INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR

Directorate of Higher Education, Haryana sponsored a one - day International Seminar, on “Emerging Trends in Contemporary Literature” on 16th March 2016 at University College, Kurukshetra University. Dr. Suchitra Deswal from Department of Applied Sciences and Humanities of Dronacharya College of Engineering, Gurgaon attended the seminar and presented the paper “New Perspectives in Indian Drama: Mahesh Dattani’s Plays”.

The Seminar was an attempt to provide a platform to academicians, researchers and practitioners for understanding the diverse trends in contemporary English literature. It meditated upon how the rapid changes in the societies across the globe is making new and diverse sort of literatures a global phenomenon; how these emerging trends can positively impact the field of literature as the content has the potential to be more exciting and relevant. Some of the sub - themes of the Seminar were Native Literature, Indian Writing in English, Literature in Translation, Dalit Literature, Historical Literature, World Literature and Campus Fiction.

The first session of the Seminar commenced with the Inaugural Session which witnessed the glittering presence of luminaries from various fields. Introduction to seminar was given by Dr Rita, Head, Department of English, University College, Kurukshetra.

The Key Note speaker at the international Seminar was Dr. Mary Koves, Department of Salvonic and Finno - Ugrian Studies, University of Delhi. The Presidential Address was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Bhim S. Dahiya, Former Vice - Chancellor, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra.

Prof. (Dr.) Tejinder Kaur, Director, Centre for Diaspora Studies, Punjab University and Prof. (Dr.) Neelima, ICDEOL Deputy Coordinator, Centre for Australian & New Zealand Studies (UGC Area Study Centre) HPU, Shimla took the first session. Dr. Tejinder Kaur spoke on diaspora literature. Dr. Neelima, an expert in Australian literature, spoke on children’s literature in English. Their talks were followed by the query session. In the technical session many parallel sessions were conducted, which were chaired by learned dignitaries. It had enlightening talks by delegates on wide - ranging facets of contemporary literature.

Dr. Deswal’s paper was based on the development of Indian English Drama over the decades and comparison with the veterans of Indian Drama with the upcoming writers of the present, especially Mr. Mahesh Dattani; with respect to themes, languages, stage settings, characterisation etc. The paper also studied a shift in charecterisation in the dramas of Mr. Dattani; analysing how in his plays, there is no great hero or villain but sheer courage or villainy; there is no grand milieu but a real India. An attempt was also made in the paper to study how Dattani’s drama takes care of all its contents and discontents; but there is no dragging out to unnecessary length. The paper also highlighted the unique use of stage and techniques merging the text with the enacted. Overall the paper depicted how Dattani becomes the moderator and modifier of existing Indian English Drama.

In the Valedictory Session Prof. (Dr.) Anu Shukla, Head, Department of English, C. D. L.U, Sirsa delivered her erudite lecture that was loudly applauded by the august gathering. Vote of Thanks was given by Dr. R. Sudan, Principal, University College, Kurukshetra. In the end certificates were distributed to the participants.

The seminar brought to light how various researchers can explore and present their conceptual skills, knowledge and ideas in new perspectives. It showcased how contemporary literature is distinct from what literature was earlier. The seminar was quite enriching and extensive in its themes and provided an opportunity to expand perspective of the emerging trends in contemporary Indian English Literature.