The Sacred and the Sexual in South Asian Literature , South Asian Languages and Literatures Discussion Group, MLA Chicago 2014

full name / name of organization: 
Indrani Mitra/ Mount St. Mary's University
contact email: 

This Modern Language Association panel invites papers that interrogate gender and the constructions of sexuality in relation to one or more of the religious traditions of South Asia, and their local, regional, historically varied expressions. I envision this panel as a response to the needs of a truly secular culture where serious engagement of religious traditions is the minimum first step to addressing patriarchal and other form of violence in the name of faith. Essays may engage texts in any genre--fiction, poetry, drama, film, and popular culture. Please submit 250 word abstract and short bio by March 15, 2013 to Indrani Mitra (mitra@msmary.edu).