CALL FOR PAPERS

Beyond Human Divide: Revisiting the Partition of India

International Conference on 8th August 2025 (Friday)

Concept Note

The Partition of India in 1947 remains one of the most defining and traumatic events in South Asian history. It led to the creation of two independent nations, India and Pakistan (West and East), and was accompanied by large-scale violence, displacement, and a deep-seated legacy of division. While much has been written about the political negotiations, communal strife, and human suffering that marked this period, the conference Beyond Human Divide: Revisiting the Partition of India seeks to explore the partition beyond conventional narratives.

This conference delves into the lesser-known dimensions of the Partition, examining its impact not only on human populations but also on cultural identities, ecological landscapes, and socio-political structures. By weaving together historical accounts, personal testimonies, and interdisciplinary analyses, this work offers a fresh perspective on how the event continues to shape the subcontinent. It moves beyond the human toll to consider broader consequences—on shared cultural traditions, economic transformations, and even the environment.

Partition’s legacy continues to impact Indian Sub-continent influencing political, social and economic dynamics. Examining the past helps us comprehend the complexities of the present thus preventing similar conflicts, appreciating the complexities of nation building, promoting peaceful coexistence and cross-cultural understanding, breaking down stereotypes and addressing the needs of affected nations with diverse communities; leading to a more inclusive and peaceful future.

In revisiting the Partition, this conference challenges rigid nationalistic interpretations and explores the fluidity of identities that existed before and after 1947. It asks critical questions: How do memory and trauma persist across generations? What role do literature and art play in shaping Partition narratives? Can reconciliation be achieved despite decades of division? By addressing these themes, this conference not only revisits history but also examines its enduring relevance in contemporary South Asia. Through this exploration, we hope to encourage a deeper understanding of Partition as more than a geopolitical event—it was, and continues to be, a lived experience that transcends borders, generations, and disciplines.

Reading, Researching and Revisiting the Partition literature after seventy-five years of Independence is crucial for us. By revisiting Partition through literature, we can gain a deeper understanding of its impact on individuals, communities and nations and how it continues to shape our cultural landscapes.

Hon’ble Chairperson Mr. Arun Bharatram of Lady Shri Ram College for Women has instituted a research grant called the Dr Bharat Ram Research Grant to encourage and support faculty interested in carrying out original research in collaboration with other faculty and students. This grant is offered by the Shriram Education Foundation, that appreciates and promotes these initiatives as well as focusses on the spirit of innovation and creation of new knowledge.

Suggested themes of the Conference

Papers should address the following topics, but not limited to:

• Women and Gendered Experiences in Partition
• Economic transformations and Class hierarchy in Partition
• Partition in Translation
• Religious conflict/ confluence in Partition
• Trauma/ suffering of Partition
• Narratives of Empowerment and Glory in Partition
• Intersections of History, Memory and Literature in Partition narratives
• Affected Migration, Displacement and Refugee identities
• Erasure or Renewal of Value systems/ Ethics during Partition
• Community building in Partition
• Literature, cinema, and art as sites of partition memory
• Environmental consequences of Partition: land, water, and resource conflicts
• Linguistic Diversity in Partition

Submission Guidelines

This conference is open to academics and researchers from diverse disciplines. We invite participants from India and abroad to submit papers on the above-mentioned sub-themes in English as well as Hindi. The main goal of the conference is to examine and evaluate the contributions of fictional narratives in the domain of Partition of India.

• Participants are expected to adhere to international standards in assessing the quality and relevance of their papers.
• The conference will be conducted in both English and Hindi.
• Prospective participants should submit a 200-300 word abstract and a brief bio-note (150 words) of the author by March 12th 2025.
• Full papers of the selected participants are due by April 30th 2025.
• The conference will be held in both virtual and physical formats.
• Papers should be between 3000-5000 words and follow the MLA style guide, complete with academic references and bibliography.
• Please submit your abstract and full paper to partition1947conference@gmail.com

Submission must be made in the PDF format.

• Selected papers will be published in an edited volume after conference proceedings.
• Each participant will be allocated around 15 minutes to present their paper.
• Proceedings of the conference and the selected papers will be published in edited volumes of English and Hindi.
• Due to limited funding, participants will need to cover their own expenses for attending the conference in person. Papers will be selected based on merit.

Important Dates

• Conference date: August 8th, 2025 (Friday)
• Abstract submission deadline: March 12th, 2025 (Monday)
• Full paper submission deadline: April 30th, 2025 (Wednesday)

Registration Fee

• Faculty: Rs. 1000
• Research Scholars/ Students: Rs. 500

Details regarding registration will be shared shortly.

In case of any further query, kindly message the following on WhatsApp only (Between 11a.m- 5p.m) Or you may write to us on: partition1947conference@gmail.com

Looking forward to your active participation.

Project Heads:

Dr. Kanchan Verma (Contact no. 7011752234)

Ms. Maitreyee Mandal (Contact no. 9873364858)