Thinkers, Texts, and Traditions:  A Cultural Coalition

A Two-Day Multidisciplinary International Conference

Vivekananda School of English Studies

Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies-TC, Delhi

Vivekananda School of English Studies at the Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, Delhi, takes immense pride in announcing a groundbreaking International Conference titled Thinkers, Texts, and Traditions: A Cultural Coalition. This conference proposes a multidisciplinary exploration of the intricate relationship between thinkers, texts, and traditions. India's literary tradition is a vibrant tapestry, woven by the threads of countless thinkers and their enduring texts. These texts, both written and oral, represent the collective wisdom and artistic expression passed down through generations. Our journey begins with the ancient Vedas, composed around 1500 BCE, which mark the foundation of this literary tradition. These sacred texts, written in Vedic Sanskrit, exemplify the confluence of text and tradition. They not only codified religious beliefs but also laid the groundwork for philosophical inquiry and artistic expression. Over centuries, India's literary landscape flourished with contributions from thinkers across languages and regions. From poets in Tamil and Pali to philosophers in Prakrit and Sanskrit, each voice enriched the culture, adding layers of meaning and interpretation. Languages like Urdu, Persian, Bengali, and Hindi further broadened the scope, reflecting the cultural syncretism that defines India. Each historical period, from the Mauryan and Gupta empires to the Mughal era and beyond, left its unique imprint on this literary palimpsest. The conference will explore how these eras contributed to the evolution of Indian literature, highlighting the dynamic interplay between thinkers, text, and tradition. This international conference invites scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts. By examining the works of influential thinkers, analysing diverse texts, and exploring the evolution of traditions, we will gain a deeper appreciation for India's literary heritage.

Thinkers across generations have enriched this tradition with their unique voices. The Bhakti and Sufi movements, for example, used poetry to bridge social and religious divides. Texts like those by Kabir and Mirabai, with their blend of languages (Hindi, Punjabi, Sindhi, Rajasthani), exemplify the unifying power of tradition. Traditions are not static. Contemporary Indian literature embraces themes like globalization, identity politics, and environmentalism, while retaining its focus on love, morality, and existential questions. Writers like Arundhati Roy, Salman Rushdie, and Jhumpa Lahiri demonstrate the global reach of Indian literature, showcasing its ability to address the sociological realities of our interconnected world. Indian literature is a symphony of voices, each thinker contributing a unique note to the overall harmony. We celebrate this diversity while recognizing the unifying spirit that binds them together. In a world seeking connection, this literary heritage offers valuable insights into the power of storytelling to bridge divides and foster empathy. By exploring the texts of influential thinkers and delving into the evolution of traditions, this conference invites us to appreciate the philosophical and sociological depths of Indian literature. Let's explore how this symphony of voices can guide us towards a future of understanding and shared humanity.

Objectives

The primary objective of this conference is to bring together scholars, authors, critics, and enthusiasts of Indian literature:

• Unveil the philosophical underpinnings within texts, exploring how they grapple with life's core questions of existence, morality, and the human condition.
• To analyse how social structures, power dynamics, and historical events shape the creation, transmission, interpretation, and content of texts and traditions.
• To explore the unifying themes and motifs that transcend regional and linguistic barriers, creating a shared cultural and spiritual heritage.

We especially encourage papers engaging with intersectionality, and papers considering old ideas in a new light.

Key Themes

Possible topics include, but are not limited to

• Reimagining Canonical Texts: Tradition in Contemporary Literature
• Tradition, Text, and Identity: Intersectional Perspectives
• Oral Tradition and Folklore in Literature
• Postcolonial and Global Literature
• Tradition and Modernity
• Gender and Diversity
• Eco-Consciousness
• Historical Narratives and Mythology

Important Dates

Abstract Submission: 15th July 2024

Acceptance Notification: 20th July 2024

Full Paper Submission: 18th August 2024

For more information reach us at: vsesconference2024@gmail.com