Seminar / Workshop
International Seminar on Reimagining Tribal Studies
Date:20 February 2026
The Department of English at Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be University) hosted an International Seminar on "Reimagining Tribal Studies," bringing together global experts to discuss interdisciplinary approaches. Dr. Pravina Rodrigues and Dr. Tania Cliffe-Tautari opened the event by exploring decolonial methodologies and ancestral resilience through indigenous knowledge. Dr. Rajiv Aricat followed with a session on Birsa Munda’s historical legacy, while Dr. Payel Dutta Chowdhury examined the digital shift in Northeast Indian foodways. A highlight was the afternoon panel discussion, where scholars from the USA, New Zealand, and India debated gender, ecology, and agency in the 21st century. Held in a hybrid format at the H2 Auditorium, the seminar successfully bridged the gap between traditional wisdom and modern academic scholarship. This gathering provided a vital platform for students and researchers to engage deeply with tribal resistance and indigenous modernity. By facilitating this international dialogue, the university fostered a more inclusive understanding of tribal narratives in a contemporary context. The event concluded with a rigorous exploration of how folklore and identity adapt to an increasingly interconnected world. Overall, the seminar offered fresh, interdisciplinary lenses to redefine the future of Tribal Studies.
International Workshop on Theatre: Art, Stage, and Artistic Pursuits (Edition I)
Date:30 August 2025
The Department of English, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Kristu Jayanti University, organised the International Workshop on Theatre: Art, Stage, and Artistic Pursuits (Edition I) on 30th August 2025. The event was coordinated by Dr. Irona Bhaduri and Dr. Steffi Santhana Mary. The event was exclusively designed for the students of II MA English Literature. The resource person was Mr. Anirban Debsarma, a Theatre Practitioner, Pedagogue, and Research Scholar at the University of York. He engaged the participants with insightful discussions on theatre as both an artistic and academic practice. The session highlighted the significance of stagecraft, performance, and pedagogy in shaping creative expression. Students were encouraged to view theatre as a medium for dialogue and cultural critique. The workshop was interactive, with meaningful questions and discussions. It broadened the participants’ perspectives on global performance studies. Overall, the workshop was enriching, inspiring students to integrate theatre into their academic and creative pursuits.
National Seminar on “Reviving the Indian Knowledge System: Integrating Ancient Wisdom with Contemporary Practices.”
Date: 25 February, 2024
The Department of English at Kristu Jayanti College hosted a national seminar titled “Reviving the Indian Knowledge System: Integrating Ancient Wisdom with Contemporary Practices.” The seminar focused on reviving India's rich heritage, aiming to blend traditional knowledge with modern cultural and academic practices. Participants included scholars and professionals from diverse fields who discussed the relevance and integration of ancient Indian traditions. The seminar featured four plenary sessions, each was led by experts in different fields. Rev. Fr. Joshy Mathew, Head of the English Department, opened the event by highlighting India’s knowledge systems which is rooted in Vedic traditions. Following this, Rev. Fr. Dr. Augustine George, Principal of Kristu Jayanti College, emphasized on the need to incorporate Indian Knowledge Systems into modern academia, encouraging active engagement in preserving this heritage. The inaugural address was delivered by Padmashri Dr. Sharada Srinivasan from the National Institute of Advanced Studies, who discussed on the aspect of inclusivity and cultural depth of Indian heritage by using examples like the Nataraja statue, Iron Pillar, and yoga to illustrate the symbiotic relationship between Indian art, technology, and culture. Overall, the seminar served as an intellectual forum, revisiting India’s ancient knowledge systems and exploring ways to incorporate them thoughtfully into modern practices.
International Seminar on Indigenous Realities: Culture, Identity and Resilience in the Global Context
Date: 27 February, 2024
Department of English organized an International Seminar titled “Indigenous Realities: Culture, Identity and Resilience in the Global Context” on 27 February 2024 at A2 Auditorium, third floor of Admin Block, Kristu Jayanti College. The keynote speaker was Mr. Kotiganahalli Ramaiah Poet, Playwright, Philosopher, Cultural activist, a Sahitya Academy Awardee and Karnataka Rajyotsava Awardee. The speaker commenced the session with an overview of various indigenous communities and some of the challenges faced by them. He recited three poems written by him in audience. These poems served as a metaphor for his self-identity as he too belongs to indigenous communities. The resource person demonstrated a profound commitment to amplify indigenous voices advancing social justice. The session elaborated on Dalit feminism, the life of untouchables seeking for individual identity. The session was highly informative as it focused on the various challenges faced by the indigenous communities. The session was interactive with the audience taking an active part in understanding the process to be undertaken. There were three Plenary sessions followed by the inaugural session. The speakers were Karundhel Rajesh, Screenwriter and script consultant, Tamil Nadu, Dr. Esther Fitzpatrick, Senior lecturer, School of Learning, Development and Professional Practice, Faculty of Education, The University of Auckland and and Dr. Sugi G, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Stella Maris College(Autonomous), Chennai.
Panel Discussion speakers were Karundhel Rajesh, Screenwriter and script consultant, Tamil Nadu, Dr. Hemavathi B S, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Dr. S. Gopalaraju First Grade College, Anekal, Dr. Mekhala Venkatesh, Associate Professor and Research Guide, Department of English, Jain (Deemed to be) University, Bengaluru, Padmashree Anandhan, Project Associate, National Institute of Advanced Studies, IISC Campus, Bengaluru, and Dr. Sugi G, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Stella Maris College(Autonomous), Chennai. It was an over whelming session. The speakers came to the conclusion suggesting the audience to think in an expansive way and allow human minds to break free from the stereotypical pre-conceived notions we hold about indigenous communities.
The Seminar ended with flying colours with the maestros sharing the stage with their in-depth expertise about indigenous culture and awareness about their existence and identity.
