Nai Dilli : As part of its Golden Jubilee celebrations, the Aligarh Muslim University Debating and Literary Club (UDLC) organized the Young Scholars Symposium on Regional Literatures in India: Notions, Nuances & Narratives at the Conference Hall of the Sir Syed Academy, with Prof. S. Imtiaz Hasnain, Maulana Azad-Chair Professor at MANUU and Former Dean of the Faculty of Arts, AMU as the Chief Guest.
AMU Registrar Mr. Mohammad Imran (IPS) and the Director of the Sir Syed Academy, Prof. Shafey Kidwai attended the inaugural function as the Guests of Honour.
In his address, Prof. Imtiaz Hasnain discussed the impact of colonialism on India, emphasizing how language was used as a tool of empire. He highlighted how colonial powers introduced a forced linguistic ideology, elevating European languages and marginalizing regional ones, which he described as an essential feature of colonial ideology. He also raised questions about the concept of “National Literature,” suggesting that regional literatures, often suppressed by the push for a monolithic national identity, offer a truer reflection of India’s diverse cultural and linguistic heritage.
Mr. Mohammad Imran (IPS) underlined the importance of learning regional languages, stating that they are integral to understanding the cultural fabric of India. He encouraged participants to engage deeply with regional literature to better appreciate the nation’s rich diversity.
Prof. Shafey Kidwai, in his address, explored the layered meanings within the symposium’s theme, praising literature as a powerful tool for emotional and intellectual transformation. He noted how literature, through its subtle depth, fosters reflection and connection.
यह भी पढ़ें
Earlier, Prof. Mohammad Naved Khan, Coordinator of the CEC, Prof. Mohibul Haque, Mentor of UDLC, and Prof. Nazia Hasan, President of UDLC, welcomed the delegates and participants from renowned institutions across the country, including the English and Foreign Languages University, Benaras Hindu University, University of Delhi, and Jawaharlal Nehru University.
Prof Nazia Hasan emphasized the significance of regional literatures, noting that these home grown narratives are steeped in the essence of the land and are crucial for shaping identity. She also cautioned against the dominance of European languages, which can overshadow indigenous expressions and cultural heritage.
The event was conducted by Mohd. Shams Uddoha Khan, Secretary of UDLC, and the formal vote of thanks was delivered by Ms. Anusha Munawwar.
The symposium featured five offline and two online sessions, with distinguished scholars such as Prof. Sajidul Islam, Dr. Fauzia Usmani, Dr. Shivangini Tandon, Dr. Sadaf Fareed and Dr. Shakira Khatoon chairing various discussions on themes including Dalit and Subaltern Testimonies, Women’s Voices, Regional Thought, and Translation Studies. The online sessions were chaired by Dr. Adiba Faiyaz and Dr. Shagufta Anjum.
The valedictory ceremony saw Prof. Raashid Nehal as the Chief Guest, who commended the UDLC for organizing an event in alignment with the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP 2020). The session also featured a book discussion on Subah ki Chai aur Akhbar by Dr. Sabeeha Fatima, a special guest from Amity University, Lucknow. The event concluded with the reading of the symposium report by the Secretary of UDLC.
