LECTURE & SEMINAR SERIES
Organised by
DEPT. OF ENGLISH
Report on The Lecture Series
The Department of English, Sree Neelakanta Govt. Sanskrit College, Pattambi, organized an academic seminar on 13 October 2026, titled “Journey to Theory on the Road of Narrative: Queer Articulation in India” as part of its ongoing departmental lecture series. The event aimed to bridge classroom learning, specifically aligning with the FYUGP curriculum on gender perspectives in literature, with broader cultural, historical, and theoretical discourses on queer identity in India.
The program commenced at 11:00 AM. Ms. Seena N, Assistant Professor of English, delivered the Welcome Address. This was followed by the Presidential Address delivered by Dr. Seeja H, Associate Professor & Head of the Department of English, who highlighted the academic significance of interdisciplinary approaches to literature, history, and gender studies.
The highlight of the event was the Keynote Address by Dr. M.N. Parasuraman, Principal (in charge), Govt. Arts and Science College, Tholannur. Drawing upon extensive literary, historical, and architectural evidence, Dr. Parasuraman presented a comprehensive analysis of queer representation in India. He traced early references to queer identity and fluid genders across Hindu mythology, Islamic traditions, medieval Sultanate court histories, and sacred architectural iconography, such as those found in ancient temples like Madurai. He elaborated on how British colonial rule introduced Victorian moralities and legal frameworks that recategorized homosexuality as an offense, thereby marginalizing long-standing indigenous traditions of gender diversity.
Dr. Parasuraman focused extensively on the Indian context, introducing key books and foundational literature authored by members of the Indian queer community. Furthermore, he movingly narrated several real-life stories and lived experiences of individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, illustrating how personal narratives serve as the essential foundation for building formal critical theory.
Following the keynote lecture, an interactive session took place. Students of the FYUGP Double Major in English and History engaged enthusiastically, raising insightful questions regarding historical continuity, literary representation, and contemporary gender discourse. The resource person addressed each query thoughtfully, creating an encouraging environment for academic dialogue. Safvana, a final-year student of the FYUGP Double Major program, delivered the formal Vote of Thanks, expressing sincere gratitude to the resource person, department faculty, organizers, and active student participants. The seminar concluded on a highly positive note.
INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR-05 OCT 2026
“Why Kabir, Why Now? Religion, Politics and Society in Contemporary India”
Organised by: Department of English
Sree Neelakanta Government Sanskrit College, Pattambi
Date: 5 October 2026
Venue: Seminar Hall, Science Block
The Department of English, Sree Neelakanta Government Sanskrit College, Pattambi, organised an international seminar titled “Why Kabir, Why Now? Religion, Politics and Society in Contemporary India” on 5 October 2026 at the Seminar Hall, Science Block. The seminar aimed to explore the contemporary relevance of Kabir’s teachings and examine their significance in understanding the complex relationship between religion, politics and society in present-day India.
`The programme commenced at 11.00 AM with an invocation, followed by the welcome address delivered by Ms. Sukanya T. R., Assistant Professor (on Contract), Department of English. The presidential address was delivered by Dr. Sasikumar P., Assistant Professor, Department of English. The seminar was formally inaugurated by Prof. (Dr.) John P. R., Principal, SNGS Government College, Pattambi. Dr. Saritha Sivadas, Head of the Department of History, felicitated the gathering. Sri Manu M. R., Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, introduced the resource person, Dr. Rajeev Kumar, from the Alliance of Civilizations Institute, Ibn Haldun University, Istanbul, and Founder and Director of the Umran Academic Research Association, India and Türkiye.
The seminar session focused on the relevance of Kabir’s ideas in contemporary society, particularly in relation to religious pluralism, social harmony, political discourse and the challenges of communal divisions. The seminar was followed by an interactive session and question-and-answer discussion with the resource person. Participants had the opportunity to engage with the themes discussed and seek further insights into the contemporary significance of Kabir’s philosophy.
The programme concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Muhammed Nihal C., First-Year English/History, DM. The seminar served as a meaningful academic platform for engaging with questions of religion, politics and society through the enduring ideas of Kabir.
Submitted by:
Department of English
Sree Neelakanta Government Sanskrit College, Pattambi
