NATIONAL SEMINAR ONDigital Futures and Beyond: Emerging Paradigms in English Studies

27 December 2025

Organised by
Department of English, Hill-Top Degree College, Mohana, Gajapati, Odisha
Venue: Seminar Hall, Hill-Top Degree College
Website:www.hilltopdegreecollegemohana.edu.in

 Invitation

Respected Sir/Madam,
It is our pleasure to inform you that the Department of English, Hill-Top Degree College, Mohana, Gajapati, Odisha, is organising a one-day national-level seminar on “Digital Futures and Beyond: Emerging Paradigms in English Studies” on 27 December 2025. We warmly invite you, your colleagues, and your students to participate in the seminar and extend your valued support in making it a meaningful and enriching academic event.

Dr Pranabananda Patusi (H.O.D., Department of English)
Sri Subhrakanta Mohanty (Principal, Hill-Top Degree College)

 Invited SpeakersKeynote Speaker

Prof. (Dr.) Nigamananda Das
Professor, Department of English
Nagaland University, Nagaland

Plenary Speakers

Prof. (Dr.) Krushna Chandra Mishra
Professor & Head, Department of English
Rajiv Gandhi Central University, Arunachal Pradesh

Prof. (Dr.) Asima Ranjan Parhi
Professor & Head, Department of English
Utkal University

Prof. (Dr.) Ranjit Kumar Pati
Former H.O.D., Department of English
S.K.C.G. (Auto) Govt. College, Paralakhemundi, Gajapati, Odisha

Prof. (Dr.) Mahitosh Mandal
Assistant Professor, Department of English
Presidency University, Kolkata, West Bengal

About Hill-Top Degree College

Established in 2000, Hill-Top Degree College, Mohana, emerged in response to the pressing need for accessible higher education in this tribal-majority region of Gajapati district. Founded with the vision of empowering socially and economically vulnerable communities—particularly SC/ST/OBC/Minority groups and young women—the college has steadily expanded its academic offerings. Beginning with undergraduate programmes in the Arts, it has grown into one of the premier educational institutions in the locality.The college entered a new phase of development when it introduced Honours programmes in History, Political Science, and Education. It now offers Honours courses in Education, History, IRPM, Odia, Political Science (48 seats each) and English (16 seats), the latter introduced in the academic session 2022–2023.

 About the Department of English

The Department of English is one of the most vibrant academic units of Hill-Top Degree College. Running a dedicated undergraduate Honours programme with 16 seats, the department consistently engages students in critical reading, interdisciplinary inquiry, and culturally grounded learning. Its aim is to cultivate a space for intellectual growth, creative engagement, and academic excellence.

 Seminar Concept Note

English Studies in the 21st century is undergoing rapid transformation, shaped by evolving intellectual, cultural, ecological, and technological paradigms. Digital futures, alongside shifting frameworks of identity, history, ecology, linguistics, and cultural diversity, are redefining how literature and language are produced, interpreted, and taught.

From digital media innovations and AI-assisted literary analysis to questions of tribal knowledge systems, forest ecologies, translation, trauma, memory, and multilingual experiences, the discipline is witnessing multiple emerging trajectories. This seminar seeks to engage with these shifting paradigms—digital and beyond—and provide a platform for scholars to reflect on new methodologies, interdisciplinary intersections, and contemporary challenges in English Studies.

Abstracts are invited on, but not limited to, the following sub-themes:

• Digital Transformations in Literary Studies
• Artificial Intelligence and Literary Criticism
• Hybrid Genres, Graphic Narratives, and New Media
• Ecocriticism and Environmental Literature
• Trauma, Memory, and Narrative Representation
• Identity, Intersectionality, and Representation
• Postcolonialism, Neocolonialism, and Cultural Identity
• Tribal Literatures, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, and Forest Ecologies
• Dalit Literatures and Narratives of Marginality
• Language, Multilingualism, and Cultural Diversity
• Translation, Transculturation, and Cross-Cultural Mediation

Registration Fees

Free (No registration charges)

The Scenic Landscape of Mohana

As accommodation will not be provided by the department, participants are encouraged to make their travel and lodging arrangements in advance. Several lodges in Mohana offer comfortable stays for outstation participants.

Beyond the academic sessions, Mohana offers a unique experience to visitors. Nestled amidst the forested landscapes of the Eastern Ghats, it is home to vibrant tribal communities, scenic waterfalls, and serene natural environments. Notable nearby attractions include Mahendragiri, Gandahati Waterfall, and Chandragiri, a well-known Buddhist site located approximately 19 km away.

Participants are encouraged to explore the region’s natural beauty, tribal cultural heritage, forest trails, and eco-tourism opportunities. The tranquil, forest-like surroundings of the college offer a refreshing academic–touristic experience. Advance booking is recommended for those planning local excursions.

 Seminar Participation

Academicians, researchers, and students from diverse disciplines are invited to submit their original research papers.

 Guidelines for Paper Submission

• Abstract: 200–250 words
• Full paper: 3,500–5,000 words
• Must include: Abstract, Keywords (5–6), Objectives, Methodology, Interpretation, In-text citations, and References
• Citation style: MLA 9th Edition
• Authors must provide: Name, Academic affiliation, Email, and Contact Number
• Format: 1.5 spacing, Times New Roman, MS Word format, English only

Submit Abstract by: 20December 2025

Notification of acceptance: 21 December 2025
Last Date for Full Paper Submission: 22 December 2025
Email: hilltopdegreecollegeseminar@gmail.com

Contact

Dr Pranabananda Patusi — Convenor (H.O.D., Department of English, Hill-Top Degree College)9438722300
Sri Subhrakanta Mohanty — Patron