the new interpretation of the
stories from Indian epics. The myths are transcended through these plays. In the play “Dear
Deedi, My Sister” she describes the conditions of translated lives and in “Rootless but Green
are the Boulevard Trees” she represents the issues of assimilation faced by the first generation
and second-generation immigrants. All these plays deliberate upon the rhizomatic nature of her
roots. This paper is an attempt to analyse these plays elucidating the argument that translated
human beings have been transplanting their roots in the new linguistic and cultural realms that
is in the countries they have been migrated to and bridge the realms through diaspora.
Keywords: Diaspora, Indo-Canadian Theatre, Trishanku’s Swarga, Translation, Rhizome.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Bio-note:
Dr. Kavita Patil’s recent research paper titled “Being in Translation: Diaspora and Translating
Rhizomatic Experiences” has been published in indexed international UGC CARE Group II-
MLA journal ‘Translation Studies: Retrospective and Prospective Views,’ indexed in Ebsco,
CEEOL, DOAJ, St. Jerome Publishing, Index Copernicus, and Fabula, an annual journal of the
Department of English, ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University of Galati, Romania, by the publishing
house named Casa Cărții de Știință, Romania in December, 2023.
She works as an Assistant Professor, at the Department of English, B. M. Ruia Girls’
College, Mumbai, a Ph.D guide at the Department of English, S.N.D.T. Women’s University,
Mumbai and a member of the Board of Studies in English and Subject Board for Business
Communication Skills, S.N.D.T. Women’s University, Mumbai.
Performance of Gender, Violence, and Trauma as Politics of Resistance:
Women’s Theatre and Indian English Women Playwrights in Perspective
DINESH KUMAR, Research Scholar, School of Humanities, Indira Gandhi National
Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi, India
Abstract:
Exploring and gender-based violence in the theatrical performance texts of the Indian English
women playwrights, this paper aims to study how the gender and gender-based violence evolve
into traumatic experiences of women in patriarchal and familial socio-cultural contexts along
with how women characters and actors present and articulate their traumatic experiences as the
politics of resistance to challenge the gender-based oppressive structures. Women’s theatre in
India intends to put women characters and actors in the centre of the stage with their bodies
and experiences structured and shaped by the patriarchal notions and heteronormative socio-
cultural definitions causing engendering and undermining their subjective experiences
additionally objectifying their anatomical bodies to naturalize gender-based violence. The
memory of the perpetrated violence causing trauma to the victims is employed by them as
political resistance to subvert the oppressive stereotypical and patriarchal norms with an
attempt to bring about transformative and positive changes in the socio-cultural systems. This
paper applies feminist psychoanalytical perspective along with phenomenological and semiotic
approaches in the analysis of the traumatic memory and experiences enacted by women
performers with an attempt to depict traumatic experiences as the politics of resistance to
heteronormative dominating and oppressive socio-cultural norms to bring positive
transformation in the social system manifesting gender equality in specific social, cultural,
economic and political contexts. This paper makes an attempt to look into the traumatic
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
experiences as felt by individual women and extending the personal and private issue to the
societal one shaped by patriarchal norms and misogynistic and structural gender inequalities.
This paper, above all, tries to analyse the memory and narratives of trauma on the theatrical
stage with an attempt to challenge the audience to see the performance as a site of politics of
resistance.
Keywords: Theatre, Performance, Gender, Violence, Memory, Trauma, Politics, Resistance.
Bio-note:
Dinesh Kumar is currently working as a Ph.D. Research Scholar in English Disciple at School
of Humanities, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Maidan Garhi, New Delhi).
He is pursuing his Ph.D. on the Indian Women’s theatre and Performance. He has completed
his M.Phil. in English on the issue of Disability and its Discourse. He has also been working
as an Assistant Professor of English for three years in Government P.G. College of Uttar
Pradesh.
Indigenous Artistic Echoes: An Analysis Of The Metis Graphic Novels
SHERMIN OVIYA JEGATH J.S, Assistant Professor, Loyola College, Chennai, India
Abstract:
This research paper delves into the intricate interplay between indigenous artistic traditions and
the contemporary medium of graphic novels within the Metis community of Canada. By
examining a diverse selection of Metis graphic novels, the study aims to uncover the ways in
which indigenous artistic elements, such as storytelling techniques, visual motifs, and cultural
symbols, are seamlessly integrated into the narrative and visual language of these works. The
analysis will explore how these indigenous influences contribute to the unique identity and
cultural representation of Metis graphic novels, challenging dominant Western narratives and
offering alternative perspectives. Furthermore, the paper will investigate the potential impact
of these works in fostering intercultural understanding, preserving indigenous heritage, and
empowering Metis voices.
Keywords: Graphic novels, Indigenous roots, Metis, Visual motifs, Storytelling.
Bio-note:
Shermin Oviya Jegath, Assistant Professor at Loyola College, Chennai, brings a wealth of
experience and passion to her role in academia and the arts. Her journey began with a
foundation in English Literature, earning her undergraduate degree from Madras Christian
College and her postgraduate degree from the University of Madras. Beyond her academic
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
pursuits, Shermin Oviya has found a deep connection with the world of theatre. Her passion
for storytelling and performance has led her to direct numerous plays. In addition to her
theatrical endeavours, Shermin Oviya has a keen interest in visual arts. Her specialization in
this field complements her work as a theatre artist, allowing her to explore the intersection of
visual and performing arts. Recognizing her expertise and passion, Shermin Oviya has been a
valuable resource person for numerous theatre workshops conducted by various universities
across Tamil Nadu.
Gazing Beyond Canon: Queer Narratives in Batman Comics Explored
through Visual Art and Fanfiction
ANURADHA DOSAD, Research Scholar, Adamas University, West Bengal, India
Abstract:
Batman is one of the most popular iconic superheroes of the world of comics. His brooding
and dark persona attracts scholars to work on him. The paper presents an interdisciplinary
exploration at the intersection of visual art, queer narratives, and the iconic world of Batman
Comics. By applying gaze theory, fanfiction studies, and the artistic realm, it delves into how
visual representations in conjunction with fan-created narrative, can unveil and reshape queer
identities within the Batman narratives. The primary texts of this paper are Frank Miller’s
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (1986) and Alan Moore’s Batman: The Killing Joke (1988)
along with Grant Morrison’s Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth (1987) which
brought the homoerotic relationships between Batman and Joker, Batman and Robin. By
incorporating queer theory alongside gaze theory this paper elucidates how visual art forms
contribute to the constructions of queer narratives. By examining both canonical
representations and fan-created artworks including cosplay, it investigates how the gaze of the
viewer and artist can intersect, challenge and subvert the conventional norms of sexuality and
identity. The paper explores how the arrangement of panels in comics and graphic novels of
Batman can be interpreted through the lens of gaze. It delves into the dual aspects of gaze: the
gaze generated by the comics themselves, which influences the fans’ or readers’ perception and
interpretation, and the gaze of the readers and fans, who actively engage with the panels to
derive meaning. By examining these interactions, the paper highlights the dynamic relationship
between visual structure and reader engagement in the meaning-making process.
Keywords: Comics, Gaze, Visual art, Fanfiction studies, Queer narratives.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
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Bio-note:
Anuradha Dosad serves as an Assistant Teacher at Jagriti Hindi Vidyamandir, High School,
West Bengal. Additionally, she is an accomplished research scholar at Adamas University,
Kolkata, where she explores the portrayal of queer themes in comic books within the
Department of English. With dual master’s degrees in English and Education, she brings a
multidisciplinary approach to her research. She holds a PGDELT (Post Graduate Diploma in
English Language Teaching) certification, enhancing her expertise in language education. Her
scholarly contributions extend beyond academia; she has authored chapters in books published
by esteemed publishers like Routledge, in addition to contributing to various national and
international journals. Her involvement in seminars and conferences both in India and abroad
showcases her active engagement in scholarly discourse. Notably, she presented her work at
the University of Pennsylvania in person and participated in events hosted by the University of
Cambridge online, showcasing her global academic involvement and collaborations.
Bridging the Cultural Divide: English Education and Indigenous
Communities
ALLAN MESHACK J, Assistant Professor, St. Joseph College Of Arts and Science,
Kundrathur, Chennai, India
Abstract:
This research paper explores the complex interplay between English education and indigenous
societies, examining the challenges, opportunities, and potential impacts of introducing English
as a medium of instruction in these communities. By investigating case studies from various
regions around the world, the study aims to understand the factors that influence the success or
failure of English education programs in indigenous contexts.
The analysis will delve into the cultural, social, and political implications of English
education, considering the potential for language shift, loss of cultural identity, and the
preservation of indigenous knowledge systems. Furthermore, the paper will examine the role
of English education in promoting intercultural understanding, economic opportunities, and
social mobility for indigenous communities.
Ultimately, the research seeks to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the
complex dynamics surrounding English education in indigenous societies and to inform policy
decisions aimed at promoting equitable and culturally sensitive educational practices.
Keywords: Indigenous knowledge, English education, Bridging gaps, Political implications.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
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Bio-note:
Allan Meshack, Assistant Professor from St. joseph college of Arts and Science, Kndrathur. He
has completed B.A literature from Loyola college Chennai, M.A in Jaya College and B.Ed from
Sathiya Sai College, Chennai. He is Pursuing PhD in Crescent Institute, Chennai. He has
worked in an NGO called Nallandaway Foundation. teaching English for the slum kids who
are not privileged to afford decent education. He is a social worker with expertise in teaching
English as a second language in rural areas. His students has shown a great amount of growth
in their second language acquisition- English through his teaching.
Embodied Identities and the Body Politics in the Cinematic Landscape of
Omkara (2006)
DR SHAHIDA, Assistant Professor, National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra, India
Abstract:
This research paper explores the intricate dynamics of body politics in Vishal Bhardwaj’s film
Omkara (2006), a cinematic adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello. Through an analysis of the
film’s narrative structure, semiotics, visual grammar, songs and character portrayals the study
delineates into how body politics is articulated and reinforced within the socio-cultural context
and disability studies. The paper examines the ways in which power, caste, gender, and
ethnicity intersect to shape the characters’ identities and relationships. Central to this analysis
is the protagonist, Omkara, whose disability serve as a focal point for discussions of
masculinity, honour, and belonging. The film’s portrayal of female characters, particularly
Dolly and Billo, is scrutinized to understand how their bodies become sites of desire, control,
and subjugation. By highlighting the symbolic and literal representation of the body, this
research aims to unpack the broader socio-political commentary on disability embedded within
the film. The paper concludes that Omkara not only reflects prevailing societal attitudes
towards the disabled body but also challenges and subverts them, offering a nuanced critique
of the politics of representation and identity.
Keywords: Body politics, Media, Visual grammar, Masculinity, Societal norms, Disability.
Bio-note:
Dr. Shahida is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at
the National Institute of Technology Kurukshetra, India. She brings nearly a decade of teaching
experience to her role, where she instructs undergraduate students and mentors research
scholars. Her scholarly expertise lies in Gender Studies and Postcolonial Studies. She has made
significant contributions to these fields, with research articles published in prestigious journals.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
The Role Of Narrative And Storytelling In Processing Collective Trauma: A
Comparative Analysis Of Elie Wiesel’s Night and Jonathan Safran Foer’s
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
ANAGHA SREENIVAS, Lecturer In English, APJ Abdul Kalam Technological
University, ICCS College of Engineering and Management, Kerala, India
Abstract:
This paper undertakes a comparative analysis of Elie Wiesel’s Night and Jonathan Safran
Foer’s Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close to explore the pivotal role of narrative and
storytelling in the processing of collective trauma. Situated within distinct historical contexts—
the Holocaust and the September 11 attacks—these texts offer profound insights into the
mechanisms through which memory and trauma are navigated and articulated through literary
form. By examining narrative strategies such as fragmented storytelling, unreliable narration,
and the intergenerational transmission of trauma, this study interrogates how these techniques
function as critical tools for both coping with and comprehending collective trauma.
Wiesel’s Night, with its stark and unadorned prose, encapsulates the raw immediacy of
trauma, reflecting the existential struggle to preserve memory amidst overwhelming suffering.
In contrast, Foer’s Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close employs a complex narrative
architecture, articulated through the eyes of a young protagonist, to capture the multifaceted
emotional aftermath of 9/11, intertwining personal and collective memories. This comparative
analysis reveals that while Wiesel’s narrative is driven by the imperative to bear witness to
historical atrocities and the moral duty of remembrance, Foer’s text explores the fragmentation
of memory and the quest for meaning in a post-traumatic landscape.
This paper posits that narrative serves not merely as a vehicle for recounting traumatic
events but as an active and dynamic space for reconstructing identity and meaning in the
aftermath of collective suffering. Through their respective storytelling techniques, Wiesel and
Foer transform individual pain into a collective experience, inviting readers to engage in acts
of remembrance and empathetic understanding. Ultimately, this study contributes to a deeper
comprehension of literature’s role as a vessel for processing trauma, safeguarding memory, and
fostering a shared human experience. By juxtaposing these two seminal works, the paper
underscores the universal necessity of storytelling as a means of healing and making sense of
the incomprehensible.
Keywords: Memory, Collective Trauma, Literary Narrative, Storytelling, Historical Narrative,
Reconstructing Identity.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
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Bio-note:
Anagha Sreenivas is a Lecturer in English at ICCS College of Engineering and Management
and holds a NET qualification. Her scholarly journey includes a degree project that scrutinized
themes of identity and social justice in Mark Twain’s “The Prince and the Pauper.” In her
Master’s dissertation, “Snake as Symbolic Representation of Women’s Anger and Freedom in
Girish Karnad’s Nagamandala,” she explores the snake as a multifaceted symbol reflecting the
complex emotional states and the pursuit of autonomy of female characters within the play.
Although her research has focused on specific themes, Anagha’s academic passion is
expansive, embracing a wide spectrum of literary studies and illustrating her deep-seated
enthusiasm for the diverse dimensions of literature.
The Resonance of Trauma and Quest For Justice in Anne Michaels’
Fugitive Pieces
MRIDUSMITA BASUMATARY, PhD Scholar, Gauhati University, Assam, India
Abstract:
Published in 1996, Anne Michaels’s Fugitive Pieces intricately explores the reverberations of
trauma and the quest for justice through its dual narrative structure. The novel is divided into
two interconnected parts: the first, narrated by Jakob Beer, a Polish Holocaust survivor, and the
second, by Ben, a Canadian professor and son of Holocaust survivors. In Book I, Jakob’s
harrowing experiences as a child during World War II, including his escape from Nazi
persecution and subsequent life in Greece and Canada, illuminate the personal and cultural
scars of war. His story reveals the profound impact of trauma on memory and identity,
emphasizing how his attempts to rebuild his life are overshadowed by his past. Book II shifts
focus to Ben, who embarks on a journey to recover Jakob’s journals and uncovers hidden truths
about his own family’s history which highlights the generational effects of trauma,
demonstrating how the legacy of past suffering extends into subsequent generations and
influences their understanding of history. Central to the novel is the theme of memory as a tool
for preserving human dignity and bearing witness to injustice. Jakob’s recollections and his
efforts to articulate his traumatic past through poetry emphasize the importance of
remembrance in confronting and learning from history. Michaels uses literature to express
personal grief and address collective trauma, reflecting the universal quest for healing and
justice. This paper aims to analyse how Fugitive Pieces addresses the enduring impact of
trauma on personal and collective memory and explores the generational transmission of
trauma. By examining these themes, the paper will demonstrate how Michaels’ novel fosters
empathy, understanding, and a commitment to justice through its innovative narrative structure
and thematic exploration.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Keywords: Human rights, Global justice, Historical trauma, Memory, Identity.
Bio-note:
Mridusmita Basumatary is a student of Guwahati University pursuing her PhD in English
literature. Before pursing her doctorate, she did her Bachelors from Barnagar College under
Gauhati University and did her Masters from Gauhati University as well with first class both.
Her area of focus, particularly, is the blend of ideology and language in literature. She is
passionate about studying the history of English language. In addition to that, she is also
interested in literary theory and criticism. She has a teaching experience of teaching for three
months and she really enjoys teaching and sharing her insights and discoveries with others.
Genre, Gender And Race: Reading Intersectionality in Nekesa Afia’s Dead
Dead Girl
MADHULINA CHOUDHURY, Assistant Professor, Mahapurusha Srimanta
Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya, Assam, India
Abstract:
Crime and mystery fiction predominantly exists within a white male-dominated universe. This
genre often perpetuates a misogynistic attitude, trusting men to sustain a sense of law and order
and unveil the mystery, crafting complex situations, and navigating through ethical and legal
dilemmas that must be solved at the end. The depiction of men, particularly white men, as
detectives, perpetrators, or suspects is a significant factor in maintaining the genre’s appeal.
The role of women in it has traditionally been confined to a few stereotypical archetypes: the
femme fatale, the damsel in distress, and the secretary or assistant to the investigator. This paper
aims to explore how Nekesa Afia’s debut novel, Dead Dead Girls (2021), redefines the
traditional crime fiction narrative by examining themes of race, culture, and sexual politics. Set
against the backdrop of 1920s Harlem, the novel confronts the historical exclusion of Black
individuals in classic crime stories and places Black women in pivotal roles. By adopting an
intersectional perspective that is entwined with the critical race and gender discourse, the paper
will analyze the textuality of these aspects and how they are represented within the narrative,
unveiling the power dynamics and gendered cultural nuances that try to break down the
misappropriation and prejudices inherent within the genre itself.
Keywords: Crime, Mystery, Race, Sexual politics, Black women.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
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Bio-note:
Madhulina Choudhury holds a PhD in English Literature, along with an M.Phil and a B.Ed.
She works as an Assistant Professor of English at Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva
Viswavidyalaya, Guwahati, Assam. She has many research papers and articles to her credit.
She has also edited a book on post-colonial literature. Her areas of interest are theatre, gender
studies, film studies, and post-colonial literature.
Modern Aesthetics: A Comparative Study of T.S. Eliot and Rehman Rahi
MOHAMMAD AFZAL DAR, Research Scholar, Department of English, Desh Bhagat
University, Punjab, India
Abstract:
This abstract provides a concise overview of the modern aesthetics in the poetry of T.S. Eliot
and Rahman Rahi. It highlights how both poets blend traditional and contemporary influences
to explore cultural and philosophical themes. Eliot is noted for his use of fragmentation,
allusion, and exploration of modernity’s disillusionment, emphasizing the tension between past
and present. Rahi, in contrast, merges Kashmiri cultural identity with modernist techniques,
using vivid imagery and innovative language to delve into themes like loss, memory, and the
quest for meaning. The abstract concludes by emphasizing the poets’ ability to create a
distinctive poetic language that reflects the complexities of their times.
Keywords: Modernism, Aesthetics, Intertextuality, Disillusionment, Transcendence,
Allusions, Myths.
Bio-note:
Mohammad Afzal Dar is a resident of Jammu and Kashmir. He is a PG in English and has done
UGC NET also. Currently, he is pursuing PhD in English at the University of Punjab since
2022. His supervisor is very helpful and always helps him whenever he contacts him for
assistance. He has chosen two poets from two different cultural and linguistic backgrounds and
he saw so much similarities in them being modernist poets that motivated me to research their
poetic genres.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Truth and Post-Truth in Wole Soyinka’s Kongi Harvest
NAGRAJ G.HOLEYANNAVAR, Assistant Professor of English, University of
Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, India
Abstract:
Previously in literature, truth was observed like a mirror which was the reflection of the
originality. It was an objective correlativity which was based on discourse of thoughts prevailed
in the society. However, in twentieth century, Truth has become an ever changing objective
reality which is not seen in full an existing entity. Somewhere, the thought is not relied on as
the thought is hidden in its value in our law polices and set of norms and convention, which
one has seek through it. Thus, Homi Bhabha says with view of Foucault as there is no universal
truth exists in the present discourse as there is politics in discourse and this domain truth which
is known as post-truth, which is based on collective memory and mis- interpretation. Therefore,
it is not considered as truth. Meanwhile, Wole Soyinka in Kongi Harvest presents the old and
new system of government; he depicts Kongi’s repressive system of rule with sycophants who
want to bring change with his speeches and thoughts. He has changed the nomenclature of all
existing systems. Similarly, the rule of Pakistan’s Dictoraship is always seen in this fashion.
And old system looks better as it was based on the traditionality which is against modernity.
However, the play ends post-modernistic thought without any proper conclusion by showing
Daodu who is totally different from Kongi’s thoughts and actions.
Keywords: Politics, Truth, Post-truth, Post-modern, Meta-fiction.
Bio-note:
Nagraj G Holeyannavar is an Assistant Professor of English and Placement Officer at
University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot since 2015. He started his career in 2004. His
books are reference books to Pune, Baroda and Bilaspur universities. He has written more than
70 research papers which are published in various journals and edited books.
The Conflicts of Criteria of ‘Global City’: The Global North’s Concept vs.
the Global South’s Realities
SANJAY KUMAR PAIRA, Ph.D Research Scholar in English at Indian Institute of
Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST), Shibpur, India
Abstract:
This paper investigates the conflicts between the Global North and Global South regarding the
classification of a city as a ‘Global City.’ Saskia Sassen introduced the term ‘global city’ in her
book “The Global City: New York, London, Tokyo” (1991), defining it based on strategic
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
location, role as a global economic hub, concentration of command points, service-producing
firms, economic internationalization, and a broader social structure. Manuel Castells’ “The
Rise of the Network Society” (1996) discusses the impact of global information and
communication networks on urban development and social structures. David Harvey examines
capitalism and urbanization, analyzing how globalization reshapes urban landscapes, including
global cities, and influences urban planning, infrastructure development, and social relations.
Edward Soja studies the effects of globalization on the transformation of urban spaces. Ananya
Roy (2015) critiques the traditional global city model favored by the Global North, which often
overlooks cities in the Global South. Her research highlights the significance of informal
economies and urban informality in global cities, arguing for a more inclusive understanding
of urban dynamics that considers informal and peripheral urban practices. Claire Chambers and
Graham Huggan (2015) delve into issues pertinent to postcolonial cities, questioning if cultural
indicators should be the sole analytical tools. Neil Brenner and Roger Keil (2014) offer a
critical and nuanced analysis of global cities, challenging simple hierarchical models and
examining complex interurban networks and spatial dynamics.
Keywords: Postcolonialism, Global City, Global north, Global south, Hierarchy.
Bio-note:
Sanjay Kumar Paira is a Ph.D Research Scholar in English at the Indian Institute of Engineering
Science and Technology, Shibpur. His research areas broadly move on to different areas like
postcolonialism, urban city study, Bengali diasporic as well as native fictions.
The Palette Unseen: Unravelling The Beauty Of Perception in a Synesthetic
Soul
PRITHA BERA, Independent Researcher, University of Delhi, India
Abstract:
A person who perceives the world in vibrant hues stands out as their perceptive gaze does not
coincide with others. Mia, the protagonist of A Mango-Shaped Space by Wendy Mass, has a
rare neurological condition, Synesthesia, in which the stimulation of one sense causes the
involuntary activation of another sense. A Synesthete individual may perceive the normal black
and white letters of a word in beautiful colours, or they may perceive the sound into a
bombardment of different colours dancing together. This condition makes the individual
attuned with their artistic abilities and views the world differently, hence the quotient of being
abnormal and different comes into play. Ludwig Wittgenstein’s idea of ‘Aspect Perception’ is
a phenomenon of perceiving the same object in different ways. In this context, aspects refer to
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
the many ways in which the visual representation is perceived without any physical alteration
to the image itself. Due to her Synesthesia, Mia’s perception of the world as an enamoured
coloured space differs from the sombre perception of other people. This paper would examine
the nature and beauty of perception in a synesthete like Mia, in contrast to others as well as
acceptance by her family and friends for being a gifted individual rather than a disordered
person, would also be analysed. Lastly, this paper would delve into the world of Synesthesia
and its beauty, the aesthetic bombardment of different colours, in addition to its impact on the
individuals possessing it, vividly portraying the beauty of sensory perception drawn from the
theoretical framework of ‘Philosophy of Perception’ by Ludwig Wittgenstein.
Keywords: Perception, Synesthesia, Colours, Aspect Perception, Normal.
Bio-note:
Pritha Bera is an Independent Researcher and recent graduate with a Master’s degree in English
from the University of Delhi, India. Deeply intrigued by the complexities of the human mind,
her research interests lie in Medical Humanities, Gender Studies, Greek Mythology, Trauma,
and Memory studies. With a particular fascination for Multiple Personality Disorder and its
ambiguous exploration of the self, she aspires to embark on a PhD journey to delve deeper into
these topics, uncover new insights, and contribute meaningfully to scholarly discourse.
“Why do you dress me in borrowed robes?” From Body to borrowed
American costumes in Tudor Era: Study of Fashion and Body in the TV
Series Reign
RITTIKA BASU, Independent Research Scholar, Rabindra Bharati University, West
Bengal, India
Abstract:
The heterosexual matrix creates a phallogocentric gaze and Judith Butler in her Gender Trouble
focuses on the body politic and how the normative regime of power/discourse is essentially
formularised through gaze. This is the underlying factor brought out by Reign’s costume
designer Meredith Markworth-Pollock when he explains the fashion girl’s fantasy and a history
nerd’s nightmare in using the open shoulders, chokers and no corset shape dress for the
characters in Reign. According to Meredith the visuality of “heavy corset and funny medieval
pumpkin bottoms for men, it’s more that they simply don’t look sexy” is a comment that
conflates the language costumes speak with “the target audience” of CW. The discourse of
power here is in politics of representation. The agent “cogito” appropriates the negotiation in
the consumerist world and the signification of “medieval feel” is a saleable twenty-first-century
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
fetish. The “body-transcendent universal personhood” (Butler 11) becomes linguistic,
biological and cultural transcendence when the “borrowed robes” of “looking sexy”
transcended the ethos of history to the mythos of fashion. The discourse of identity through
Mary’s dress is a rhetorical question to the appropriation of representational power and
Catherine the Crone is more than Disney’s version of a super-witch as her dress tones down
the discourse of power. If dress represents the politics of identity, it also is the linguistic absence
of “he”. Sickly Francis of medieval costumes is modified to fit the fetish as well, the gaze of a
twenty-first-century teenage girl’s fantasy boy. The body of Francis becomes the ‘cogito’ of the
phallic trap for female audiences. Therefore the “cash cow” of CW and Sebastian with his
costume of the hunter is essentially a high-sale visual discourse. The fluidity of the historical
misadventures of costume turned a blood-bath and factual strait-jacket linear narrative into a
highly marketable teleproduct. The pseudo-medieval costuming is more than just a mistake it
is an epistemological movement towards the teleology of marketing.
Keywords: Fashion, Identity, Consumerism, Historical fluidity, Power.
Bio-note:
Rittika Basu is an independent researcher, currently engaging in the fields of posthumanism
and feminist studies. She has passed her M.A. from Rabindra Bharati University (West Bengal,
India). She is also a poet and a writer who has a few publications done successfully.
From Kitchen to Community: Kosher and the Formation of Cochin Jewish
Identity
SWATHILEKHA THAMPY, Research Scholar, Department of Studies in English, Dr.
Janaki Ammal Campus, Thalassery, Kerala, India
Abstract:
South Asia is a melting pot of many ethnicities, religions and communities. It also has a deep
tradition of diaspora. This paper explores a particular diasporic community in South Asia which
is Jewry. They are the Jewish communities spread across South Asia that exist for over two
millennia and share a rich history. Majority of them immigrated to India. The paper focuses on
one of the ancient Jewish communities settled in India - the Cochin Jews of Kerala. The strict
observance of Kosher laws were more than just dietary regulations; they were a fundamental
aspect of Cochin Jewish life, serving as a powerful tool for establishing their identity. In the
Jewish community, especially in the Diaspora, they function as a secluded group as part of
cultural preservation. Food is undeniably a significant aspect of Jewish culture, so kosher, the
particular culinary culture acts as a cornerstone for maintaining their cultural constancy. While
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
most of the diasporic communities offered a cultural fusion, Jewish community was determined
to remain as a secluded one. This paper employed a multi-faceted approach involving in-depth
interviews with Cochin Jews, relevant documentary analysis, and conducting a thorough
review of existing scholarly literature and historical discourse on Cochin Jews.
Keywords: Jews, Food practices, Kosher, Community, Identity.
Bio-note:
Swathilekha Thampy is a research scholar at Kannur University, Kerala. She is working on her
thesis titled “Kerala Cuisine Tradition: Dissecting the Caste of Food.” Her interests are cultural
studies, caste, food, film, and theater. She has been published countable articles in highly
regarded, peer-reviewed journals. She attended conferences and seminars and presented papers
for the same. She is currently working under the guidance of Sreebitha P.V who is a leading
researcher and scholar of cultural studies and Dalit Studies.
The Role of the Family in Illness Melodramas of Malayalam Cinema
C LABEEBA, Research Scholar, Department of Studies in English, Kannur University,
India
Abstract:
“For melodrama, the family is a means, not an end” (Gledhill 39). In the late 1980s, we saw a
lot of films being released in Malayalam centered on the theme of a dying patient suffering
from a terminal illness. These films conceptualize the family in varied ways. The paper seeks
to focus on the portrayal of familial relationships and how they intersect with themes of illness
and suffering. By analyzing key examples from the genre, the study investigates how the family
functions as a narrative device that heightens the melodramatic effect and reflects broader
societal anxieties and cultural values. The paper also considers the role of gender within these
portrayals, exploring how traditional roles are both reinforced and challenged in the context of
illness. Through this analysis, the paper aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the
intersection between family, illness, and melodrama in Malayalam cinema. The paper will
analyze four films: Omana (1972), Shalini Ente Koottukari (1980), Nokkethadhoorathu
Kannum Nattu (1984), and Njandukalude Naattil Oridavela (2017).
Keywords: Family, Melodrama, Representation, Illness.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bio-note:
C Labeeba is a Junior Research Fellow in the Department of Studies in English, Kannur
University. Her research interests include Health Humanities, Film Studies and Feminist
Criticism.
Brothel, Body, and Room Of (Fe)Male’s Own
SUCHETANA BISWAS, Independent Scholar, India
Abstract:
The woman’s demand for her own space is an unconscious effort of making her existence and
body exclusive, phantastic, and other. While a room that ostensibly offers safety and
protection, can be prejudiced, and simultaneously restricts body – thereby underpinning the
dogma of phallocentrism. It is a profound contradiction. In this essay it is intended to dissect
the repression, and unacknowledged mobility in the identity of a (fe)male. Women conform to
the gender binaries by default, and positions themselves in contrast to the phallus; thus, their
existence remains contingent on the male presence and valorised by the same. “Brothel, Body
and Room of (Fe)male’s Own” puts forth an unbiased argument accenting the nuanced fluidity
in body and (femininized) space – the room. In Joan Riviere’s essay “Womanliness as a
Masquerade”, she advocates pride of possessing phallus/masculinity to navigate society’s
tendencies to segregate the women’s body based on economic and biological needs; and her
claims are artificial and unnecessary. There is no tangible solution referring to repression and
hysteria of women in Woolf, or Riviere or in Irigaray’s essay “Woman on the Market”, as they
are merely restructuring and revisiting the entrenched patriarchal biases and labour.
Nonetheless objectively, Nana in Zola’s Nana is the raw and disordered female figure created
by a man posing against the gaze of both men and women. Here, Nana had the operetta/brothel
for herself without being a part of the men’s business and narrative for men, thereby asserting
the operation of her own destructive desire beyond the poverty of her sex. Furthermore, the
essay elucidates on exchanges of women among women – for desire – for corroboration of the
self. The objective however is not to bring a femaleness into the concept of lack, but offer an
applied way to portray women as the driving force behind the development of the story line
without binaries and transcending the standardization and the economy of masculine society.
Keywords: Mobility, Politics, Psychoanalysis, Body, Space.
Bio-note:
Suchetana Biswas, an Independent Researcher, holds MA in English Literature (2023) from
University of Calcutta. She recently completed her PostGrad Certificate Course in Editing and
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
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Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her recent publication includes her contribution in a
research anthology “Diaspora Literature: Identity beyond borders”, article entitled, “ Madurai,
Manhattan, who cares? – Reading of Meena Alexander’s Fault Lines and Jhumpa Lahiri’s
Unaccustomed Earth; A Passage from First Generation to Second Generation Indian Diaspora.
“ In August 2024, she had opportunity to present her paper “Moral or Market? Problematising
Writer’s Duty and Reader’s Demand in 21st century” at National Seminar on Popular Culture
and Literature, Sister Nivedita University. In the year 2022 she also had opportunity to present
her paper “ He puts the handkerchief from him; and it drops: A Structuralist Reading of Othello
and Iago’s Theatricality, Language and Manipulation “ at, All the World A Stage Conference
in University of Liverpool, UK. Alongside her academic writing, she has always enjoyed
writing poetry, and had a golden opportunity to publish few of them in local magazines, that
includes, The Renaissance Magazine and many more. Her diverse interests include,
Psychoanalytical Studies, Women and Queer Studies, Narratology and Art History.
War, Wilderness and Trauma in Parijat’s Blue Mimosa: Exploring the
Intersections
LAKHIPRIYA GOGOI, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Dibrugarh
University, Assam, India
Abstract:
Nicola Henry in the essay “Theorising Wartime Rape: Deconstructing Gender, Sexuality and
Violence states “...rape is a product of warped (yet normalised) militarised hegemonic
masculinity, which arguably is structurally embedded in pre-conflict gender inequality and
unequal power relations...Moreover, in the aftermath of political conflict, victim-survivors
continue to suffer from shame and stigma, and perpetrators continue to enjoy immunity from
prosecution” (44, 2016). The readings of sexual violence and trauma especially during wartime
very often subsume a position of unanimity on the suffering of the victims contrary to the free
state of the perpetrators. Exploring this dimension of sexual violence, the proposed paper seeks
to study the traumatic fallouts of war and sexual violence in the life of a perpetrator whose
‘terms of prosecution’ seems to emanate from his not being able to forget the episodes of sexual
violence he commits during war. Suyogbir singh, the narrator protagonist of Parijat’s Blue
Mimosa (1972) is tormented by the guilt and shame of the sexual offences he commits as a
second world war soldier and to recapitulate the same pain he ends up offending the one woman
he seemed to have loved whole heartedly after the war. The trauma of committing sexual
violence and the guilt of wrongfully expressing his love towards Shkambari a.k.a Bari, the
atypical heroine of the novel is presented by Parijat in a nuanced and poignant narrative that
unfurls a new reading of the general framing of gender, sexuality and violence as monolithic
structures. The crucial presentation of the wilderness as a factor leading to different expressions
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
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Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
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of sexual desire is explored in the paper in understanding the intersections of the human and
the non-human worlds.
Keywords: War, Sexual violence, Trauma, Wilderness, Intersectionalities.
Bio-note:
Lakhipriya Gogoi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of English of Dibrugarh
University. She has completed her Ph.D on the topic “Self-narration and Identity Formation: A
Critical Study of Selected Women’s Autobiographical Writings in Assam” from Gauhati
University. Her areas of interest include life writing, women’s studies, South Asian literature,
migration studies and translation studies. She has published research papers in journals such as
Society and Culture in South Asia(SAGE), Journal of International Women’s Studies
(Bridgewater University) and chapters in edited books published by Routledge and National
Book Trust among others.
Hydrogen Fuel and Sustainability: Exploring Societal and Ethical
Dimensions through an Energy/ Environmental Humanities Lens
DR CHITRITA PRUSTY, Assistant Professor, Institute of Agricultural Sciences,
Odisha, India
Abstract:
The shift to renewable energy sources is essential for mitigating climate change and achieving
sustainable development. Hydrogen fuel, especially when produced from renewable sources,
offers a promising alternative to fossil fuels, with the potential for zero greenhouse gas
emissions. However, the widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel technologies involves intricate
societal, cultural, and ethical considerations that necessitate a humanities perspective. This
research paper examines these dimensions through the lens of energy humanities and English
literature. Utilizing qualitative methods such as content analysis, thematic analysis, and
interpretive analysis, the study explores the societal, cultural, and ethical implications of
hydrogen fuel. The theoretical frameworks of ecocriticism, ethical theories, and cultural
theories provide a foundation for a deeper understanding of these issues. By analyzing literary
works like Paolo Bacigalupi’s The Windup Girl and Margaret Atwood’s Oryx and Crake, this
study reveals how literary narratives reflect and shape societal attitudes towards sustainable
energy. Although these texts do not directly address hydrogen fuel, their depiction of
environmental collapse and technological consequences offers critical insights into the need
for sustainable alternatives. The findings underscore the importance of integrating humanities
perspectives into the discourse on renewable energy, highlighting themes of technological
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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exploitation, environmental degradation, and the necessity for sustainable practices. This
research advocates for the role of literature in informing public policy on sustainable energy
and calls for ethical and equitable approaches to the deployment of hydrogen fuel technologies.
Future studies should continue to draw on interdisciplinary insights from literature and the
humanities to address the complex challenges of sustainability.
Keywords: Sustainability, Environmental Degradation, Technological Ethics, Alternative
Energy.
Bio-note:
Dr. Chitrita Prusty is an Assistant Professor in the Department of English at the Institute of
Agricultural Sciences, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar,
Odisha, India. With over 15 years of teaching experience, Dr. Prusty has established herself in
the fields of English and communication studies, education and skilling, and energy
humanities. Her work is characterized by a strong commitment to interdisciplinary research,
particularly in the intersections of Occupational Culture and communication studies, education
and skilling, and environmental/energy humanities.
Pandemic and Performances: A Study of Cultural Texts in Transition
during A Global Pandemic
UTSARJANA MUTSUDDI, PhD Research Scholar, Birla Institute of Technology and
Sciences, Pilani, India
Abstract:
While exploring cultural texts produced by the Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic
Communities of India, especially in the context of the Covid 19 Pandemic, one notes a
significant amount of self-representation through community level awareness. This paper will
focus on a Foucauldian analysis of Budhan Stories in order to highlight, the power of intra-
community media, self-representation of history, and the role oral history plays in the creation
of such self-representation. The paper will argue, that when communities that have been
subjected to the worst excesses of colonialism, turn modern tools of power like the camera
upon themselves, they produce cultural texts from a perspective that highlights, their contested
history with panopticonic structures like settlement camps. This perspective is not one that
hinges on nostalgia but an extreme sense of responsibility towards one’s history. This paper
will further explore how a community that was once confined to the Ahmedabad Settlement
camp, that was denotified 5 years after Independence and has been dealing with the unjustified
excesses of the state apparatus, ever since, chose to tackle the global pandemic and deal with
the lockdown. This paper will look at knowledge production and dissemination, role of
community spaces like the library cum edit-tables, performance as knowledge amongst once
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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itinerant communities and the various ways power operates in community led self-
representative media.
Keywords: Denotified Communities, Chharas, Gujarat, Covid 19, Foucault.
Bio-note:
Utsarjana Mutsuddi, is a PhD Research Scholar who has presented papers at multiple
conferences hosted by bodies such as Indian Association for Women’s Studies and Oral History
Association of India. She has an M Phil in Women’s Studies from Jadavpur University titled,
‘Performers, Nomads and Criminals: A study of how gender operated within the ambit of the
Criminal Tribes of India Act, 1872’. In the past she has done two research Projects, one on
Child Marriage in West Bengal and the second on Exotic Dancers of West Bengal. She is a
regular contributor to the award winning digital platform Feminism in India. Recently she
started working as a guest faculty for Cultural Studies at the Work Integrated Learning
Programme, by BITS Pilani.
Colonialism, Acculturation, and the Interdisciplinary Analysis of Cultural
Transformation
SHWETA KUMARI DAS, Research Scholar, Department of Philosophy University of
Delhi, India
Abstract:
The Indian colonial era was a period of significant cultural transformation. The advent of
colonialism led to a series of acculturation processes which deeply interacted with the
indigenous culture. This focus makes an attempt to understand how the understanding of such
a period needs an interdisciplinary approach ranging from religious perspective,
anthropological, a political approach and most importantly philosophical approach. Without
understanding the diverse perspectives and taking them into consideration to engage with the
topic, this period I argue remains only partially understood. J.W Berry, a renowned figure in
cross-cultural psychology, notes a series of acculturation processes to highlight how the
indigenous people deal with an external influence although not in an Indian context but it can
be relevantly understood within the context of Indian colonialism. Looking at the general
viewpoint, colonialism is often viewed as a political domination with no focus on the changes
it brought upon the belief systems, cultural identity and the social structure. One can look from
various lenses, let’s start with an anthropological perspective. This would allow the ways in
which Indian culture was reinterpreted and negotiated with in response to the colonial pressure.
From a political science perspective it would reveal the ways colonial domination worked out
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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in the functioning, laws of the colonized country and beyond. The historical view sheds light
on the events unfolded in the past and how these events have a lasting effect on the intellectual
tradition in contemporary times. This paper explores these interdisciplinary perspectives to
understand the entire cultural transformation resulting in the process of colonialism. To
understand the enduring effect of colonialism.
Keywords: Colonialism, Acculturation, Cultural transformation.
Bio-note:
Shweta Kumari Das is a research student in the Department of Philosophy at the University of
Delhi, specializing in Indian philosophy and social and political philosophy. She has done her
undergraduate studies at Janki Devi Memorial College, University of Delhi, and earned an MA
in Philosophy from Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi. Currently pursuing
a PhD in the same department, Shweta K Das is dedicated to exploring the varied perspectives
of Indian philosophical thought both in the colonial context and its relevance to contemporary
social and political contexts.
Judith Butler’s Gender Trouble: A Comparative Study of Film and
Television Drama Series from India and America
SUFIYA ANSARI, Research Scholar, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
Abstract:
The paper will try to study the intersection of Judith Butler’s Gender Trouble, Films, and the
Hegemonic societal construct of society related to gender. It will show how representations and
portrayals of sexuality have changed with time. It will be a comparative study of characters in
the Indian films/Series and American television drama series. The paper will analyse the
depiction of gender, desires, and sexuality by the characters who chose to break the radical
pattern that is related to heteronormativity because sex and sexuality have always been taboo
and it has been the least discussed topic among people. Anything different, even if it doesn’t
harm anyone, was punished, demoralised, convicted, and became a matter of crime and was
dealt by the judiciary. The paper will attempt to show how society has changed and progressed
over time. In the beginning, people who were not heterosexual were given medical treatment,
as if having different sexual desires was a disease which has also been discussed by Gayle S.
Rubin. In the latter phases, discourses mentioned it humorously and ridiculously. With the
consistent efforts, protests, and mass movements led for Gender Equality, things have started
to change. Gradually, society is accepting that different individuals can have different
sexualities. The paper will specifically talk about gradual changes that are taking place in
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Indian films and Web Series that are the leading narratives associated with Gender Trouble that
Indian society is witnessing in contemporary times.
Keywords: Sexuality, Society, Gender Construct, Films and Heteronormativity.
Bio-note:
Sufiya Ansari is a Doctoral candidate in English Literature from the Department of Main
Campus, Banaras Hindu University. Her research interests include the role of pictorial
representations in shaping the narratives around Global South trying to navigate inequality,
climate change and gender relation.
Beyond Heroes and Comic Relief: Unravelling the Subjectivity of Lower
Castes in Vadakkanpattukal and Vadakkanpattu Films
DR DIVYA K, Assistant Professor, Dept of Russian and Comparative Literature,
University of Calicut, Kerala, India
Abstract:
Vadakkanpattukal, or Northern Ballads, are a collection of songs that originated in Malabar
during British rule and continued in Northern Kerala after the formation of Unified Kerala.
These songs were primarily composed and sung by lower-caste communities while performing
physical labor, such as working in paddy fields. Folklorists and colonial scholars often
categorize Vadakkanpattukal as “heroic ballads,” emphasizing the bravery, adventures, and
martial prowess of figures like Aromal Chekavar, Unniyarcha, and Thacholi Othenan. These
warriors are portrayed as protectors of the lower castes, women, and those struggling in various
aspects of life. However, this interpretation fails to acknowledge the subjectivity of the original
creators of these songs and overlooks the historical consciousness embedded within them.
While Vadakkanpattukal include narratives that critically engage with colonial discourses,
scholarly attention has largely focused on their heroic elements, neglecting these critical
perspectives.With the advent of the Malayalam film industry, Vadakkanpattukal were adapted
into cinema, giving rise to a distinct genre known as “Vadakkanpattu films.” Despite this
cultural evolution, these films often marginalize lower-caste characters, relegating them to
roles of comic relief. By critically analyzing the texts of Vadakkanpattukal and their cinematic
adaptations, this paper challenges the dominant scholarly interpretations offered by folklorists
and colonial thinkers. It interrogates the representation of lower castes in Vadakkanpattu films,
arguing that both the academic studies and films diminish the subjectivity of lower-caste
communities. Such portrayals contribute to the construction of a glorified Hindu past for
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Kerala, often at the expense of the nuanced experiences of the lower-caste communities who
originally created these songs.
Keywords: Vadakkanpattukal, Vadakkanpattu Films, Lower Caste, Subjectivity, Historical
Consciousness.
Bio-note:
Dr. Divya K holds the position of Assistant Professor in the Department of Russian and
Comparative Literature at the University of Calicut. She earned her Ph.D. from Sree
Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady in 2020, with her research focused on “The
Aesthetics and Cultural Politics of Vadakkapattucinemakal”. Her primary area of expertise lies
within the field of film studies, although she also engages with Comparative Literature, caste,
gender and sexuality studies, and folklore. Dr. Divya K was honored with the Lenin Rajendran
Fellowship, which is awarded by the Kerala State Chalachithra Akademy. She successfully
completed a project titled “Imagination of Sexuality in Malayalam Films: Perspectives and
Problems” under the auspices of this fellowship.
Dissecting Girlhood: Assertion And Gender Essentialism in the Media’s
Idea of a Woman
MYTHILI BHAT, Assistant Professor, Department of Communication Studies, Mount
Carmel College (Autonomous), Bangalore, India
Abstract:
The construct of gender has been challenged, reasserted, reclaimed and interpreted in many
ways over the 20th and 21st century. Gender theory scholars have actively dissected the identity
assigned to them at birth and forced upon them (and others) in a heterosexist society. This kind
of chaos and disintegration of a firm, absolute idea of gender created an open field where one
understood, explored and presented themselves across a particular area within (or outside of)
the gender spectrum. Trans and non-binary people found necessary freedom across social
media platforms to express themselves within certain circles over time (with considerable
pushback from the conservative side of these media platforms). However, it was not limited to
them - it also allowed for cisgender women to redefine themselves within their gender identity.
This paper will study the assertion of gender identity in the present day media as well
as literature, its trajectory and essentialism that it ultimately resulted in. Firstly, the paper will
establish the historical trajectory of gender within the public sphere as well as through the
different eras of the internet. This will present the social dimension of gender, especially for
women. Secondly, the paper will use theories of gender by Judith Butler, Eve Sedgwick
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Kosofsky, Jose Esteban Munoz and Simone de Beauvoir to ground the disintegration of the
female gender identity and expansion of the idea of being a woman. Thirdly, the paper will
perform an analysis – rooted in semiotics, visual research and comparative theory – of certain
social media texts and literature. Finally, the paper aims to understand the role of media in the
creation of a hegemony of gender and girlhood.
Keywords: Gender, Identity, Media, Girlhood, Aesthetics.
Bio-note:
Mythili Bhat graduated with a master’s degree in English from EFL University, Hyderabad,
India. She also holds a bachelor’s in Journalism and English from St. Joseph’s College (now
University), Bangalore, India. Her thesis was a comparative study of postcolonial literature in
Latin America and Nigeria. Her research interests lie in contemporary literature, films, and
cities and popular culture.
Blurring Boundaries: Exploring Anthropocene through Destructive
Plasticity in the Film Aavasavyuham
MARIA JOHN PAUL, Assistant Professor, Christ (Deemed To Be University) Delhi
NCR, India
Abstract:
The Malayalam film Aavasavyuham: The Arbit Documentation of An Amphibian Hunt (2022),
directed by Krishand is a narrative that bridges the human and non-human divide through an
innovative presentation of the interrelation and interdependence between the human and the
non-human. The paper delves into the film’s contribution to the field of ecocriticism and its
subfield Ecocinema, by focusing on the shared relationship between humans, animals, and the
environment. By paper intends to discuss how the film Aavasavyuham (translated Ecosystem)
challenges traditional anthropocentric narratives and offers new perspectives on the
coexistence and interconnectedness between the human and the non-human. The purpose of
this study is to determine how the film mediates “the inevitable entanglements of humans and
nature” (Rust 7) through the analysis of the narrative structure, visual aesthetics, and thematic
content of the film. The paper also discusses how Aavasavyuham addresses environmental
crises such as climate change, extinction, and destruction of the habitat by analysing the
portrayal of Joy, the protagonist of the film who navigates a world where boundaries between
humans and amphibians blur. The story of Joy serves in the film as a metaphor for the
interconnectedness of all life forms and the importance of existence. Thus, Aavasavyuham not
only enriches the burgeoning genre of eco-cinema in Malayalam but also encourages viewers
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
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to embrace a non-romanticized perspective on the natural world, thereby promoting
environmental awareness that foregrounds sustainable living practices.
Keywords: Ecocinema, Environmentalist Films, Environmental crisis, Malayalam Cinema.
Bio-note:
Maria John Paul is an Assistant Professor working in Christ University (Delhi NCR campus).
She is also a doctoral student affiliated to NIT Goa. Her interests include Ecology, Films and
Climate Change Narratives.
John Oliver Killens: A Life in Black Activism and Literature
KAVITA DHILLON, Assistant Professor, Chandigarh Group of Colleges, Mohali,
Punjab, India
Abstract:
John Oliver Killens was a prominent African American writer and civil rights activist whose
work explored the complexities of race, class, and identity crisis of African Americans. As a
multifaceted voice for Black liberation, Killens’s literary contributions provided a powerful
critique of racial injustice and a vision for a more equitable society. This paper will explore
Killens’ multifaceted contributions in the civil rights struggle, examining him as novelist and
human rights activist.
Keywords: Identity crisis, Civil Rights Movement, Human rights crisis, African Americans.
Bio-note:
Kavita Dhillon is an Assistant Professor of English at CGC Landran, Mohali, Punjab. She has
recently submitted her PhD thesis for external evaluation. Her research areas and interests
include African American literature and human rights literature. As she awaits the evaluation
of my PhD, she remains committed to advancing her research and enhancing student learning.
Synthetic Adam: A Literary Examination of Artificial Intelligence in
Humanities Discourse
VIOLINA KALITA, Research Scholar, Gauhati University, Assam, India
Abstract:
Humanity confronts a plethora of multifaceted crises, encompassing ecological, economic,
geopolitical, energy, migration, healthcare, and the persistent pandemic crises. Within this
complex landscape, the progress of artificial intelligence (AI) presents a fresh set of ethical
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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ABSTRACT VOLUME
predicaments. The expansion of AI technology intensifies apprehensions regarding privacy and
reveals the absence of sufficient regulatory measures. Donna Haraway in her work The Cyborg
Manifesto argues that “The boundary between science fiction and social reality is an optical
illusion” (6), so expanding on that notion, comprehending the implications of AI can be
achieved by delving into accessible literary genres such as science fiction. As we navigate
through these trials, it becomes imperative to reevaluate existing paradigms of achievement
and progress.
In the era of the technologically mediated posthuman, the emergence of artificial
intelligence in literary and cultural texts has been a new site of knowledge production and
dissemination. The previously prevailing enlightenment dichotomy between self and the other
has been replaced with the monistic philosophy espoused by a nature-culture continuum where
life is studied through its interconnectedness with the world (Braidotti 35). With the
decentering of the human subject, the nonhuman “other” has found a new space within the
posthumanist discourse. However, in dealing with subjects like artificial intelligence, there is
always a tendency to anthropomorphize which needs to be critically analysed and evaluated
through the aid of language. The paper will look into this paradigm shift evident in Ian
McEwan’s Machines Like Me through a focus on the characterization of Adam. By tugging at
something familiar and relating the current social scenario full of globalised technological
mediations, the paper aims to look at the layers within the intricate relation between biblical
references and artificial realities that McEwan has weaved into his story.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Literature, Science Fiction, Social Reality, Genesis
Narrative.
Bio-note:
Violina Kalita (she/her) is a pioneering doctoral research scholar at Gauhati University, delving
into the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, Science Fiction, and Posthumanism within the
realm of cultural narratives of Literature and Cinema. She has completed her graduation from
University of Delhi and her post graduation from Gauhati University. Through her research,
she strives to contribute meaningfully to ongoing conversations about the future of AI and its
impact on our collective imagination.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
From Myth to Manuscript: Exploring the Trans-disciplinary Nexus of
Folklore and Literature
DAYAL CHAKRABORTTY, PhD Research Scholar, Dept. of Humanities (English),
Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, Odisha, India & DR ASHAPURNA DASH,
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Humanities (English), Veer Surendra Sai University of
Technology, Odisha, India
Abstract:
The study of folklore and literature has traditionally been confined to distinct academic
disciplines. Folklore is often associated with oral traditions, myths, legends, and cultural rituals,
while literature is primarily linked with written texts and canonical works. However, the
boundaries between these two fields are increasingly being recognized as fluid and
overlapping. This research explores the trans-disciplinary potential of folklore and literature,
examining their intersections and mutual influences across various academic fields. By
analyzing folklore’s role in shaping literary narratives and how literature, in turn, preserves and
transforms folklore, the study reveals the dynamic interplay between oral traditions and written
texts. Through case studies spanning diverse cultures and historical periods, the research
highlights the adaptability and resilience of folklore within literary contexts. This study also
delves into the methodologies of folklore studies, literary analysis, and cultural anthropology,
proposing an integrated framework for understanding the fluid boundaries and trans (inter)-
disciplinary connections between these domains. Ultimately, the research underscores the
significance of folklore and literature as collaborative agents in cultural expression and
knowledge production.
Keywords: Folklore, Literature, Trans-disciplinary, Oral traditions, Cultural anthropology,
Interdisciplinary studies, Cultural expression.
Bio-notes:
Dayal Chakrabortty, PhD Research Scholar, Dept. of Humanities (English), Veer Surendra Sai
University of Technology, Burla, Odisha. He has already penned more than seventeen research
articles for various reputed international journals. He has already been credited with a student-
friendly book on Classical Literature, a critical edition of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic The Great
Gatsby, two critical companions on Carroll’s classics Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and
Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There. He has also edited another critical
companion to Arthur Miller’s magnum opus Death of a Salesman.
Dr. Ashapurna Dash, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Humanities (English), Veer Surendra
Sai University of Technology, Burla, Odisha. She has been awarded PhD in Indian Writings in
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
English from Sambalpur University. Dr. Dash has published many excellent Research articles
and presented papers in international seminars and conferences.
Narrating Nature: Ecology and Politics in Kashmir
MIR WAFA RASHEEQ, PhD Candidate, Department Of Political Science, Jamia Millia
Islamia, New Delhi, India
Abstract:
This paper delves into the intersections of environment, literature, and political conflict in
Kashmir, positioning itself within the evolving field of environmental humanities. This
interdisciplinary study explores how the natural landscape of Kashmir serves not just as a
backdrop but as a dynamic force that shapes cultural identity, political discourse, and conflict
dynamics in the region.
By employing ecocritical theory, postcolonial studies, and political ecology, the
research investigates the role of Kashmiri literature in engaging with environmental themes to
reflect and transform the region’s political tensions. Through a close analysis of selected
literary works, the study examines how authors utilize the environment to articulate issues of
identity, sovereignty, and resistance, thus contributing to a deeper understanding of the Kashmir
conflict.
The theoretical framework of this paper is built on three interrelated themes: the notion
of “nature as witness” in conflict narratives, the impact of environmental degradation in
intensifying political tensions, and the potential of eco-narratives to promote dialogue and
reconciliation. These themes guide the analysis, revealing the environment as both a contested
space and a possible site for peace-building.
This research argues for the critical importance of integrating environmental
perspectives into the study of political conflicts, particularly in regions like Kashmir where
ecological and political challenges are deeply intertwined. By bridging environmental
humanities with political analysis through literature, the paper offers a nuanced perspective on
the Kashmir conflict, emphasizing the role of environmental narratives in understanding and
addressing the complexities of the region.
Keywords: Environmental humanities, Kashmiri literature. Political ecology, Conflict
narratives, Ecocriticism.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Bio-note:
Mir Wafa Rasheeq is a PhD candidate at the Department of Political Science, Jamia Millia
Islamia since 2021. Her research and general area of interest revolves around security studies
and politics of the environment. She has done her B.A (hons) in Political Science from Jamia
Millia Islamia and an M.A in Political Science from Indira Gandhi National Open University.
She also holds a Diploma in International Relations and Diplomacy from the Indian Institute
of Governance and Leadership.
Ms.Rasheeq has been a part of research teams at Jeevanstambh Foundation, Centre for
Studies of Plural Societies and held the position of Programme Officer at the International
Summer School, New Delhi. She has professional experience of over 3 years in the domain of
gender studies, education, health and environment. With a keen interest in the environment and
hailing from the picturesque Valley of Kashmir, she aims to add to the environmental security
discourse of the Himalayan region at large.
Centrality of the Body in Dalit Experiences as shaped through Mahasweta
Devi’s Narrative in “Draupadi”
AISHIKI BANDYOPADHYAY, PG Student, English And Foreign Language University,
Hyderabad, India
Abstract:
This paper attempts to focus on the concept that body assumes centrality in the experiences of
the marginalised Dalit community. This is critically assessed through Mahasweta Devi’s
thought-provoking story, “Draupadi.” The narrative foregrounds the policies and cultural
practices through which power centres of the society regulate the human body, especially that
of a Dalit woman from the tribal community. It curates a tension between the degree of control
assumed over the body between the binaries of individual and that of the society.
The powerful narrative defines its setting: geographically through rural India and forest
lands and politically through the frame of the Naxalite-Maoist insurgency or the Naxal
movement in India during the late 1960s. Devi’s narrative is layered with vivid descriptions
and brutal imageries to portray the intensities of oppression that the Dalit community in general
and women in particular are subjected to.
Mahasweta Devi mirrors in the story, how the body of a marginalised tribal woman
becomes a battle ground. This research delves into the way the body of a tribal woman is
instrumentalised to subjugate her socially, economically and culturally. The body in the
narrative becomes a space where patriarchal and political power intersect to exert dominance
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
and control yet the same body becomes a site for resistance. This paves the discourse on the
evolution of the body from an embodiment of systematic abuse and violence to an epitome of
revolutionary protest through the character of Dopdi Mejhan, a tribal woman and protagonist
of the story becomes a symbol of resilience.
Through a meticulous analysis of the narrative woven through a feminist lens, this study
explores the significance of body politics in the wider horizon of caste-based oppression and
gendered inequality within the context of the Indian subcontinent.
Keywords: Dalit, Woman, Body, Resistance, Marginalised, Economy.
Bio-note:
Aishiki Bandyopadhyay is a former student of English at St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata, and
is currently a student of English and Foreign Language University, Hyderabad. Her interests
lie in embracing the world of literature with a passionate love for poetry in particular. She has
presented papers across several National and International conferences, in places like Trinity
College and London-Art based research centre. A few of her notable publications include
chapter contributions, poems and short stories in books available on Amazon, Kindle etc, her
papers have been published in various platforms like International Journal of English Learning
and Teaching Skills ( U.S ISSN Centre approved) Additionally, she is the winner of several
awards in the field of creative writing.
Food Culture and Identity in Tripura
ALAMPIK DEBBARMA, Research Scholar, Department of History, Tripura University
(A Central University), Tripura, India
Abstract:
Tripura is a small state in North East India. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse
neighborhoods and beautiful landscapes. Tripura shares its borders with Bangladesh in three
side and in remaining with the Indian states of Assam and Mizoram. Food is a fundamental
part of everyday life which provides sustenance and essential nutrients. It also serves as a
reflection of unique indigenous cultural heritage. Beyond its nutritional value food plays a
crucial role in shaping cultural identity. Indigenous communities in North East India have
strong cultural associations with their foods and traditional attire. Even in the face of
globalization these cultural ties remain resilient in North East India. There are 20 ethnic groups
in Tripura among them Tripuris (Tipra/Borok) are the major group. The food culture of the
Tripuri in Tripura is an integral part of the state’s identity which reflects its rich cultural
heritage. The food traditionally prepared and consumed by the indigenous Tripuri people is
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
known as ‘Chamung borok’ with the curry dish referred to as ‘Mui borok.’ When making ‘Mui
Borok’ minimal amounts of spices and oils are used. Cuisines prepared with ‘Chakhwtwi’
which is made from ash filtered water (alkali) hold significant importance in the social and
traditional beliefs of the community. The cuisines are made by the use of various local
vegetables and meats such as bamboo shoot, khamka kwkha, khakulu, jami bwlai and pork.
This paper explore the food culture and dietary practices of the Tripuri people in Tripura.
Through their food the people of Tripura celebrate their unique cultural legacy and reinforce
their connection to the land and their ancestors.
Keywords: Tripura, Tripuri People, Food Culture, Chamung borok, Mui borok.
Bio-note:
Mr. Alampik Debbarma is a Ph.D. Research Scholar from Tripura University (A Central
University). He has actively contributed to the academic community through publications in
journals and books, as well as by presenting papers at national and international seminars and
conferences.
The Animal that Therefore I Believe in: Spatializing Animality/Animalizing
Spatiality in Easterine Kire’s When the River Sleeps and Don’t Run My
Love
KHANDAKAR SHAHIN AHMED, Assistant Professor, Department of English,
Dibrugarh University, Assam, India
Abstract:
The way non-human species are perceived/conceived in indigenous cultures of different tribes
of Northeast India does not reduce non-human species to the straitjacket category of ‘animal’.
The reciprocity and the mutually nourishing relationship between human and non-human
communities mark the growth of a sustainable human culture of identifying with the ecological
order of a particular bioregion. The myth of the ‘weretiger’ – a man metamorphosing into the
spirit of a tiger – in Easterine Kire’s novels depicts how the animality of the tiger is conceived
in the Naga communities’ identification with the physical environment of their bioregion. The
animality of the tiger has a unique spatial presence in Naga culture, and the ‘weretiger’ myth
subsumes how the indigeneity of the Nagas can be comprehended in their ecological conscious
of their land of origin. The ‘weretiger’ myth, in delineating the ‘thisness’ of the animality of
the tiger, shows how a human community can become native to a place through biocentric
identification. The region-scale myth of the ‘weretiger’ brings to the fore how Naga indigeneity
cannot be reduced to the constructs of nation and nationalism, and this paper through a reading
of Kire’s When the River Sleeps and Don’t Run, My Love seeks to explore the bioregional
dimension of the Naga way of life as visible in the ‘weretiger’ myth.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Keywords: Animality, Bioregionalism, Spatiality, Indigeneity, Myth.
Bio-note:
Khandakar Shahin Ahmed teaches in the Department of English, Dibrugarh University. His
areas of interest include Place Studies, Bioregional Literature, Critical Theory, Health
Humanities, and Literature of Europe. He pursued his doctoral research in the area of
Bioregional Literature, and his Mphil. research was on Franz Kafka. At present, he is pursuing
his research on Health Humanities and Literature of Place. His research papers are published
in numerous reputed national and international journals.
Disability to Ability: Critical Reading of This Kid Can Fly: It’s about
Ability (Not Disability) Through the Lenses of Disability Studies
ARPITA ROY, PhD Research Scholar, Department of English, Sikkim University,
Sikkim, India
Abstract:
This Kid Can Fly: It’s about Ability (Not Disability) (2016) by Aaron Rose Philip is an
inspirational autobiographical novel that incorporates personal experiences of the author, who
herself is having Cerebral Palsy. She has talked about how she has overcome both financial
and physical challenges (Philips, 2016) and has offered an understanding on the relationships
between immigration rights and disability. This research paper illuminates the intersection of
education and socialization for those with disabilities; Aaron’s work adheres to the concepts of
Disability Studies by emphasizing the autonomy and capabilities of an individual with cerebral
palsy. The research work focuses on the author’s storytelling that goes beyond the conventional
cliches linked to disability, providing readers with a different viewpoint centered on
empowerment and perseverance.
The transformational potential of the work is in the subversion of narratives that
discriminate against individuals with disabilities and the creation of information that questions
the dominant cultural standards around disability. Aaron’s transformation into a motivational
speaker and his creation of a work and film called ‘Tanda’ demonstrate his proactive
involvement in redefining social understanding of ability and disability (Philips, 2016). This
research work allows for an examination of how the authors’ individual viewpoints shape the
depiction of Independent Living Philosophy. Further, the work offers an abundant opportunity
for the use of literary theories, allowing us to scrutinize the narrative frameworks, character
progression, and symbolic components crucial for understanding the complex aspects of
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Independent Living Philosophy in literature. The paper also aims to contribute to the wider
discussions on human rights and social inclusiveness.
Keywords: Disability, Independent Living Philosophy, Empowerment, Social Inclusion,
Human Rights.
Bio-note:
Arpita Roy is PhD Scholar at Department of English, Sikkim University, Sikkim. Beside this
she is teaching as an Assistant Professor of English at Indian Institute if Legal Studies Cooch
Behar, West Bengal.
She has completed her graduation in English Honours from Siliguri College, affiliated
to University of North Bengal, in the academic session 2014-2017. She has completed her M.A.
from Sikkim University in 2019 with First Class. She has been awarded with Silver Medal at
Fifth Convocation of Sikkim University, for the degree of Master of Arts in English on 3rd
November 2019.
Her research interest includes Literary Disability Studies, Diaspora Studies,
Postcolonial Literature, and Gender Studies etc. She has participated into various workshops;
two credit courses, training programs, Faculty Development Programs, invited talk and
presented research papers in both national and international conferences. Her research works
have been published as edited book chapters and in peer-reviewed journals.
The Aesthetics of Fear: A Phenomenological Study of the Grotesque in
Contemporary Cinema
Sinchan Dasgupta, Student/ Scholar, University of Calcutta, West Bengal, India
Abstract:
Deriving from Kant’s distinction of the phenomenal world being purely personal, detached
from the objectivity of the external one, Husserl’s theory of Phenomenology has revolutionised
the study of human experience, from a pursuit of a singular truth to an attempt at empathising
with the subjective realities of individuals. The depiction of horror in films like Ari Aster’s
Hereditary, Darren Aronofsky’s Mother!, Julia Ducournau’s Raw, and in Roman Polanski’s
horror trilogy is analysed in order to arrive at the essence of the fear being portrayed, through
the eidetic reduction of its impression on the consciousness of the characters involved. The
paper intends to not only uncover the past experiences and the future expectations (the Horizon)
that surround every experience of the characters and contribute to their “distorted” perception
of reality but also question the very existence of an undistorted one. The contribution of culture
to the constitution of meaning in consciousness is explored through the portrayal of the
grotesque in cinema, ranging from the silver-screen adaptations of old classics like Dracula,
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
The Phantom of the Opera and The Hunchback of Notre Dame to films like Tim Burton’s
Edward Scissorhands, David Lynch’s Eraserhead and Georges Franju’s Eyes Without a Face.
Using foundational ideas in cultural criticism like Stuart Hall’s encoding and decoding model
and Raymond William’s structure of feelings, the paper analyses the aesthetic choices in
presenting something as hideous. The cinematic fusion of the sublime and the abject is also
explored for its induction of fear through contrasting juxtapositions on screen. The paper
investigates the underlying structure of consciousness that sustains fear as well as the cultural
politics behind designating something as fearful or hideous, revealing an interplay between
psychological experiences and societal narratives.
Keywords: Aesthetics, Cinema, Cultural Studies, Fear, Phenomenology.
Bio-note:
Sinchan Dasgupta is a student and scholar of English literature. He received his BA (Hons)
(2021) and MA (2023) degrees in English Language and Literature from Vijaygarh Jyotish Ray
College and the University of Calcutta (main campus) respectively, scoring the highest marks
in the class in both instances. His work experience includes being a visiting faculty member at
Techno International New Town. He is pursuing B2 competence in French from Alliance
française du Bengale.
Critical Perspectives on Teacher Qualification Reforms and their Impact
on Malayalam Language Education in Kerala
ABHIRAMI S R, Research Scholar, Institute of English, University of Kerala,
Thiruvananthapuram, India
Abstract:
This article critically examines the eligibility criteria for the Diploma in Elementary Education
(D.El.Ed.) program in Kerala, focusing on their impact on the quality of Malayalam language
education. It argues that the current criteria, which insufficiently emphasize Malayalam
language proficiency, may contribute to a decline in pedagogical standards and the perpetuation
of social inequalities within the educational system. Drawing on Bourdieu and Passeron’s
theoretical framework, the analysis highlights the epistemological consequences of linguistic
marginalization, suggesting that the devaluation of Malayalam could lead to the reproduction
of dominant linguistic practices at the expense of vernacular languages. The article contends
that the inadequate prioritization of Malayalam competence in teacher training risks producing
educators who are ill-equipped to meet the linguistic and cultural needs of the region. This
misalignment between teacher preparation and the regional context undermines the
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
pedagogical and cultural functions of the Malayalam language, potentially weakening its role
in education and cultural transmission. The broader sociocultural and political implications of
these eligibility criteria are also explored, revealing how they reflect and reinforce an
undervaluation of regional linguistic capital. This undervaluation not only compromises
educational quality but also perpetuates structural inequalities by favoring competencies
aligned with dominant language practices. In response, the article advocates for a reassessment
of the D.El.Ed. program’s eligibility standards, emphasizing the need to enhance Malayalam
proficiency to better serve the linguistic and cultural needs of Kerala and support the
preservation of its linguistic heritage.
Keywords: Linguistic Proficiency, D.El.Ed., Malayalam Language Education, Cultural
Marginalisation, Social Inequalities.
Bio-note: Abhirami S R is a Research Scholar at the Institute of English, University of Kerala.
Her research focuses on colonial grammar, examining grammar books as historical texts
through a cultural studies lens. Her work delves into the intersection of language, power, and
history, exploring how grammar books reflect and shape cultural narratives. Abhirami’s
academic interests extend to the preservation and analysis of linguistic heritage, with a
particular emphasis on the cultural implications of language education and the historical
significance of linguistic practices.
Agitate, Educate and Organise: Understanding Anti-caste Hip-Hop, Dalit
Identity, and Gendered Space in Mumbai
NAMAN KUMAR, PhD Scholar, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
Abstract:
The western upland of India, Mumbai has seen enormous engagement with Anti caste hip-hop
scene. These rap songs are forefront of addressing social, political, economical and ecological
issues. For anti caste women rapper, rap music has a complicated as some representation of
Dalit girl and women are less visible while others reflect agency and empowerment. The
present study will examine Desi hip-hop, Dalit women and Dalit identity by exploring how
Desi hip-hop influences the gendered Dalit identity formation of Mumbai’s girl. Further this
study will explore how Dalit girl navigate social stressors such as casteism and sexism using
Desi hip-hop. Using anti caste movement and hip-hop feminist lenses, this paper will utilise of
two hybrid mode of interview of Dalit rapper and women hip-hoppers from Mumbai, India.
Utilising thematic analysis, the following themes will be motives of findings: (1) Bridging
between Dalit identity and gendered space of independence and resilience in Desi hip-hop
creates meaning of caste and gendered identities. (2) Gail Omvedt anti caste theory is heavily
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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ABSTRACT VOLUME
relied on to investigate how Dalit women construct racial identity in predominantly feminist
settings. (3) The intention is to provide bridge between anti caste movement theory and Desi
hip-hop. How caste identity is formed and renegotiate in everyday interaction with other
women and how renegotiation is mediated through Desi hip-hop. Since very little academic
research has been done on a subject of anti caste hip-hop in India. There is tremendous scope
for all scholars to pursue in the field of anti caste hip-hop, since it is directly related to a giving
voice to new realities in an idioms. It is great interest of youth.
Keywords: Anti Caste, Dalit identity, Desi hip-hop, and Gendered Spaces.
Bio-note:
Naman Kumar is PhD Student in Theater and Performance Studies at School of Arts &
Aesthetics. His research interest in Desi hip-hop genre in Mumbai. Currently he working on
Hip-hopping Mumbai: Performing identities. His Mphil dissertation is on “Constituting Desi
hip-hop: The local and the global” explore a background understanding of the emergence of
Desi hip hop in India in the early twentieth century; the studies of the works of the two artists
which are marked with their own signatured and hyper-masculine gestures and language of a
performance genre born out of and catering to their own lived and conceptualized community
and space; and finally the idea of leisure, and fun and resistance that their choices have been
rooted in.
A Post-Truth Conspiracy Duel: An Insight into the Narratives of Myth,
Memory and Trauma in Elie Wiesel’s The Fifth Son
SUBHAMOL R. S., Research Scholar, Sree Ayyappa College for Women, Tamil Nadu,
India & DR N. U. LEKSHMI, Associate Professor, Sree Ayyappa College for Women,
Tamil Nadu, India
Abstract:
The paper, “A Post-Truth Conspiracy Duel: An Insight into the Narratives of Myth, Memory
and Trauma in Elie Wiesel’s The Fifth Son”studies the complex interplay between post-truth
and conspiracies in the narrative techniques of Holocaust literature. It examines how the
impacts of myths and memory fight against the irrational conspiracies. It explores identity crisis
of post trauma patients who are severely affected. The Fifth Son, a psychological fiction in
modulatory tones describes the sufferings of the Holocaust. Elie Wiesel, a famous Holocaust
writer in the master piece, The Night Trilogy gives an extra ordinary portrayal of the brutalities
of Holocaust massacre. His works are a revolt against the fights against the racial and religious
indifferences. They are in fact weapons to fight against the conspiracies that include Anti-
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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ABSTRACT VOLUME
Semitism and Holocaust denial. In The Fifth Son, Elie Wiesel uses a nonlinear structure with
special narrative techniques like commemoration, flashbacks, dream sequences, and mythical
allegories to bring out the harmful impact on human psyche. He adopts a nonlinear structure
for the narrative technology. The paper is a delve deep into the collective and generational
trauma of the victims with a focus on mythical allegories and historical interpretation of truth.
The paper highlights the enduring influence of individual and collective memory, as a bulwark
against Holocaust denial and manipulation. The methodology features conspiracy and post-
truth from descriptive and theoretical frame with emphasis on defactualization and hyper-
rationality of Hannah Arendt. By analysing the fragments of memory along with the critical as
well as the political aspects of post-truth theory, the paper examines the propagandas which
deteriorate the status of Holocaust literature. The paper illuminates the significance of “The
Fifth Son” as a literary response to the challenges posed by anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial
in a post-truth environment.
Keywords: Post-Truth, Conspiracy theories, Anti-Semitism, Holocaust denial, Memory, Myth,
Narratology, Trauma.
Bio-note:
Subhamol R. S. is a committed research scholar in the subject of English literature at M.S.
University in Thirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, focusing on transpersonal psychology and
hermeneutics. Holding a postgraduate degree from Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit,
Kalady, Kerala. She has given papers at six international and five national conferences, with a
particular emphasis on her field of research. She has six articles published in conference
proceedings, two publications in UGC care listed journals, and two chapters in books. She is a
content writer and a NET-qualified teacher with four years of teaching experience.
An Environmental and Ecological Perspective of the Ramayana
SANCHITA MAHANTA, PhD Research Scholar, Department of history, University of
North Bengal, Darjeeling, India
Abstract:
The synonymous word for India is nothing but diversity. The diverse tradition and cultures
added new definitions to the country since time immemorial. Among the four epics in the
world, the Ramayana stands out brightly with others. The ancient tradition of vanaprastha and
sannyash is two systems that falls under living life in forest in Guru’s hermitage and live a life
of detachment with all material being and get connected with nature for ultimate salvation
(moksha). The umpteen variations and interpretations of the epic confirmed its popularity
throughout the subcontinent. To begin with the environmental perspective of Ramayana one
need to consider the environmental factors that played exquisitely significant role in the epic.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
From the beginning of the Ramayana starts with the narration of the beautiful forests and its
inhabitants, birds, wild animals, and various flora-fauna described. Since ages forest setting
acts as a place for exile, in the Ramayana also; Rama was sent in the forest too. The concept of
conservation and awareness is reflected from the conversation between Valmiki and the birder,
and Valmiki considered the act as sin (papa). From the narratives of the epic, we get various
example of their forest life and how they build a symbiotic relationship with environment.
Keywords: Prakrti, Ecological Balance, Moksha, Forest Exile, Symbiotic Relationship.
Bio-note:
Sanchita Mahanta is a PhD Research Scholar at the Department of History, University of North
Bengal.
Gendering the Detective in Narratives of Indian Crime Fiction: A Case
Study of Ambai’s Sudha Gupta Investigates
DEEPIKA S, MA English, IGNOU, Delhi, India
Abstract:
The paper aims to analyze the female detective trope as a means for women to reclaim agency
in crime narratives that have long since associated women with negative or powerless roles. It
does so by analyzing the female detective within the intersecting frameworks of feminist
epistemology and postcolonial criminology, with special reference to the concept of ‘situated
knowledge’ explored by theorists Donna Haraway and Elizabeth Anderson. The noir elements
in popular Indian detective fiction and the colonial influence on the genre are challenged by a
female investigator at the center of knowledge production in Ambai’s work, with women taking
up active roles as survivors, supporters, and investigators.
The selected primary texts - As the Day Darkens, The Paperboat Maker, and A Meeting
on the Andheri Overbridge - are part of a series called Sudha Gupta Investigates by the Tamil
writer Ambai and translated by Gita Hariharan. As crime narratives form an important part of
popular literature, the paper also builds a sociological profile of the nation’s beliefs on law,
punishment, justice, and violence by tracing both the gendered and colonial underpinnings of
the genre’s popular manifestations.
Finally, the paper highlights the potential of female-led crime narratives to expand the
field of legal humanities and create a discursive understanding of the law that recenters the
notion of justice and experiences of crime from the point of view of those who have been kept
outside the conventions of knowledge production.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Keywords: Justice, Gender, Solidarity, Victimology, Stereotypes.
Bio-note:
Ms. Deepika S holds an M.A. in English from Stella Maris College and is currently pursuing a
PG Diploma in Folklore and Culture Studies from IGNOU through distance mode. Her
research interests include cultural memory studies, gender studies, and crime fiction.
Reflection of Ecocriticism in Indian Poetry
DR KIRAN MANI TRIPATHI, Professor, Department of Humanities, Lakshmi Narain
College of Technology, Bhopal, India
Abstract:
Literature has long expressed concern about ecology and the harm that ongoing environmental
misuse poses. Even when addressing the beauty and majesty of nature, literature has always
depicted the awareness of the writers about the threat that ongoing environmental abuse poses
to humanity and the issue of ecology. This concern and how it is reflected in literature are what
have given rise to Ecocriticism, a new subfield of literary study. Nature has been the focus of
many artistic mediums and has been treated in poetry in particular. Indian poets who have
celebrated diversity include Toru Dutt, Keki N. Daruwalla, Sarojini Naidu, A.K. Ramanujan,
Dip Chitre, and many others. On the one hand, it assumes the form of a strength that serves as
a mother goddess, a godly spirit, or a friend of humanity. Nature is a major component of both
thematic and creative components in poetic expressions, regardless of the form it takes. Many
natural elements, including skies, lakes, rivers, valleys, plants, animals, and creatures,
frequently take on metaphorical meaning that gives poetry works depth and richness. Modern
Indian English poetry is characterized by an eco-conscious outlook and mindset that speaks to
our globalized society and even forewarns us of impending disasters brought on by
environmental degradation. The purpose of the study is to examine a few Indian English poets
who began to focus on an ecocritical perspective on humankind.
Keywords: Ecocriticism, Civilization, Revolution, Romantic, Nature, Imagery.
Bio-note:
Dr Kiran Mani Tripathi has been working as Professor in the Department of Humanities,
Lakshmi Narain College of Technology, Bhopal for 15 years. Her area of interest is
Communication, Soft skills and English Literature. She has attended more than 15 national and
international conferences and workshops and FDPs. She has appeared in MOOC courses of
swayam, NPTEL, NITTTR, and Coursera. She delivered expert lecture in an FDP and chaired
a session in the international conference organised by AMU Delhi.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Indigenous Ecologies in Mahasweta Devi’s Chotti Munda and His Arrow
DR SHRADDHA GAUD, Professor, Department of Humanities, Lakshmi Narain
College of Technology Bhopal, India
Abstract:
Environmental criticism, sometimes referred to as ecocriticism or "green"
criticism, is a fast developing area of literary analysis that examines how humans interact with
their surroundings. Environmental critics study how nature and the natural world are imagined
through literary texts, as Cheryll Glotfelty noted in the Introduction to The Ecocriticism Reader,
Just as feminist criticism examines language and literature form a gender-conscious
perspective, and Marxist criticism brings an awareness of modes of production and economic
class to its reading of texts. Similar to shifting views on gender, these literary depictions are
not only products of certain cultures, but also have a major influence on the creation of those
civilizations. Designating the connection between literature and environment this paper
highlights Mahasweta Devi’s Chotti Munda and His Arrow from the standpoint of postcolonial
ecocriticism where it highlights how the survival of the tribal is ecologically related and how
much they are concerned about their own ecology. As a mother of a sustainable society,
Mahasweta Devi shows her anxiety for the tribals. She binds their history and their closeness
and bonding with nature in such a way that it may explore their involvement in constructing a
sustainable environment as she believes that an author must have a social responsibility.
Postcolonial ecocriticism not only just echoes history rather it has also brought changes in the
physical environment they belong to. Here Mahasweta Devi focuses on how on one hand, the
exploitation of the tribals at the hands of the landowners brings ecological degradation
physically, socially, and psychologically and on the other hand she explores how that
degradation is alleviated through the tribals’ sense of responsibility and their ecological
wisdom and the empowerment they achieve through the culture of archery.
Keywords: Indigenous, Environment, Literary, Ecocriticism, Sustainable, Tribals.
Bio-note:
Dr. Shraddha Guad works as a Professor in the Department of Humanities from Lakshmi
Narain College of Technology Bhopal. She has a teaching experience of more than sixteen
years, specialized in English literature and language. Her area of interest is communication
skills, soft skills, and English literature. She has also attended many national and international
conferences. Above this she has appeared in MOOC courses like NPTEL SWAYAM. She has
also chaired a session at an international conference organised by AMU.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Cinematic Bridges: Satyajit Ray’s Films as Interdisciplinary Narratives on
History, Society, and Culture
DEVSHREE BHARGAVA, Research Scholar & Assistant Professor, School of
Humanities & Social Sciences, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, India, &
DR APURVA BAKSHI, Associate Professor, School of Humanities & Social Sciences,
Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, India
Abstract:
This paper explores Satyajit Ray’s selected films as an important platform for interdisciplinary
research, encompassing perspectives from the fields of cultural anthropology, political science,
history, literature, and sociology. Renowned for his meticulous and humanistic approach to
filmmaking, Ray’s cinematic works influenced Bengali cinema in the early twentieth century
by providing descriptive portrayals of societal and cultural issues. This study focuses on how
films such as Pather Panchali (1955) and Shatranj Ke Khilari (1977), Jalsaghar (1958),
Mahanagar (1963), Ashani Sanket (1973), Seemabadha (1971) examine the dynamics between
tradition and modernity, urban-rural contrasts, and social transformation. Through the analysis
of such thematic elements, the paper aims to reveal how Ray’s films engage in a broader and
vibrant interdisciplinary dialogue, offering new insights into understanding the role of media
in reflecting and influencing societal transformation. The article will also highlight the
significance of collaborative research in addressing contemporary cultural shifts in society and
propose further avenues for interdisciplinary inquiries and practical applications based on
Ray’s cinematic legacy.
Keywords: Satyajit Ray, Bengali Cinema, Interdisciplinary Research, Media and Society,
Collaborative Research.
Bio-note:
Devshree Bhargava is a Ph.D. candidate at Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology,
with her research concentrating on the auteurist vision of acclaimed Indian filmmaker Satyajit
Ray. Her research area expands to Film studies in Parallel and Mainstream cinema, Narrative
and Gender studies, Colonial and Post-Colonial studies, Feminist studies, Literature and
Adaptation studies, and Authorship studies in films. Prior to her academic focus on films,
Bhargava gained practical experience as a scriptwriter for an indie film production team that
produced science fiction short films. Beyond her scholarly work, she pursues creative interests
in photography, digital art, and playwriting.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Technological Boundaries and Human Dignity: Contextualizing Ethical
Dilemmas in Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go
KOUSHANI SAHA, Independent Researcher, Pondicherry University, India
Abstract:
Kazuo Ishiguro’s dystopian novel, Never Let Me Go, presents a chilling world where children
are bred for the sole purpose of providing organs, questioning the ethical implications of the
nature and limits of scientific advancement and the value of human life. Through the testimony
of Kathy, one of the clones, the novel delves into the dehumanization of clones, who are treated
as commodities rather than individuals, and the horrifying reality of their existence. The
commodification of clones explores the brutality behind the political ideologies, resulting in
the degradation of individuals for the sake of utility, and their inherent dignity and worth are
eroded. The novel presumes that memories and experiences are essential components of
identity and cannot be reduced to mere biological factors. It leaves the readers pondering the
ambiguous nature of consciousness and the potential for non-human beings to possess
consciousness and experience human emotions. The study analyses the novel’s portrayal of the
dehumanization of clones and the societal structures that perpetuate their exploitation and
critiques the genetic modification and commodification of human life. The study focuses on
how we can ensure that scientific advancements are used for the benefit of humanity rather
than exploitation and delves into the dangers behind unchecked scientific progress and the
potential for technology to erode human dignity. Moreover, the study contextualizes the
complex issues of dignity, consciousness, and memory within cloned individuals, and it
investigates how these cyborg entities transcend the boundaries of humanism, creating a post-
humanist arena.
Keywords: Clone, Cyborg, Genetic Modification, Ethical implications, Human dignity.
Bio-note:
Koushani Saha is an independent researcher. She did her B.A. in English Literature from Shri
Shikshayatan College, affiliated to the University of Calcutta, in 2021. She completed my M.A.
in English and Comparative Literature from Pondicherry University in 2023. She qualified for
GATE examination in English Literature in 2024 with AIR 192. Her areas of interest include
Digital Humanities, Post-colonial Studies, Disability Studies, Post-humanism and Science
Fiction. She has actively engaged in various academic activities through seminars, conferences,
webinars, etc.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Memory and Shock: Mapping a Trauma and Hope in the Select Stories of
Feroz Rather’s The Night of Broken Glass
RAYEES AHMAD BHAT, Assistant Professor, Lovely Professional University, Punjab,
India
Abstract:
Feroz Rather’s short story collection The Night of Broken Glass is a fictional narrative which
portrays the dismayed conditions of the people of a conflict region Jammu and Kashmir. The
stories reflect the disturbed psyche and the consequences of the violence which resulted in
trauma and shock. This article examines the memories and the underlying factors of the shock
which people of the conflict-ridden state of Jammu & Kashmir have experienced from last
three decades. The stories create the macabre ambience and at the same time one can find the
undying hope of the characters in between the lines. The collage of the characters in these
stories reflect the psychological and traumatic unconscious of the people who became the
victim of brutal circumstances. Putting it into the framework of “memory and trauma studies”,
the article debates on what are the causes, courses and consequences of this long-standing
conflict. The mapping will explore the traumatic suffering, haunting memories, and calamitic
atmosphere of the region which affected every sphere of life of people. It examines the struggle
of two binary forces with uncompromising spirit who by every means have the hope to
overcome from the brutalities and cruelties which they faced.
Keywords: Dismayed Conditions, Consequences of the violence, Conflict-ridden state,
Undying Hope, Haunting memories.
Bio-note:
Rayees Ahmad Bhat is an Assistant Professor at the Department of English, Lovely
Professional University-Phagwara. Jalandhar (Punjab). His areas of interest are Ecocritical
Studies, American Literature, Literary Theory and Criticism and Postmodern Literature.
From Ancient Myth to Modern Message: The Timeless Relevance of Gaia
in Imogen Greenberg’s Gaia: Goddess of Earth
RAMAN, Research Scholar (English), I.K.Gujral Punjab Technical University
Kapurthala, Punjab, India
Abstract:
In the present age, where humanity is facing global ecological crises the Greek myth of Gaia
is especially resonant and emerges as a poignant reminder of the necessity to maintain the
delicate balance of nature. This research paper aims to explore the mythical and ecological
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
narratives on the contemporary environmental crises through a critique of the seminal
children’s graphic novel Gaia Goddess of Earth (2022) authored and illustrated by Imogen
Greenberg and Isabel Greenberg respectively as literature has long served both as a reflection
and a catalyst for exploring and dissecting these global crises. The objectives of this research
paper include undertaking a critical investigation into the portrayal of Gaia considered as an
Earth deity in Greek mythology, narrative techniques, graphic visuals, motifs and literary
devices highlighting her evolution from the primordial Earth goddess to a powerful force for
mirroring the shifting relationship of humanity with the environment. This study also
demonstrates literature as a platform for effectively engaging, educating, and inspiring young
readers to respect and preserve the natural world, while also accenting the cultural significance
of nature across different mythologies.
Keywords: Literature, Mythology, Gaia, Children’s fiction, Environment, Global crises
Bio-note:
Ms. Raman is a dedicated scholar with a comprehensive academic background in English
literature. Currently, she is advancing her academic journey while pursuing her Ph.D. in
English. Her research interests are diverse and interdisciplinary, encompassing fiction, Gaia,
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Super AI, film studies, and various interdisciplinary studies
reflecting a deep engagement with contemporary issues and innovative fields in literature.
Secularization and Loss of Religious Identity
DR ANUP KUMAR MANNA, Assistant Professor, Mangalayatan University, Beswan,
Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract:
This study explores the phenomenon of secularization and its impact on the loss of religious
identity in contemporary society. Secularization, defined as the process by which religious
institutions, practices, and beliefs lose their social significance, has been a significant force in
shaping modern culture. This research examines how secularization contributes to the erosion
of religious identity, particularly among younger generations and in increasingly pluralistic
societies. The study employs a theoretical approach, analyzing existing sociological and
religious studies literature to understand the underlying mechanisms of secularization and its
effects on religious identity. The theoretical framework draws to contextualize the process of
secularization within broader social changes. The scope of the study includes a comparative
analysis of different demographic groups across various regions, focusing on urban versus rural
settings and examining the role of education, media, and globalization in accelerating
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
secularization. The research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how
secularization affects religious identity and the implications for social cohesion and cultural
continuity. By integrating sociological theories with empirical data, this study seeks to
contribute to the broader discourse on religion and modernity, offering potential strategies for
religious institutions to address the challenges posed by secularization.
Keywords: Secularization, Religious Identity, Sociological Theories, Modernity, Cultural
Continuity.
Bio-note:
Dr. Anup Kumar Manna is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Mangalayatan University,
CDOE, Aligarh, India. He completed his Ph.D. at Visva Bharati (Central University),
Santiniketan, West Bengal, India, focusing on “Modern Christian Theological Movements and
their Hermeneutical Approaches towards the Problem of Marginalization and Exclusion.” Dr.
Anup Kumar Manna has published five research papers and has actively presented and
participated in numerous seminars and workshops. He is a recipient of the prestigious ICSSR
Doctoral Fellowship and has qualified the NET three times. His areas of specialization include
Sociology of Religion, Religious Studies, Theological Studies, Sociological Theories
(Classical and Modern), Subaltern Studies, and Philosophy of Religion. Dr. Anup Kumar
Manna is deeply committed to research and continues to engage in scholarly endeavors with a
vibrant will to contribute to his field.
Globalization and Identity in Elif Shafak’s The Forty Rules of Love: A
Cross-Cultural Exploration
DR TANIA ISLAM, Assistant Professor, Vidyashilp University, Karnataka, India
Abstract:
Elif Shafak’s novel “The Forty Rules of Love” provides a rich exploration of globalization’s
influence on personal and cultural identity through its dual narrative structure. This paper
argues that Shafak’s novel demonstrates how globalization acts as a transformative force that
reshapes individual and collective identities by integrating diverse cultural and spiritual
perspectives from different historical periods.
The novel intertwines two distinct but complementary narratives: the first set in the
13th century, focusing on the mystical journey of Rumi and his spiritual guide, Shams of Tabriz;
the second set in the contemporary world, following Ella Rubinstein, a Jewish-American
woman whose engagement with Rumi’s philosophy leads to significant personal change. By
juxtaposing these narratives, Shafak illustrates how global interconnectedness enables the flow
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
of ideas and cultural practices across time and space, influencing identity formation in profound
ways.
Rumi’s spiritual quest represents the historical context of globalization, emphasizing
how cultural and spiritual exchanges in the medieval period contributed to the development of
a global consciousness. Conversely, Ella’s modern journey reflects the current impact of
globalization, showcasing how exposure to diverse worldviews and practices can lead to
personal growth and a redefined sense of self.
This paper contends that “The Forty Rules of Love” not only highlights the
transformative effects of globalization on identity but also reveals the novel’s broader
commentary on the synthesis of cultural and spiritual experiences in shaping contemporary
selfhood. By exploring these themes, Shafak offers a nuanced perspective on the dynamic
interplay between globalization and identity.
Keywords: Globalization, Identity, Cultural Exchange, Historical Context, Personal
Transformation.
Bio-note:
Dr. Tania Islam is an Assistant Professor in the School of Liberal Arts and Design Studies at
Vidyashilp University. Dr. Islam has more than a decade of experience teaching core English,
interdisciplinary foundation, and writing courses. She received her Ph.D. in English from
Temple University in Philadelphia (U.S.A.) She holds a double Master’s in English: one from
the University of Calcutta, and another from Temple University. While at Temple, she received
her “Teaching in Higher Education” and “Online Canvas Teaching” certifications as well. Dr.
Islam’s research interests showcase her training in core Liberal Arts and interdisciplinary
domains. Her doctoral dissertation titled “Things Left Unsaid: Historical Silences and
Multiethnic Women’s Fiction” examined the ways in which narratives plug historical gaps.
Presently, she is working on her first book project, which is a reworking and expansion of her
doctoral thesis.
Enduring the Trauma of Racism: Neoslave Narratives in Beloved and The
Underground Railroad
KALLEPALLI MOUNIKA, Research School, GHSS, GITAM Deemed to be University,
Visakhapatnam, India & CH GANESWARA RAO, Assistant Professor, GHSS, GITAM
Deemed to be University, Vishakhapatnam, India
Abstract:
African American literature which got recognition as a subgenre of American literature faced
a great struggle for such recognition just like its writers who skirmished to get accepted as the
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
equal citizens of America. Africans were brought to America as a part of slave trade to work as
indentured labourers in plantations owned by the Whites or the British who were fair skinned
and settled in America. The African labourers in America were discriminated because of their
dark skin and were entirely controlled by their White owners. The African labourers brought
to American had to face harsh situations. Already away from their homeland, under different
climatic conditions, the African slaves had to work for long hours, face physical and
psychological abuse and get separated from their family if required. The traumatic experience
of living in plantations made many of the early African Americans writers to narrate their
sufferings in form of slave narratives.
The suffering of African Americans made them to become a unified community and
fight against racism. After a struggle of about 300 years, presently American is believed to have
entered a postracial era in which the Black descendants enjoy equal rights as the other citizens
of America and don’t experience the bitterness of slavery which their ancestors had once
experienced. However, the trauma shared by the previous generations of Black writers lies
fresh in the minds of writers of postracial era and is expressed in the form of neoslave
narratives. The objective of the paper is to bring a contrast between slave narratives and
neoslave narratives and study the trauma experienced by the characters in the novels Beloved
(1987) by Toni Morrison and The Underground Railroad (2016) by Colson Whitehead.
Keywords: African American Literature, Slave narratives, Neoslave narratives, Postracialism,
The Underground Railroad.
Bio-note:
Kallepalli Mounika is presently working as Assistant Professor in Government College for
Women (A) Srikakulam under Commissioner of Collegiate Education, Andhra Pradesh, India.
She is also a part-time research scholar in GITAM Deemed to be University, Visakhapatnam in
Black literatures. Kallepalli Mounika pursued her Masters in English Language and Literature
from Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. She qualified several competitive
exams like APSET, UGC NET JRF and got 3rd rank at State level Degree Lecturers
examination conducted by Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission in 2016. Kallepalli
Mounika has published 4 papers till date which have good citations on Researchgate.
Dr. Ch. Ganeswara Rao is an Assistant Professor at GITAM University. He holds an
M.A. and a Ph.D. in English from Andhra University. His doctoral thesis focused on the works
of Toni Morrison. His research interests encompass Afro-American literature, Indian Writing
in English, and British Literature. Dr. Rao has published 14 articles in various academic
journals.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Decoupling Politics and Religion: Re-examining a One Sided Agreement
JAMAL AHMAD, Research Scholar, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
Abstract:
This study delves into the intricacies of the intensely vexed issue of the relationship between
politics and religion in the special context of the problem of multiplicity of value systems. The
multiplicity of value systems, specifically the religious ones poses a formidable challenge to
the stability and coherence of the political systems. The secular framework sought to deal with
this challenge by decoupling the politics and religion thereby ousting the religions from the
public arena. It was done so as to contain the religious confrontations and the problem of the
multiplicity of value systems through the method of elimination. Despite the modern states
explicitly embracing the decoupling technique, the religious contentions in the political arena
have been accelerating. The decoupling has largely failed in eliminating religious clashes. This
failure has primarily been, in the concerned literature, attributed to the flawed implementation
of the secular program. In essential terms, the problems which secularism is plagued by have
been fundamentally located in the political process and policy spheres. Taking into account ill-
performance of the decoupling enterprise, the idea of secularism has been reinterpreted and
modified frequently by the proponents of secular politics. However, most of the renewed
interpretations and modifications have missed on the most fundamental points underlying the
ineffectiveness of the idea of secularism.
The objective of this paper is to offer a more in depth examination of the persistent
failure of the decoupling enterprise, contributing to the sphere of critical studies of secularism.
The study shows that the project of the decoupling is essentially based on a one-sided and
forced agreement between politics and religion drawn on a flawed conception of religion. It
emphasizes that the separation carried out by the project of decoupling is an impossible
phenomenon both theoretically and pragmatically. This study underscores the need to rethink
the relationship between religion and politics afresh and make the fundamental changes in the
idea of secularism, specifically in an era of the rising prominence of the religions and religious
forces.
Keywords: Secularism, Politics and Religion, Value Systems, Decoupling, Religious Conflicts
Bio-note:
Jamal Ahmad is a Research Scholar in the Department of Political Science, Jamia Millia
Islamia, New Delhi, India.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Essential Religious Practices Doctrine and the Dubiosity of Supreme Court
Judgments
SHWETA SINGH, PhD Scholar, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
Abstract:
It is through judicial proceedings that one gets an insight into what religious and cultural
questions are plaguing the society and the compatibility issues the courts are forced to face
between constitutional values and religious practices. While the Indian constitution has
provisions for religious freedom much has been left to the judicial pronouncements, the Indian
courts are constantly asked to decide on the matters of religious functions and practices. The
decisions taken by the courts of India especially the Supreme Court thus pave the way for how
the civil society would establish grounds for accommodation and the concept of religious
freedom is constantly redefined.
Research Objectives: The study tries to deal with a fairly broad theme on the theoretical
levels of state-religion relations and liberal legalism. It presents the systematic exposition of
the idea of “essential practices” of religions but it does not limit itself to an exposition. The
Indian Supreme Court has devised its own unique ways to deal with the contentious issues of
religion and the study would be relevant in understanding the legal instruments used and how
they have evolved into changing the relationship between law and culture.
Methodology: The study analyses the legal instruments along with a comprehensive
study of select cases and laws relevant to the study.
The study uses a dialogical model of comparative constitutional interpretation, while it
can have two dimensions: one is the formal dialogue among official bodies and the other is the
dialogue between the judicial decisions and civil society, the focus of this research remains on
the second dimension.
Keywords: Essential Religious Practices, Supreme Court, Constitution, Religious freedom,
Civil society.
Bio-note:
Shweta Singh is a PhD scholar in the Department of Political Science, Jamia Millia Islamia.
She is currently working on her PhD thesis with the title of her thesis as follows
‘Constitutionalism and Religion: A Study of Select Supreme Court Judgments in India’. She
has previously worked as a Research Associate at a non-profit organisation and authored two
evidence gap maps.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Political and Economic Intersections
KOMAL BANSAL, Assistant Professor, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Government College,
Sriganganagar, India
Abstract:
This paper explores the intricate intersections between political and economic spheres,
emphasizing how these interactions shape societal structures, influence policy-making, and
affect global and domestic economies. Political decisions directly impact economic stability
and growth, whether in legislation, regulation, or governance. Conversely, economic conditions
often dictate the political landscape, influencing elections, policy priorities, and governance
strategies. The study delves into key areas such as fiscal policy, trade agreements, and
regulatory frameworks, analyzing how political ideologies and power dynamics influence
economic outcomes. The paper also examines the role of international institutions and global
markets in shaping national policies, highlighting the increasing interconnectedness of global
economies. Through a multidisciplinary approach, this research aims to provide a
comprehensive understanding of the mutual dependence between politics and economics,
demonstrating how they jointly contribute to the overall functioning of societies. The findings
underscore policymakers’ need to consider political and economic factors in decision-making
processes to ensure sustainable development and stability.
Keywords: Political Economy, Fiscal Policy, Governance, Economic Stability, Trade
Agreements, Global Markets.
Bio-note:
Komal Bansal is a Asst. Prof.(Economics). She has been teaching in Dr. B.R.A Government
P.G College Sriganganagar since 6 years. She is also pursuing her Ph.D from Rajasthan
University, Jaipur, India.
In-Between The Real And Foster: The Unresolved Identity of Moses Aloetta
in Sam Selvon’s Moses Trilogy
AARCHA PRADEEP, Independent Scholar, India
Abstract:
The effects of colonization can be perceived even after the departure of the invader ad
independence. The beliefs, values, social manners, ethics, language and political theories of the
colonizer invades each individual part of the identity of the colonized nation. One such concept
associated with postcolonial impact is “Hybridity”, which creates a strange mixture between
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
two cultures namely, Eastern and western. Hybridity represents the western colonial culture
that deformed the national identity and culture of the colonized lands. Homi K. Bhabha has
been well acknowledged for his studies into the mechanisms of European colonial control and
post colonial trauma. Bhabha claims that the duality which presents a split in the identity of the
colonized other creates individuals who are a hybrid of their own cultural identity and the
colonizer’s cultural identity. According to him hybrid identity is an individual having access to
two or more ethnic identities. Bhabha has elaborated on this concept in his work The Location
of Culture. Threads of hybridity and hybrid identity are evident in the “Moses Trilogy”- Lonely
Londoners (1956), Moses Ascending (1975) and Moses Migrating(1983). It tells the story of
Moses Aloetta, a Creole migrant who migrates to London in search of a better life. His ups,
downs, emotional baggage and identity dilemma are the main points of concern. The trilogy
primarily showcases the lived experience of a Black man in a white land. This paper aims at a
critical analysis of the three novels in the trilogy through the lens of the postcolonial concept
of hybridity. It aims at exploring the complex process by which hybrid identities are constructed
and maintained. The study further attempts to employ Homi Bhabha’s theory to explain the
formation of cultural identity. The objective of the study is to perform an investigation into the
identity reconfiguration of the individuals who migrated to England from the former British
colonies in the 1950s and those from Eastern European after the formation of the European
Union. How the protagonist of the trilogy deals with his Creole identity in London, eventually
forming a hybrid identity and his attempts to trace his native roots are evaluated through the
theory of hybridity.
Keywords: Moses Trilogy, Hybridity, Homi K Bhabha, Identity, Migration, Postcolonialism.
Bio-note:
Aarcha Pradeep is an Independent Scholar. She is a post graduate in English language and
Literature and is passionate about Post-colonial Literature and Feminist Literature.
Double-Edged Agential Surveillance: Trajectory of The Illegible Production
of a Society of Control in J&K
NAZRAH ALTAF, Doctoral Candidate, Department Of Political Science, Jamia Milia
Islamia, India
Abstract:
Surveillance and the existence of life have become synchronous throughout the world. It has
delved into structures and forms of life, that are not visible to the naked eye. There is a stark
difference between a surveillance society and a surveillance state, and yet the case of
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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ABSTRACT VOLUME
J&K,cannot be placed in either. This research aims to explore why and how the lines between
the two concepts have blurred, leading to the formation of society by the prevalence of various
agencies at work. The implicit idea of security and welfare attached to the idea of surveillance
has given it a logic of acceptance and a non- questionable status among the population. I intend
to explore the agential surveillance where it’s not just a linear agency at work, but various
agencies of the state, citizens, ethnic groups, and agencies from outside of the state.
Keywords: Surveillance, Agencies, Rights, Security, State.
Bio-note:
Nazrah is a doctoral candidate at Jamia Milia Islamia, in the Department of political science.
She has worked as a Child Rights Fellow at the Delhi Commission for the Protection of Child
Rights in collaboration with Ashoka University, on education and juvenile justice institutions
evaluation. She completed her undergraduate studies in Political Science from Daulat Ram
College, University of Delhi with distinction, Nazrah served as the Joint Secretary of the
college union in her first year and in her second year, as the Vice President of the department
of political science. As an elected student representative working for the rights of women from
diverse backgrounds, Nazrah came to fully appreciate how tenuous the category of women is
and how complex their issues are. As she went on for a Master’s in Political Science from
Hindu College, University of Delhi, Nazrah turned to theory to comprehend and analyze things
more subjectively. Apart from graduating summa cum laude from both her undergraduate and
postgraduate degree programmes, Nazrah is also an awardee of Shri Tilak Raj Wiz Memorial
Award, Maulana Azad National Fellowship and UGC NET. She is also a national-level
Basketball player, and a state-level Handball player.
Saussure’s Semiotics and the Structural Reciprocation of Claude Levi-
Strauss
SUBHRA SOURANSHU PUJAHARI, Lecturer in English, Gangadhar Meher
University, Sambalpur, India
Abstract:
Man can be described as the animal who fundamentally devises and invests in language: that
is, in a complex structure of correspondence between distinct signs and distinct ideas or
‘meanings’ to which those signs distinctly corroborate. It happens perhaps by accident- that the
vocal apparatus has become the chief instrument for language’s complete appropriation in the
real world of social intercourse. But as Saussure espouses in his Cours de Linguistique
Ge`ne`rale that what is natural to mankind is not oral speech but the faculty of constructing a
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
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Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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ABSTRACT VOLUME
language, i.e. a system of distinct signs corresponding to different ideas . This faculty as he
termed ‘the linguistic faculty proper’ lies in fact beyond the functioning of the various organs
and may be thought of as ‘a more general faculty which governs signs. This view was taken by
a number of anthropologists whose work began to flourish during and just after the Second
World War. Chief among them and whose work made him the connoisseur of ‘structural’
anthropology was the French anthropologist Claude Le`vi-Strauss. Like the linguist, he sets
out to identify the genuinely constitutive elements of what appears at first sight to be an
apparently disparate and shapeless masss of phenomena. His method, primarily, involves the
application to this non-linguistic material of the principles of what he himself terms the
‘phonological revolution’ brought about by the linguist’s concept of phoneme. He attempts to
perceive the constituents of cultural behavior, ceremonies, rites, kinship relations marriage
laws, totemic systems not as intrinsic and disparate entities but in terms of the contrastive
relationships they have with each other that resembles their structures analogous to the structure
of a language. This paper aims at critically appreciating Levi-Strauss’s analysis of three specific
‘systems’ which seem to yield valuable material: those of kinship, myth and the nature of the
savage mind.
Keywords: Phonemes, Mytheme, Kinship relations, Saussure, Levi-Strauss.
Bio-note:
Mr. Subhra Souranshu Pujahari was born on 17th December 1998 in Ghess, Odisha. From
childhood he has a strong literary inclination. He started writing early in his high school days.
Mr. Pujahari passed M.A and M.Phil in English literature from Sambalpur University and is
doing his Ph.D on Sri Aurobindo from the same University. Presently he is working as a lecturer
in English at Gangadhar Meher University, Sambalpur, Odisha. There are many published and
unpublished poems and research articles to his credit. He has also contributed a chapter entitled
“Analyzing Gender in the Context of Modernity” and Tradition in India for the book Gender
Equality in the Workplace: Challenges and Solutions. His research articles involve “A Critical
Reading of Bakhtin’s Epic and Novel” and “The Appropriation of Trauma in The Waste Land”.
Reconfiguring Gendered Spaces through the Lens of Posthuman Feminism
A. S. SHAHANAZ PARVEEN, Assistant Professor, Centre for Distance and
Online Education (CDOE), Bharathidasan University (BDU), India
Abstract:
Posthumanism, as a burgeoning intellectual paradigm, fundamentally challenges the
anthropocentric assumptions of humanism by decentering the human subject and blurring the
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
boundaries between human and non-human entities. Emerging alongside technological
advancements and philosophical shifts of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, posthumanism
reconfigures our understanding of identity, ethics, and agency. By questioning the primacy of
the human, it advocates for the recognition of non-human agency and necessitates a
reconsideration of hierarchies within the human realm. This epistemological shift from the
center to the periphery is crucial for reimagining the complex and entangled relationships
between humans, non-humans, and within humanity itself. Feminist scholars have long
critiqued humanism for its androcentric biases, which have historically marginalized women
and other genders. Space has been an often overlooked, yet powerful tool of patriarchal
exploitation, confining women to the domestic sphere under the guise of safety, privacy, and
romanticized notions of home. Posthumanism, by problematizing the very concept of “the
human,” demands the deconstruction of essentialist categories such as identity, power, and
gender. A spatially-focused posthuman feminist critique reveals the ways in which women and
other subaltern groups have been spatially marginalized—a dimension that traditional feminist
discourse has often overlooked. Feminist posthumanism compels us to rethink the relationships
between bodies, technologies, power, and space, challenging existing hierarchies and
promoting more equitable modes of existence. This paper explores how an intersectional and
spatially-conscious approach within feminist posthumanism exposes and reconfigures the
narrow, human-centered perspectives of gendered space. By doing so, it aims to highlight the
potential of posthuman feminist thought to foster more inclusive and equitable understandings
of space, identity, and agency in our increasingly interconnected world.
Keywords: Posthumanism, Posthuman feminism, Spatial Approach, Gendered space.
Bio-note:
AS. Shahanaz Parveen is currently an Assistant Professor of English at the Centre for Distance
and Online Education (CDOE), Bharathidasan University, Trichy. With over 14 years of
experience, she has had the privilege to contribute significantly to the academic community.
She graduated from Jamal Mohamed College and Aiman College for Women, where she
secured the University First Rank and Gold Medal in both my UG and PG in English Literature.
In 2005, she cleared UGC-NET and was honored as the Best Outgoing Student of the
university, a milestone in my academic journey. In 2024, she was named the Best Alumna of
Jamal Mohamed College.
Before joining Bharathidasan University, she served at Bishop Heber College and as an
Assistant Professor at Government Arts and Science College, Perambalur, where she led the
Department of English. Her scholarly interests include Spatial Theory, Feminism, Literary
Theory, Indian Literature, and Linguistics.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
She has actively participated in seminars and literary events, presenting and publishing
in national and international forums. To support students, she hosts the website Pegasus,
offering over 1000 e-books and run WhatsApp communities to assist UGC aspirants, especially
the underprivileged. This effort has helped more than 10 students crack their UGC exam.
The Interaction of Cultural Identities in Early Indian Narratives: Insights
from the Jātakas
DR SHWETA VERMA, Assistant Professor, Dept. Of History including AIHCA,
Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal Central University, Srinagar Garhwal,
Uttarakhand, India
Abstract:
Since social memories are the means to preserve the past in the form of oral traditions and rich
cultural heritage of the community till date, the significance of doing research on oral traditions
of the folk culture in Tribes and Caste society as well as in their transitional phase from the
former to the latter, is now more widely accepted as possible alternative methods to constructs
the past history of the people in general and common people in particular. The custodians of
these oral traditions and verbal communication are the Buddhist promoters who play the role
of preserving, continuing and memorizing these different aspects of traditional practices from
one generation to other in the form of the Jtakas stories during fifth century BCE.
Using Jtakas as a text of popular tradition and as a historical source in the form of Oral
tradition as a research method definitely helps in documenting previously undocumented
information about rituals, customs, social organizations, myths, legends, indigenous science
and knowledge, migration and origin. It also attempts to focus on the representation of the
norms and values of superior culture as well as the inferior culture tradition of the common
people who were earlier ignored by the Brhmaical texts. This paper attempts to identify the
various cultural identities and re-examine their status and analyzing their position in the Jtakas
stories which explain how a tradition relates to a text that stems from it.
Keywords: Culture, Identities, Transitions, Social organizations.
Bio-note:
Dr. Shweta Verma is working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of History including
AIHCA, HNB Garhwal Central University. She did her graduation, post graduation in Ancient
Indian History and Archaeology and Post Graduation Diploma in Archaeology and Museology.
She persuaded her Ph.D from Jamia Millia Islamia Central University, New Delhi and is
acknowledged with awards/fellowships at national and international level as well. She
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
specializes in Ancient Indian History and her area of interest in Tribal History, Religions and
philosophies of Ancient India with special reference to Buddhism, Cultural history, Social
history, and Cultural transmission, Regional Studies, Pre-Proto History and Urbanism. She has
attended more than 27 Seminars/Conferences/Workshops of national and international credit
and contributed research papers. She is persuading extensive research in the area of tribe and
caste identity and their transition in early India and historical position of women in early Indian
societies with special reference to the Jtakas. Her major area of interest is in Buddhist Studies.
A Psychoanalytic Approach to the Concept of Self in Hesse’s Siddhartha
KANU PRIYA, Research Scholar, Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University, Ranchi,
Jharkhand & Dr PIYUSHBALA, Assistant Professor, Dept. of English, Dr. Shyama
Prasad Mukherjee University, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
Abstract:
Hermann Hesse’s renowned spiritual bildungsroman ‘Siddhartha’ narrates the journey of the
eponymous young Samana who refused to become a disciple of the great Gautam Buddha.
Dissatisfied with the teachings of his Brahmin father and Samanas, Siddhartha embarks on a
journey of self-discovery. His quest for enlightenment begins with experiencing life directly
through various paths of knowledge, many of which are unconventional for a Samana.
Siddhartha’s journey to understand the nature of existence could be analyzed through the lens
of Freudian psychoanalysis. Freud’s concept of the id, the unconscious desires and instincts,
drives Siddhartha’s early quest for spiritual pleasure and transcendence, as well as his
indulgence in material pleasure with Kamala and Kamaswami. The superego, representing
internalized societal norms and moral standards, initially guides Siddhartha through the
teachings of his father and Brahmins. However, Siddhartha soon begins to question these
external influences, leading to a profound internal conflict between the superego’s demands
and his own emerging values. The ego, rational mediator between the id and the world, is
central to Siddhartha’s internal struggle. His decision to leave the life of asceticism to embrace
worldly pleasures and to eventually renounce them, reflect the ego’s role in negotiating
between his deeper desires and the demands of reality. This paper argues that Siddhartha’s
ultimate enlightenment represents a reconciliation of these psychoanalytic elements, where he
integrates the id, ego, and superego into a unified sense of self. By achieving this balance,
Siddhartha attains not only spiritual fulfillment but also a deeper understanding of his true
identity, illustrating the intricate interplay between the components of Freud’s model in the
formation of self.
Keywords: Siddhartha, Self-Discovery, Psychoanalysis, Ego, Freud.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Bio-note:
Kanu Priya is a PhD research scholar at the Department of English, Dr. Shyama Prasad
Mukherjee University, Ranchi, Jharkhand. Her PhD thesis topic is “Studying Humanity’s
Response to Existential Threats in Select Works of Existential and Pandemic Literature”. She
has done her Integrated Master’s in English from Central University of Jharkhand. Her
Master’s thesis was titled “Maladaptive Coping in Slyvia Plath’s The Bell Jar”. Email Id:
kanupriya.694@gmail.com
Dr. Piyushbala is an Assistant Professor at the Department of English, Dr. Shyama
Prasad Mukherjee University, Ranchi.
The Cost of Survival: A Discursive Reading of Namita Gokhale’s The Blind
Matriarch
SUBHI KUMARI, Research Scholar, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, India
Abstract:
In late 2019, the world was confronted with the emergence of an unprecedented infectious
disease known as COVID-19, which gradually spread globally, resulting in widespread chaos.
This event garnered the attention of not only the general public but also creative and intellectual
minds worldwide. Indian authors and filmmakers such as Tabish Khair with Quarantine
Sonnets (2020), Shobha De with Lockdown Liaisons (2020), Anubhav Sinha with Bheed
(2023), and Namita Gokhale with The Blind Matriarch (2021) captured their experiences of
the pandemic in their respective works. As a newly re-emerged genre, pandemic literature
necessitates critical and thorough investigation from various discursive perspectives.
Addressing this research gap, this article examines Namita Gokhale’s The Blind Matriarch
(2021) and its portrayal of the complex challenges people faced during the pandemic, along
with their survival strategies. The article further seeks to explore how individuals make
compromises, subverting their agency and adhering to specific ideas and regulations during
crises to ensure their survival. Additionally, it problematizes the morality of time by
questioning the so-called value of life and its homogenous acceptance in human societies,
highlighting how an individual’s social class often determines whether their voice is deemed
worthy of attention. It also examines how power is manifested and exploited to advance
agendas and ambitions at the expense of those outside its influence, especially during
challenging circumstances. The article’s theoretical frameworks include Giorgio Agamben’s
theory of bare life, Michel Foucault’s concept of biopower, and Ernest Becker’s theory of the
denial of death.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Keywords: Covid, Pandemic, Survival strategies, Death, Lockdown.
Bio-note:
Subhi Kumari is a Doctoral Candidate in the Department of Humanities and Social Science at
the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee. Her research encompasses pandemic literature,
trauma narratives, migration narratives, and hauntology. She has presented her papers at both
national and international conferences. Her academic pursuits also span regional literature,
popular culture, folklore, and translation studies. In addition to her research, she serves as a
Teaching Assistant at her institution and for the “Soft Skill Course” on the NPTEL Learning
platform.
Harmonizing with Nature: The Artistic Expression of Self-Power and
Talent in Society
R S CHAITHANYA, Freelance Author & Spoken English Trainer, M.A English, CUET
- Pondicherry University, India
Abstract:
The basic premise of this paper is that art may play an extraordinarily positive function in
society by forcefully encouraging humans to seek a deeper and broader understanding of
reality.The painting was created for the benefit of society. Arts have always been responsible
for social facts and convey societal wishes. The arts conceal the essence of portraying (art). It
is free of restrictions even after being tied by a social bond. Art is an element of the society’s
culture, and society will keep evolving throughout as long as tradition and art exist.The artist’s
talent, self-power, and artistic aspects, expressed via art, harmonize with nature.
Reference : Chitra was a painter, a gifted artist whose inspiration flowed from the pulse
of daily life and the weight of current events. Aruna, in contrast, was devoted to social work.
Their passions were hobbies, not professions, yet they bound them together. They lived in a
hostel, where their friendship sparked envy among peers. While they often clashed over their
differing worldviews, their heated arguments never dimmed the warmth of their bond. They
were, above all, understanding friends.
One day, Chitra unveiled a painting that left Aruna puzzled. “What is this chaos?” Aruna
asked, her brows furrowed as she surveyed the tangled mass of people and vehicles. “It’s a
representation of the confusion of today’s lifestyle,” Chitra explained. Aruna sighed; she
remembered the children from impoverished backgrounds who came to her for free lessons—
a world far removed from the strokes on Chitra’s canvas. “This art is meaningless,” Aruna
declared, her frustration palpable. “It doesn’t help anyone; it’s just a waste of time.” Chitra
shook her head. “And social work? I can’t grasp it,” she countered. Yet, despite their
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
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Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
differences, their companionship remained unbroken. In that moment, she realized with
dawning horror that Aruna was not merely a social worker; she was, in truth, a genuine artist.
Keywords: Art, Society, Social work, Understanding, Reality, Companionship.
Bio-note:
R.S.Chaithanya is a online tutor for Presidency College Chennai for Spoken English class, A
Blossoming Writer. who has published 7 Anthologies and 2 Picture books simultaneously
which includes Short stories and poetries & Prolific Translator of Indian to Foreign languages
also published one magazine certified from Banaras Hindu University. Her works are mainly
based on themes of love, friendship, Crime thriller, spiritual, Horror, Family, etc. Chaithanya
is also talented in other various skills like. Singing, Playing piano, yoga, Painting, Handcrafts,
Fancy dress, Western dance and holds a YouTube channel and other social media where she
posts her activities to entertain people. She has done few interviews online by Interview times
and Bookers paradise & press release meet with, The wordings. Delhi, Dawn research and
development council, Dubai, for her authorship skills & wants to be fame around the world to
inculcate things to the future budding artists. Further, she has gained more awards naming few
like Rabindranath Tagore ratna awards, William Shakespeare golden laureate awards, Nari
Prathiba samman award and International excellence awards for female writers in the field of
English literature & Social services certified by the Government of India. Finally, now she is
working on her upcoming projects, also published her 3 solo books namely Inked With Love:
The Beauty of Beloved’s Baby” & “The Lingering Echoes: Un- veiling The Secrets of Time
Keeper’s Garden” & Sincerely Yours Blushing Poetries Part 1. Hence, her words flow like a
river, enlightening and sparkling readers with love.
Sex and Sexualities: Shifting Matrixes
NAKHAT SHAHEEN, Assistant Professor in History, Sambalpur University, India
Abstract:
In recent years, increasing emphasis has been placed on the need to conceive of gender and
sexuality in the plural: there are many genders and many sexualities. Social identities are not
centered on fixed properties acquired at birth and bound to remain stable thereafter. In fact,
they result from multiple and shifting roles which people are required to play in both private
and public contexts on the basis of their genders and sexualities. Despite a growing recognition
of the plural and culturally determined character of gender and sexuality, there is a still a
tendency to normalize them. This is often accomplished through binary oppositions that
distinguish between normality and deviance. These oppositions are dangerously reductive , for
they fail to take into adequate consideration the diversity of sexuality that pervades within the
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
spheres of heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality. At the beginning of the 1990s, Judith
Butler’s Gender Trouble (1990) sought to question what she describes as ‘the heterosexual
matrix.’ Her argument is initially posed via a series of interrogatives : ‘Can we refer to a “given”
sex or a “given” gender without first inquiring into how sex and/or gender is given…? Does
sex have a history? Does each sex have a different history or histories?’ Responses to these
questions, as well as resistance to Butler’s specified answers, have motivated and structured
many of the debates which continue to surround critical inquiries about sex and sexualities.
This paper aims at examining the impact of gender and sexualities on the fashioning of social
identities, with reference to various strands of feminist thought and sexual politics.
Keywords: Sexualities, Freud and psychoanalysis, Heterosexuality, Michel Foucault, Judith
Butler.
Bio-note:
Dr. Nakhat Shaheen completed her M.A. in History from Sambalpur University in 2011. She
was the topper and gold medalist of her batch. She completed her Ph.D in 2020 from the same
University. She worked at Odisha State Open University from 2019 to 2023 as the senior
Academic Consultant in History. She has to her credit many research papers published in
national and international journals. She has authored a book entitled Socio-Cultural Impact of
Islam in Medieval Odisha. She has also contributed a chapter entitled “Analyzing Gender in
the Context of Modernity and Tradition in India for the book Gender Equality in the Workplace:
Challenges and Solutions. Presently she is working as an assistant professor in History at
Sambalpur University.
Women, Domestic Sphere and Disability Justice: Reading Violence in
Preeti Monga’s The Other Senses
SAURABH KUMAR CHAUDHARY, Research Scholar, Central University Of
Rajasthan, India
Abstract:
To study disability/about disability is now not confined to the spheres of Medical or Legal
arenas, instead, while living in the multidisciplinary era, the converging of literature with other
disciplines is necessary. Violence against women with disabilities is a prominent issue that
focuses on the intersectional position of gender and disability-based discrimination and
exclusion. Although women with disabilities experience many of the same forms of violence
that all women experience but when gender and disability intersect, violence has unique forms
and causes, and results in exceptional consequences. Women with disabilities are particularly
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
targeted by perpetrators of violence because of social exclusion, limited mobility, a lack of
support structures, communication barriers, and negative social perceptions. The effects of this
violence are widespread, and the cost of violence against women is substantial, both
monetarily, as well as socially, and it prevents women from realizing their full potential as
members of society.
Taking the life-narrative of Preeti Monga’s The Other Senses into consideration, the
present paper focuses on the drastic contrast to Preeti’s expectations of love, companionship,
and domestic bliss. She started her married life with a strong dose of abuse and threats of
violence from her drunken husband Keith. He would get drunk and start lashing at her, the
verbal assaults always contained threats of physical violence and reminders that her family
ought to be grateful to him for marrying the blind, good-for-nothing daughter and thus comply
with his demands. The study undertakes an intersectional reading of woman with disability,
trapped in the institution of marriage, who fights for her rights and justice by challenging the
ableist constructions of society. It explores the aggravated forms of discrimination and daily
experiences of Monga through the intersectional approach of disability and identity of woman.
The aim is not just to depict her plight but also to foreground her resilience to achieve the
ultimate empowerment.
Keywords: Intersectionality, women with disabilities, Domestic-violence, Life-narrative,
Disability-justice, Disabled-victim.
Bio-note:
Saurabh K Chaudhary is a Doctoral student in the Department of English at Central University
of Rajasthan, Ajmer, India. For his doctoral study, he is pursuing research on disability studies
in specific relation to the life narratives of Indian disabled women. His areas of interest are
disability and gender, representation of disability and policy.
Dalit Feminism: Debate and Possibilities
CHANDAN PODDAR, Assistant Professor, Netaji Subhas Ashram Mahavidyalaya,
Suisa, India
Abstract:
Feminist movements in India have long been dominated by upper castes and mostly addressed
upper caste women’s issues. However, Dalit women have different experiences of patriarchy
in their daily lives. The present paper examines the origin and debates on Dalit feminism. Dalit
women face various levels of exploitation based on their caste, class and gender. Though
mainstream feminists opine that Dalit feminism was inspired by Black feminism, the researcher
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
shows the root of Dalit feminism can be traced back to the Phule-Ambedkarite movement. A
section of this paper also discusses Dalit women’s writings in Bengali with special reference
to Kalyani Thakur, the famous Dalit feminist from West Bengal. The paper shows why Dalit
feminism should be mainstreamed to create greater democratic space and address caste, class
and gender based violence in India.
Keywords: Dalit, Black feminism, Ambedkar, Phule, Kalyani Thakur.
Bio-note:
Chandan Poddar works as an Assistant Professor at a college affiliated with Sidho-Kanho
Birsha University in the Purulia district of West Bengal. He completed my B.A. and M.A. in
History from Jadavpur University. His research interests revolve around the history of Gender,
Caste, Migration, Science, and Technology.
Performing Postanarchism: Looking at Edward Bond’s Crime of the
Twenty First Century (1999) through Critical Urban Theory and Political
Theory
Rit Chattapadhyay, Assistant Professor, Dept. of English, Chandidas Mahavidyalaya,
Birbhum, India
Abstract:
Theatre Studies and Performance Studies have always been flexible enough to be approached
from different theoretical perspectives. The recent interest in the ‘theatre and the city’ has made
the research fields even more porous. Since theatre is always linked to a site, and the site is
always under the purview of the neoliberal state, it is important to understand how power and
politics are embedded within a site and how a site, whether in the city or away from it, can be
embodied in theatre to act as zones of resistance. At this juncture, critical urban theory provides
a tool to understand both city and non-city spaces, and how the city depends upon these non-
city spaces (hinterlands) for its economic and material development. However, these
hinterlands being away from the surveillance of the state, which is concerned with extension
and development of only the city, can function as black boxes of resistance. Postanarchism can
help us understand different forms of resistances that emphasise on the here and now; on
specific locations of power and ideology without a grand objective of radically transforming
political power structures. Consequently, this paper will apply the approaches of critical urban
theory and postanarchism to explore how Edward Bond’s The Crime of the Twenty First
Century (1999) unconsciously creates sites of resistance in hinterlands where ideological
impositions of the state are exposed, questioned, splintered, and resisted.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
In the play, hinterland regions have been transformed into clearance sites. It is in such
a site that characters attempt to engage with questions of the self and resist state’s control over
their existence. Although their resistance does not bear the signs of a normative, structured
rebellion, yet the way they engage with their situation becomes an act of resistance—one
without the grand objective of radically transforming relations of power.
Keywords: Postanarchism, Critical urban theory, Edward Bond, Resistance, Ideology.
Bio-note:
Rit Chattapadhyay is currently an Assistant Professor in English at Chandidas Mahavidyalaya,
and a doctoral candidate at the Department of English, Raiganj University, West Bengal. His
doctoral research examines the city-hinterland relations in Edward Bond’s plays as well as
explore how Bond creates postanarchist zones of resistance away from the city. He currently
works as Guest Faculty at the Department of English, Sanskrit College and University, Kolkata.
He has also worked as an Invited Lecturer at the Postgraduate Department of English, Maulana
Azad College and Postgraduate Department of English, Bethune College.
He has taught core courses on Romantic and Victorian Literature, History of the English
Language, Indian Classical Theatre, and elective courses on Theatre Studies. He had also
worked as a Specialist Academic Editor at Cactus Communications for over three years.
His debut collection of poems titled Regulars was recently published in February 2022.
Regulars is available in India, UK, US, and Australia.
Exploring Tourism in India through the Select Writings of Satyajit Ray
MEHBUB ALAM, Research Scholar, Aligarh Muslim University, Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract:
India is one of the richest countries in cultural heritage and hence tourism becomes a recognised
aspect of the nation and it grabs people across the globe towards India to be familiar with Indian
culture and heritage. Satyajit Ray, the renowned filmmaker and storyteller, most famously
manifests the importance of tourism in India in his writings. His several Feluda stories,
featuring Pradosh Chandra Mitter as a private investigator, picturise various Indian places with
their cultural and historical values. After almost two hundred years of colonization, India was
facing the problems of economy, peac, prosperity, and harmony, and the trauma of partition
affected the atmosphere of the nation. This is one of the reasons Satyajit Ray attempts through
his mighty pen to restore the faith of the people to the country. Through vivid description of
important places like cities of Rajasthan, Darjeeling, Gangtok, Lucknow, Agra, Delhi, Benaras,
Ellora caves, Puri sea beach etc. Ray tries to attract the tourists from all over the world. Besides
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
sketching Indian natural beauty Ray also focuses on the importance of culture, art, sculpture,
heritage and history of India. In Ray’s writings, especially in Feluda stories, the excellence of
the narration is very much capable to motivate people of any age group to move out of home
and to visit the described places. In this paper, the researcher seeks to focus on the select Feluda
stories of Satyajit Ray and points out the historical value of tourism in India through Ray’s
powerful writings.
Keywords: Tourism, Heritage, History, Satyajit Ray, Detective narrative.
Bio-note:
Mehbub Alam is a Ph.D. candidate in English Literature at Aligarh Muslim University,
focusing on detective fiction in Indian context. His research explores themes of culture, art,
self - perception, motivation and the language in the works of Satyajit Ray. Mehbub has
presented at various international conferences. He holds a Master’s degree in English literature
from Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University and is currently working on his thesis, which
examines the role of cultural studies in shaping detective writing. Outside academia, Mehbub
Alam is passionate about creative writing and literary outreach programs.
Cultural Appropriation/Affirmation through Food: A Study of
Transnational Migration in Rukmini Srinivas’s Tiffin: Memories and
Recipes of Indian Vegetarian Food
TANYA BRIGIT MATHEW, Assistant Professor of English, Research Scholar,
Postgraduate And Research Department of English, SB College, India & Dr RAJU
SEBASTIAN, Associate Professor of English, SB College, India
Abstract:
This paper examines the food memoir by Rukmini Srinivas, Tiffin: Memories and Recipes of
Indian Vegetarian Food as a conduit of cuisine traversing geographical boundaries and
emphasizes how the destinies of individuals, their nationalities and their careers are firmly
interrelated. The findings highlight the significance of transnational migration. While
traversing across a number of nationalities, one may address diverse issues related to the
fluidity of existence and questions of identity. Through the external and internal conflicts that
migration entails, there is the possibility of reaching a stage of self-affirmation.
Diasporic palate acts as a convoy for the new populace enabling them to adapt to a new
place. In the process, food becomes a protean image augmenting the process of cultural
exchange, facilitated by acculturation and assimilation. Eventually it enters the wider scenario,
addressing the issue of cultural exchange. In this wider context, there is an ongoing conflict
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
within the subject. Transnational movement instils a nostalgia for the lost world and engenders
a dilemma about the future. One cannot overlook the fact that boundaries between nations is in
a fluid state, that boundaries cannot mark a particular food or cuisine as belonging to a nation
or exclusively to a particular nationality. It is in a constant state of flux. Food even aids in the
process of palimpsest consolidation of memories at different time scales. Food thus interrogates
and negates identity. It is interesting to note that the author or the memoirist not only has an
ardent interest in cooking, using ladles and pens to weave her narratives, but recalls the stories
of multiple generations through her memoir. The memoirist perceives this narration as a mode
to self-discovery which will eventually lead to self-actualization.
Keywords: Food Memoirs, Migration, Transnationalism, Memory, Self-Actualization.
Bio-note:
Tanya Brigit Mathew is an Assistant Professor of English at Assumption College Autonomous,
Changanassery, Kerala. She began her career at the Department of English, St. Teresa’s
College, Ernakulam, and has 19 years of teaching experience.
Currently, she pursues her research in Food Studies at the PostGraduate and Research
Department of English St Berchmans College Autonomous Changanassery. Her essay, “The
Culinary Route to Identity in Amulya Malladi’s Serving Crazy with Curry” appeared in the
book, The Greatness of Indian Kitchen: Gender, Memory and Rights.
She has chaired sessions in the International Seminar on Margins and Masculinities
organised by the Department of English, St Berchmans College Autonomous and in the
National Conference on Food and Culture: Transforming Perspectives and Paradigms at Indian
Institute of Space Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram.
Passionate about athletics, she also has an ardent interest in cooking and was associated
with Malayala Manorama Publications, by contributing recipes to the magazine.
Role of Translation in Promoting Manipuri Literature: Significance
and Limits
ALENA KHULEM, Research Scholar, Dhanamanjuri University, Manipur, India
Abstract:
The contribution of Translation to understanding and appreciating different literary works in
different languages has been immense. It encourages mutual understanding, broad mindedness,
cultural dialogues and intertextuality. It is through the intermediary of translators that we get
access to literature of different languages. Translation plays a vital role in promoting Manipuri
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Literature and and the concerned literary figures across the globe. Manipuri literary works,
such as, Dr Kamal’s Madhabi, Pacha Meetei’s Imphal Amasung Magi Ishing Nungshit Phibam
are translated into English respectively as Madhabi and Imphal and Its Climatic Condition.
Hijam Anganghal’s Jehera, Lamabam Viramani’s Ukhruldei and G.C Tongbra’s Ngabongkhao
are also some of the well known Manipuri literary works which have translated editions. ‘The
Waves’- A Collection of Saratchand Thiyam’s poems translated from Manipuri to English can
also be mentioned. Translation has immerged in Manipuri Literature only from the 18th
Century. One of the oldest literary works, ‘Numit Kappa’, was written in archaic Meeteilon
with Meetei Mayek (Manipuri Script) in poetry verse. T.C Hodson was the first to translate this
archaic Meeteilon literary work into English in his book The Meitheis. Since then Translation
plays an important astounding influence in Manipuri Literature. But, in spite of many valuable
roles played by Translation, the efforts made to develop Translation in the state is lacking and
the efforts made in Translation has not yet proved to be satisfactory in preserving the beauty of
the original texts.
This paper, “Role of Translation in Promoting Manipuri Literature: Significance and
Limits”, highlights the role of Translation in promoting Manipuri Literature across the globe.
The paper discusses how Translation helps in securing Manipuri Literature and the concerned
literary figures of Manipur a place in the world of Literature. The paper also analyses the
challenges and limits of Translation in translating Manipuri literary works. Also, in this paper,
I try to implore how Translation plays a pivotal role in building a bridge between Manipuri
culture, language, custom and tradition with the world.
Keywords: Translation, Manipuri Literature, Significance, Limits.
Bio-note:
Alena Khulem is a Research Scholar in the Department of English, Dhanamanjuri University,
Manipur.
Beneath the Surface: Exploring the Intersections of Ethics, Society, and
Relationships in Novoneel Chakraborty’s The Best Couple Ever
SIMI CHUTIA, Research Scholar, Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva
Vishwavidyalay, India
Abstract:
This paper delves into the intricate web of ethics, society, and relationships in Novoneel
Chakraborty’s novel, The Best Couple Ever. Through a critical examination of the text, this
research uncovers how societal expectations, moral ambiguities, and power dynamics intersect
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
to shape the protagonists’ lives. By employing a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on
sociology, philosophy, and literary theory, this study reveals the complex negotiations of
identity, morality, and relationships in the novel. The paper argues that Chakraborty’s work
offers a nuanced portrayal of the tensions between individual desires and societal norms,
highlighting the performative nature of relationships in the digital age. Through a close reading
of the text, this research exposes how the couple’s seemingly perfect façade conceals a complex
web of lies, manipulation, and control. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the
intersections of ethics, society, and relationships in contemporary Indian society, shedding light
on how literature reflects and shapes cultural attitudes toward love, relationships, and identity.
By exploring the moral complexities of The Best Couple Ever, this research raises important
questions about the responsibilities of individuals and society in promoting ethical
relationships and challenging societal norms. Ultimately, this paper aims to spark a critical
conversation about how literature can inform our understanding of the intricate relationships
between ethics, society, and individual identity, and the implications of these intersections for
our collective humanity.
Keywords: Society, Ethics, Social Media, Relationships, Couple.
Bio-note:
Simi Chutia is a multifaceted individual with a diverse range of interests and skills. Born and
raised in Assam, she has always been passionate about her cultural heritage. Her educational
journey began with her undergraduate studies in English literature, where she excelled
academically. She then went on to complete her Master’s Degree in English literature further
deepening her understanding of this subject. Her research focuses on the field of Northeast
Literature, Street Literature and Feminist theories. In addition to her academic pursuits, she has
a deep appreciation for the arts and often participates in the cultural events. She is also known
for her warm and friendly personality, which has helped her build strong relationships with her
peers and colleagues. She is an effective communicator and collaborator, and her dedication to
her work has made her a valuable member of the research community.
Echoes of Emotion: Exploring Anuradha Bhattacharayya’s Contemporary
Poetry
DR GAURAV SOOD, Assistant Professor, Dept. of English, Govt. Degree College,
Himachal Pradesh, India
Abstract:
This poetry of Anuradha Bhattacharya explores the tales documented from her life or a record
of her adolescent years to the present day. The poems have a distinct focus on mirroring an
idealized state of mind combining with an attention to the overt and covert poetical voices of
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
her subject. The common thread in Anuradha Bhattacharyya’s works is her reaction and relation
to the realities of the world, her family, first love, childish apprehensions and inevitable despair.
These concerns are keenly expressed by a young, singular emerging mind in Fifty Five Poems
to the matured, explored and plural personality of Knots and Lofty. The poems in these three
volumes are more personal rather than social and reflect an individual relation and reaction to
self, family and the society. These poems aim to evoke emotions and explore the depths of the
human experience through vivid imagery and innovative wordplay. In my paper, I seek to create
a dialogue between the reader and the text, inviting a deeper engagement with the nuanced
layers of meaning embedded within each line. The symbolic language of the poems invites
readers to journey through the poet’s inner world, where the familiar becomes unfamiliar, and
the mundane becomes profound.
Keywords: Family, Emotion, Self, Poetical voice, Imagery.
Bio-note:
Dr. Gaurav Sood is an Assistant Professor at Govt. Degree College, Nirmand, District Kullu,
Himachal Pradesh. He received his doctoral degree in the field of Film Studies/Cultural Studies
from the Department of English and Cultural Studies, Panjab University, Sector 14,
Chandigarh. He participated in conferences organized by Forum of Contemporary Theory.
Vadodara, Department of English and Cultural Studies and Indian Association of
Commonwealth Literature and Language Studies, MELUS MELLOW, Chandigarh and has
contributed in organizing RUSA sponsored Seminar in Filmmaking in the Department of
English, Post Graduate Govt. College, Sector 11, Chandigarh and recently contributed to
organize an inter-disciplinary conference at Govt. College, Nirmand. Kullu. He has
publications in various journals of Himachal Pradesh University and Panjab University.
Interweaving Myth and Indigenous Wisdom: A Study of Orijit Sen’s River
of Stories
DIPANWITA GANGULY, Assistant Professor, M.P.R.P. Government Girls College,
Ujjain Road, Itawa, Dewas, Madhya Pradesh, India
Abstract:
In the late 1980s, India’s Sardar Sarovar Dam project sparked widespread protests. Activists
from all over India joined the Narmada Bachao Andolan, opposing environmental destruction
and the displacement of Adivasi communities. Orijit Sen’s graphic novel, River of Stories
(1994), chronicles this struggle through personal experiences and local narratives, serving as
both an inspiring environmental testament and a landmark in the history of Indian comics. This
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
lightly fictionalized account, inspired by Sen’s extensive research, weaves an Adivasi myth
about the Narmada River into the story. This myth, sung by Malgu Gayan, offers an alternative
perspective on the Narmada Valley’s history and culture. This paper discusses how such myths
serve as an example of the sidelining of indigenous knowledge systems by mainstream
education. UNESCO defines indigenous knowledge as “the understandings, skills and
philosophies developed by societies with long histories of interaction with their natural
surroundings. For rural and indigenous peoples, local knowledge informs decision-making
about fundamental aspects of day-to-day life.” These systems ensure sustainable use of the
environment, especially among tribal societies, and the rural poor for whom natural resources
are vital for existence. Existing research emphasizes the need to integrate these practices into
mainstream policies for global sustainable development. Sen’s novel critiques the concepts of
modernity and development received through Western education, highlighting how they
victimize certain segments of society, particularly the rural poor, under the guise of progress
and the greater good.
Keywords: Indigenous, Knowledge, Myth, Sustainable, Dams.
Bio-note:
Dipanwita Ganguly has completed her postgraduation from University of Delhi and is presently
working as an Assistant Professor of English at a government college under the Department of
Higher Education, Madhya Pradesh. Her research interests include graphic novels, postcolonial
literature, popular culture, Indian literature, and religious studies. Her recent published paper
analyzed patriarchy in Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s Arranged Marriage. Her most recent
conference paper was an analysis of Sarnath Banerjee’s All Quiet in Vikaspuri, presented online
at an international conference organized by Humber College and TIFA in Toronto, Canada.
Decolonizing Narratives: Migration and Identity in Mohsin Hamid’s Exit
West
SUMANA GHOSH, Master’s Student (in English with Communication Studies),
CHRIST (Deemed to be University), India
Abstract:
This paper offers a decolonial analysis of Mohsin Hamid’s Exit West, examining how the novel
challenges colonial legacies and redefines migration and identity through its plot,
characterisation, major events, and distinctive narrative techniques. By employing magical
realism and non-linear storytelling, Hamid disrupts conventional Western literary forms and
critiques the arbitrary nature of national borders. The novel follows the journey of Nadia and
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Saeed, a couple fleeing their war-torn homeland through mystical doors that transport them
across various global locations, serving as a metaphor for the sudden and often violent
dislocations experienced by refugees. Through a decolonial lens, this study explores how Exit
West subverts traditional Western portrayals of refugees and migrants, offering a nuanced
perspective that resists dehumanising and stereotypical representations. The frameworks
applied include Edward Said’s concept of Orientalism, used to analyze how the novel
challenges and redefines Western perceptions of the Global South. Homi K. Bhabha’s theories
of hybridity and the “third space” illuminate the fluid, hybrid identities of the characters as they
navigate and blend different cultural spaces, resisting rigid colonial categories. Ngũgĩ wa
Thiong’o’s focus on cultural reclamation highlights how the novel foregrounds diverse cultural
expressions and the resilience of marginalized communities against cultural imperialism. The
paper demonstrates how Exit West engages with and critiques colonial power structures by
redefining narratives around migration and identity. It contributes to contemporary decolonial
literature by illustrating how Hamid’s work offers alternative perspectives that challenge
colonial epistemologies and foreground the lived experiences of displaced individuals.
Keywords: Decolonial, Hybridity, Migration, Identity, Cultural Reclamation.
Bio-note:
Sumana is currently pursuing her Master’s in English with Communication Studies at CHRIST
(Deemed to be University), Bangalore Central Campus. Her academic interests span Partition
Literature, Migration and Diaspora Studies, Film Studies, Feminist Writings, and Queer
Literature. Her work on Beliefs and Social Customs was published by TMYS Review in
collaboration with the Global South Colloquium at the University of Victoria. She has
presented research papers on Film Studies and Ecology at conferences and has published her
paper titled “Beyond Ballrooms: The Ever-Evolving Tapestry of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ in
Evolving Transmedia Storytellings” in an International Journal. Apart from academia, Sumana
has worked as a copywriter, crypto writer, and journalist for various companies. Her journey
reflects a commitment to exploring diverse dimensions of literature, media, and cultural
discourse.
Exploring Interactive True Crime and its De-sensationalisation in Bondi
Games’ L.A. Noire
HEMANTH PHILIP JOHN, Research Scholar, TKM College of Arts and Science,
Kollam (Affiliated to University of Kerala, Trivandrum), India
Abstract:
Digital Narratives that are interactive have been a part of popular culture and entertainment for
a long time. This paper attempts to analyse the representation of True Crime in Bondi Games’
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
L.A. Noire. Contrary to games like True Crime: Streets of L.A., which is GTA but the
protagonist being in law enforcement, L.A. Noire has a distinctly investigation-based narrative
structure rather than just being action-adventure. The game shows a 1947 post WWII Los
Angeles rife with crime, where the environment is open world and the gameplay progresses by
solving cases. True Crime is basically a non-fiction genre that examines a crime and details the
actions of people associated with and affected by said crime. It also became highly
sensationalised due to genre sharing and has been the basic plot point for many investigative
thrillers, be it novels, television or podcasts. This paper explores the functionality of L.A. Noire
as interactive True Crime which consciously de-sensationalises True Crime as a genre – unlike
many other representations of it that aim at being notorious for sensationalism. The paper aims
to posit the intersectionality of Digital Humanities, Videogames and True Crime by undertaking
the methodology of comparative critiquing – of existing media representations of True Crime
– and close reading of the narratives in the game.
Keywords: Interactive Digital Narratives, Micro narratives, True Crime, Interactivity,
Sensationalism.
Bio-note:
Hemanth Philip John, Research Scholar, Department of English, TKM College of Arts and
Science, Kollam holds an MPhil Degree from The Institute of English, University of Kerala,
and a Masters with Distinction in English and Comparative Literature from Pondicherry
University.
Reflexive Humanities: Unbounding Knowledge
DR LAKSHMI SUKUMAR, Assistant Professor, Institute of English, University of
Kerala, India
Abstract:
The National Education Policy 2020, the National Curriculum Framework 2023, and the B.A.
Honours Programme implemented in numerous higher education institutions across India, have
collectively emphasized the necessity of fluid disciplinary boundaries to examine diverse
‘technologies’ of human existence as conceptualised by Foucault. Whether within the context
of Liberal Arts or New Humanities, students are encouraged to develop cognitive skills that
extend beyond traditional disciplinary confines. Howsoever the epistemological processes
strive to go beyond disciplinarity, we more or less end up in a paradox - retaining the boundaries
of disciplines irrespective of the permutations and combinations of courses we inspire the
students to opt for.
I intend to situate my paper into the incongruities of epistemic formations by using the
concept ‘Reflexive Humanities’. Reflexive Humanities, a concept proposed by Prof. G. S.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Jayasree and Dr. Arya Aiyappan under the auspices of Samyukta Research Foundation, is a
conceptual understanding that reimagines Humanities as a reflexive process. In spite of
counterarguments that Humanities has always been about reflexivity, this paper seeks to make
the proposition that centuries of unperceptive use of the term has reduced it to a set of
disciplines with marked boundaries, fluid or otherwise. This has further exacerbated the
valorisation of the ‘utility value’ of Social Sciences and Natural Sciences as opposed to
Humanities. This paper hypothesises that Reflexive Humanities is a cognitive culture that
enhances the perceptiveness of people towards a philosophy of knowledge uncorrupted by
‘disciplines’. To illustrate this conceptual framework, empirical examples will be used, for
instance a discussion of the environmental disaster that hit the district of Wayanad in Kerala in
2024, that reinforces the fundamental argument that human lives and experiences can never
be ‘disciplined’ without watering down the gravitas of the issue.
Keywords: Disciplinarity, Epistemic Violence, Cognitive Culture, Reflexive Humanities,
Technologies of Human Existence.
Bio-note:
Dr. Lakshmi Sukumar is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of English, University of Kerala.
Her doctoral research was on Kerala Studies. She has been teaching in various Higher
Education institutions under the Directorate of Collegiate Education, Government of Kerala
since 2007. She was the Director of the Centre for Women’s Studies, University of Kerala from
2018-2020. Most of her research papers are on the politics of representations and the formation
of subjectivities. Her areas of interest are Critical theories, Media Studies and Kerala Studies.
The Inauguration of Ram Mandir: Exploring its Long Term Cultural and
Economic Impact on India’s Future
SUVANKAR JANA, Assistant Professor in the Department of English, Dhupguri Girls’
College, West Bengal, India
Abstract
The recent inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, India, has garnered
international attention, with many countries acknowledging India’s commitment to preserving
its cultural and religious heritage, and its completion marks a significant transformation in
India’s cultural and economic future. The temple’s history, intertwined with deep-rooted
religious sentiments, represents an opportunity for strengthening the potential impact on India’s
culture and economy. The Ram Mandir can serve as a catalyst for smoothening economic
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
improvement of the people starting from a rickshaw-puller to the pilot of an aeroplane. The
inauguration is not just a religious event, but a cultural milestone, potentially leading to a
revival of India’s age-old traditions, practices associated with Hinduism and her rich cultural
and economic advancement. In this paper, we will observe how the inauguration of Ram
Mandir has made Ayodhya not only a religious hotspot, but also shapes India’s cultural and
economic journey in the coming years.
Keywords: Ajodhya, Inauguration, Ram Mandir, India’s Culture and Economy, Hinduism.
Bio-note:
Mr. Suvankar Jana is currently working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of English,
Dhupguri Girls’ College, affiliated to The University of North Bengal, West Bengal, India since
2017. He has published many papers in national and international journals. The titles of some
of his papers are “Exclusion and Marginalization of Dalit Women: Girl Child in Dalit Homes
Seen as a Curse in Bama Faustina’s Writing Sangati”; “Divided Self: A Postcolonial Reading
of Derek Walcott’s A Far Cry From Africa”; “National Education Policy, 2020 and Higher
Education in India: Understanding the Nuances”; “Rethinking the Unsung Voice of Gaidinliu:
A study of ‘The Daughter of the Hills” (Chapter in Edited Volume); “Post-Partition Poverty,
Hunger and Death: An Interpretative Analysis of Manoranjan Byapari’s Interrogating My
Chandal Life: An Autobiography of a Dalit”.
Gender, Patriarchy and Cultural Identity in Shashi Deshpande’s That Long
Silence
Anuradha Kumari, Research Scholar, Department of English, Patliputra University,
Bihar, India
Abstract
The critically praised book That Long Silence was written by Indian novelist Shashi
Deshpande. The 1988 publication of the book earned significant acclaim for its examination of
the difficulties faced by women in trying to develop their identities while juggling societal
expectations and traditional Indian marriages. The phrase That Long Silence alludes to the years
Jaya has spent in her marriage keeping quiet and suppressing her feelings. Jaya’s internal
conflict and self-examination become more intense as the book goes on. She begins journaling,
which allows her to express herself and face the sensations, thoughts, and desires that have
been repressed for so long. One of Shashi Deshpande’s most important works is praised for its
delicate depiction of the inner life of women in modern India. Its literary brilliance and
contribution to Indian English literature were recognized in 1990 when it won the Sahitya
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Akademi Award. The book is still researched and valued for its perceptive analysis of Indian
women’s experiences. The novel portrays the traditional gender roles that prevail in Indian
society. Jaya, the protagonist, is expected to fulfil the role of a dutiful wife and mother. Her life
revolves around her husband, children, and household chores, reflecting the societal
expectation that women should prioritize their families above all else.
Keywords: Conflict, Cultural Identity, Gender, Patriarchy, Violence.
Bio-note:
Anuradha Kumari is a research scholar, at the English Department of Patliputra University,
Patna. Her research focuses on Postmodern theories. She is also interested in Feminist
literature, Gothic and Children’s literature. As a literature student, she has to train to take
classes in different schools and institutes. She worked as a language trainer in an institute. Her
dedication is to give the best. She finished primary school and belonged to the top five students
in middle and high school classes. She is also passionate about writing poetry and short stories.
Overall she is an all-rounder with full passion for his work and enjoys life most.
Post Colonial India and Memories of Partition: Narratives of Fractured
Identities and Nationalism
DR MEETU BHATIA KAPUR, Associate Professor, Vivekananda institute of
Professional Studies -Technical Campus Pitampura, New Delhi, India
Abstract:
History is not merely about singular events; it is about the meaning of those events and their
impact on the individuals who live through them. Over time, these events transcend their
original contexts, giving rise to new narratives that reflect cosmopolitan experiences.
Narratives with thoughtfully designed structures become more meaningful with each added
experience.
In the context of postcolonial situations, cultural dislocations, and the anxieties
surrounding partition- before, during, and after- certain contemporary Indian writers, such as
Amitav Ghosh, Gurucharan Das, Urvashi Bhutalia, and Kashmiri writers like Rahul Pandita,
have provided profound interpretations. The poignant writings of these authors will be a focal
point for this manuscript. They delve deeply into issues of fractured nationalism through
intimate and revealing encounters. With expanded horizons and imaginative understandings,
these narrators address a history marked by violence and turmoil, emphasizing the importance
of preserving memories for cultural self-determination and interpersonal communication.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Through their works, these writers turn memory into a social document, examining
facts and realities to create a rich tapestry of eloquence and silence. They recollect and
transform events from the independence and post-independence era- events that have long lain
dormant in collective memory- into compelling narratives. The focus is largely on the evolving
ethos in India during and after the independence era.
Keywords: History, Narratives, Nationalism, Partition, Memory.
Bio-note:
Dr. Meetu Bhatia Kapur, completed her Doctorate from Rajasthan University, Jaipur, Rajasthan
in 2005, on the widely acclaimed novels of Amitav Ghosh. She is currently working as
Associate Professor, in the Department of English at Vivekananda Institute of Professional
Studies, New Delhi. With nearly twenty- five years of teaching experience, she has many
National and International presentations, publications, along with gracing significant
conferences, seminars & workshops as a panellist for discourses and Series Talks. She has also
edited and authored books on “Ecology and Integrative Studies- A Reflective Analysis, Fourth
Wave of Feminism- Reconstructing Gender Studies in Media, Law and Literature: An
Insightful Interpretation & Analysis; Because Every Poem has a Story….An Anthology of
English Poems ; Technical Communication- An Effective Guide to Technical Features and
Concepts and - Manthan- Ek Sooch Ek Nazariya – An Anthology of Hindi Poems. She has
been a winner for The Certificate of Appreciation from Hon’able Prime Minister Office, for
her winning article on Pariksha Par Charcha 2023, Shabd Shikar Samman, 2022, by Gwalior
Sahitya Kala Parishad and Dushyant Memorial Award 2021, for her contributions to the field
of Creative Writing.
“Goodbye Superman!”: Toys, T-shirts and Tattoos of Egalitarian Female
Superheroes from Batgirl to Ms. Marvel
RAJAT SUVRA MANDAL, Doctoral Research Fellow, Department of English, Raiganj
University, West Bengal, India
Abstract:
“What would you like me to do, Superman? Spend my life cooking in the kitchen? Living only
for my master...Man?...I love you Superman. But I want to be treated like a woman – not like
a toy doll! I have a brain...Goodbye Superman! And take your super-male ego with you!” –
Lois Lane bade goodbye to both Superman and patriarchy. In her first image Lois wears red
thigh-high boots with matching red hot pants. Laura Mulvey’s ‘male gaze’ explains fetish in
‘mainstream’ comics as derriere and cleavage. They are represented as ‘Women in
Refrigerators’(WiR) in pop culture. Culture was responsible for producing what the Italian
Marxist Antonio Gramsci had termed ‘hegemony’, that is, voluntary, not coerced, popular
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
agreement with the principles of the ruling order and conformity with its dominant discursive
practices. Whether under the influence of the neo-Marxism of Louis Althusser, who defined
ideology as “people’s imaginary relationship to their real conditions of existence,” or of the
poststructuralism of Michel Foucault, who defines discourse as the way a topic can be
conceptualized in a particular society at a certain point in time. Cultural Studies practitioners
emphasized that hegemony, as well as the individuals subjected to hegemony, came into being
at the intersection of multiple, potentially ‘rhizomatic’ ideologies/discourses, thus could claim
only ‘aporatic’ (un)stability and interdiscursivity. Feminists in Birmingham termed the Centre’s
chosen topics the ‘boyzone’. From ‘Wonder Woman’ to Buffy Summers, Emma Peel to Sydney
Bristow, ‘Charlie’s Angels’ to ‘The Power Puff Girls’, Superwomen are more than just love
interests or sidekicks who stand by their Supermen. In this paper, I seek to deconstruct how the
female hero in the era of media and simulated mythology has broken through the ‘boy’s club’
barrier of phallogocentric chauvinism and decode the pivotal role of high-heeled crime fighters
who cater to the ‘feminist’ fan communities of burgeoning urban pop culture. ‘Gender fluidity’
remains nuanced investment in queer market which thrives in pinkwashing by way of
discursive depiction of Captain Marvel, Wonder Woman, Black Widow, Batgirl, Scarlet Witch,
Catwoman and the likes. It is similar to how Pride Month gets appropriated in rainbow
capitalism across urban metropolis; Female superheroes end up becoming t-shirts, tatoos and
toys for ‘feminist’ consumers much like the way raindow capitalism tracks down the
proliferating market of queer diaspora. Both the (marvel)lous merchandise and the ‘egalitarian’
superheroines are up for grabs, there for the taking. Cultural capital happens to be the biggest
superstar, if ever there was one.
Keywords: Commodity Fetish, Phallogocentrism, Rainbow Capitalism, Cultural Capital.
Bio-note:
Rajat Suvra Mandal is Doctoral Research Fellow at the Department of English, Raiganj
University, West Bengal, India. His research interest centres on the ways in which Indian
English novels become a site of Masculinity Studies; his research currently focuses on
Pederasty. He teaches in the Department of English, Sripat Singh College, Jiaganj,
Murshidabad, West Bengal, India.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Secularity of Secularism and an Anti-Secularist Democracy
Taha Yasin, PhD Research Scholar, Department of English, University of Delhi, and
Assistant Professor of English, Ram Lal Anand College, University of Delhi, India
Abstract:
Why was the term ‘secular’ added to the constitution in its 42nd amendment? Did India become
secular only after this addition? Or if incorporation of the word meant a mere recognition of
the historic and essential characteristic, defining the social fabric of the nation-state India, then
why such visibilization became imperative? Notwithstanding levitating between being distant
from all religions, to being equidistant to all religions; ‘secular’ is neither a synonym of
tolerance, nor an antidote to communalism.
My paper problematizes the phenomenon of ‘secularism’ in independent India, and
argues that the idea of equality metamorphoses into the idea of democracy, with secularism and
democracy being inalienable, and socialism as something which democracy desires. I would
attempt to demonstrate the thesis by realist perusal of Qurratulain Hyder’s (1927-2007)
Chandni Begum (1989) - translated from the original Urdu by Saleem Kidwai, and Annie
Zaidi’s (1978-?) Prelude to a Riot (2019). Hyder’s narrative spans from before independence
to the mosque-temple dispute which was at the heart of the independent India discourse. Zaidi’s
text postulates that the distance between a secular and a zealot is only skin deep. It is not even
hierarchic but only a variation.
Keywords: Secularism, Religion, Democracy, Socialism.
Bio-note:
Taha Yasin is a PhD Research Scholar at the Department of English, University of Delhi, and
is an Assistant Professor of English at Ram Lal Anand College, University of Delhi.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Transforming Tradition: The Effect of Bengalization on Rajbanshi Culture
in North Bengal
CHAMELI ROY, Doctoral Research Fellow, Department of English, Raiganj
University, West Bengal, India
Abstract:
The Rajbanshi community, an indigenous group in the Indian subcontinent, primarily resides
in North Bengal, lower Assam, some parts of Bihar, Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh. For
centuries, the Rajbanshis have preserved a distinct cultural identity, distinguishing them from
other communities, notably the Bengalis. Notwithstanding debates about their origin and
identity, Rajbanshi people have sustained a vibrant cultural legacy and maintaining their unique
linguistic identity through the Rajbanshi language, which continues to be an integral part of
their heritage. However, the Bengali cultural influence in North Bengal before and after 1947
has resulted in the assimilation of many Bengali customs and practices, significantly impacting
on the Rajbanshi culture. This paper aims to investigate whether the Rajbanshi culture is indeed
on the verge of destruction due to Bengali cultural dominance and identify the primary reasons
for its decline. Using secondary sources such as books, articles, and journals, and personal
interviews, this study explores the cultural nuances of Rajbanshi and Bengali communities,
justifying the factors behind the decline of Rajbanshi culture. This research provides as a
valuable resource for researchers, academics and anyone interested in cultural studies, offering
a comprehensive understanding of the culture of the Rajbanshi community.
Keywords: Cultural Identity, Rajbanshi, Bengalization, Hegemony.
Bio-note:
Chameli Roy (M.A., B.Ed) has qualified UGC NET (National Eligibility Test) and West Bengal
SET (State Eligibility Test). Currently, she is pursuing a PhD degree in English literature at
Raiganj University. Her passions are reading, writing, and traveling. Her areas of interest
include cultural studies, especially Rajbanshi culture and literature, feminism, and Indian
literature.
An Interdisciplinary Approach to Techno-Linguistic Hierarchies: A Study
of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Post-colonial Academic Writing in India
YAGYASENI BHATTACHARYA, Independent Researcher & SHAONLI BHOWMIK
Abstract:
In post-colonial India, English, despite being one of the official languages, predominantly
serves the linguistic aesthetic of the elite minority due to unequal access to English education.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
Against this backdrop, a linguistic hierarchy exists between English and regional languages.
Resistance to this hierarchy has emerged in post-colonial literature, particularly aimed at
preserving regional languages. Theories influenced by Antonio Gramsci, Ernesto Laclau, and
Chantal Mouffe suggest understanding society through language, which allows for an analysis
of linguistic dynamics in the post-colonial context. In the 21st century, the development of
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has complicated these linguistic dynamics. Tools such as chatbots
primarily facilitate human-AI communication in English, serving individuals less acquainted
with the language to produce accurate and polished English writing. This phenomenon is
prevalent among students in higher education, who frequently utilize AI for academic writing,
which enables non-native English speakers to meet the rigorous linguistic standards expected
in academic settings and scholarly discourse. However, even though AI tools understand
prompts in languages other than English, the responses frequently contain errors related to
grammar, sentence structure, or vocabulary, highlighting the predominantly English-language
training on which these AI models are built. Thus, the impact of AI on linguistic power
dynamics is significant. Additionally, it underscores the “artificial” evolution of English in
post-colonial India. In this context, this interdisciplinary research integrates literary studies,
sociology, and technology studies to investigate how AI tools play a role in simultaneously
sustaining and challenging hierarchies among languages within post-colonial academic
discourse in India. The result is a “carnivalesque” scenario that blurs the distinctions within the
linguistic hierarchy. By examining the intersection of language and technology, this study sheds
light on the complex ways in which AI influences language in academic settings in post-
colonial South Asia.
Keywords: Academic Writing, Language Hierarchies, English, Artificial Intelligence, India.
Bio-note:
Yagyaseni Bhattacharya is an independent researcher specializing in Sociology, Social
Anthropology and gender studies. She earned her MA in sociology from Jawaharlal Nehru
University (JNU) and her BA in sociology from St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata. She has also
pursued a post graduate diploma from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). She
has extensive experience as a research assistant at JNU and has indexed books published by
Taylor and Francis. She has presented her research at numerous prestigious national and
international conferences. She has contributed to the field of sociology through her
publications, which include journal articles and book chapters. Her diverse research interests
span gender, sexuality, media, religion, social psychology, popular culture, literature, and
artificial intelligence.
Shaonli Bhowmik has completed my Master’s in English Literature from the Centre for
English Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Her academic journey has been
extensive, encompassing the history of English literature, literary theory, criticism, translation
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
studies and world literature. She has also presented her research papers at international
conferences and had her work published in journals and books. Participating in research
workshops and tutoring students pursuing their undergraduate degrees has enhanced her
research and teaching skills. Shaonli’s research interests encompass the intersections of
environmental humanities and literary studies with a particular focus on blue humanities,
environmental studies, psychoanalysis, ecocriticism, and art.
Nature’s Voice: Ecocritical Perspectives in the Poetry of William
Wordsworth
GOUR HARI MONDAL, Research Scholar, Mansarovar Global University, Bhopal,
Madhya Pradesh and Assistant Professor of English, Sabang Sajanikanta
Mahavidyalaya (Vidyasagar University), West Bengal, India
Abstract
This research delves into the aspects present in William Wordsworth’s poetry by highlighting
how his writing expresses the essence of nature and showcases a profound link between human
life and the environment around us. As a trailblazer in the movement era of literature'
Wordsworth’s poems demonstrate a keen awareness of natures beauty and significance by
portraying it not just as a setting but, as a dynamic presence filled with spiritual and emotional
depth. From a perspective this research delves into significant poems like ‘Tintern Abbey’,’
The Prelude’ and ’ I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud’, where Wordsworth expresses nature’s
importance and its influence on human thought. The poet’s admiration for the world is closely
linked to his criticism of industrialization and the increasing disconnection between humans
and their surroundings, in his era. Through exploring Wordsworth’s portrayals of the world in
his poetry the study aims to uncover how his works promote a balanced connection with nature
and emphasize the pressing call for environmental consciousness. In essence the examination
emphasizes Wordsworth’s importance in today’s discourse suggesting that his poetic
perspective provides lasting perspectives, on the moral obligations humans have towards the
environment.
Keywords: Ecocriticism, Romantic Poetry, Nature, Environmental Consciousness,
Environmental Ethics, Nature's Voice, Poetry And Nature.
Bio note:
Gour Hari Mondal is a Research Scholar, Mansarovar Global University, Bhopal, Madhya
Pradesh and Assistant Professor, Department of English, Sabang Sajanikanta Mahavidyalaya
(Vidyasagar University), West Bengal, India.
NEW LITERARIA- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities in
collaboration with Department of History, Humanities and Society, University of Rome
Tor Vergata, Italy & Department of English, Central University of Karnataka, India
Presents 5th International e-Conference
On
Bridging Realms: Exploring Intersections in Humanities and
Social Sciences
Date: 04.10.2024 - 05.10.2024 Time: 11.00 AM (IST)
ABSTRACT VOLUME
The Poetic Self: Identity and Existentialism in the Works of Louise Glück
Gopal Choudhari
Abstract
This research article examines the concept of identity in the poetry of Louise Glück, Nobel
Prize-winning poet, by intertwining existential themes with personal narratives. Glück’s
exploration of identity is deeply connected to existential ideas such as isolation and the search
for meaning, alongside personal experiences shaped by memory and familial relationships.
While rooted in personal reflections, her poetry extends beyond individual experiences to
engage with broader human concerns. Through an analysis of works like The Wild Iris, Ararat,
and Meadowlands, this study reveals how Glück navigates the complexities of selfhood in a
way that is both intellectually profound and emotionally intimate. Her poetry offers readers a
reflective journey through individual and collective struggles, blending philosophical inquiry
with personal storytelling.
Keywords: Louise Glück, Existentialism, Selfhood, Memory, Identity.
Bio-note: Gopal Choudhari is a Research Scholar in the Department of English, Mansarovar
Global University, M.P, India.
