Thursday, October 17, 2024

REPORT OF THE KATHMANDU CONFERENCE, SEPT 27-29, 2024



Report of the 25th International MELOW Conference, held at Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal

 

Overview

This report summarizes the key outcomes of the 25th Melow International Conference, featuring approximately 125 presentations, two keynote addresses, three panel discussions, and approximately fifty media coverages across Nepal. Centered on the theme "Echoes of the Earth: Interplay of Literature and Landscape," the conference highlighted the profound relationship between terrestrial landscapes and human creativity, showcasing how natural environments inspire and shape literary expression.

Participants explored the multifaceted dynamics between literature and landscape, examining how settings like the wilderness in Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness and the tropical backdrop in Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things reflect thematic elements and character psychology. Additionally, poetry was discussed as a medium for emotional resonance, with works by William Wordsworth and Siddhicharan Shrestha serving as prominent examples. The conference emphasized the urgency of environmental conservation, referencing Elizabeth Kolbert's The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History to illustrate the need for awareness of the human-nature relationship.

Sub-themes addressed included theoretical considerations, indigeneity, urban versus rural aesthetics, and the significance of water bodies and mountains in literature. Overall, the conference successfully facilitated rich dialogue and insights into how literature not only portrays landscapes but also deepens our understanding of them, encouraging a renewed appreciation for the natural world.

       Keynote Addresses and Panel Discussion

Keynote addresses were delivered by Professor P. Unni Krishnan, titled "Nostalgia, Wonder and Terror: An Examination of Differing and Distancing Landscapes in Literature and Arts," and Professor Ammaraj Joshi, who delivered his talk on "Nature and Creative Art: Trajectory from Mythic Adulation to Anthropocene Apprehension." Additionally, a panel discussion with Professors Krishna C. Sharma, Anand Sharma, and Jib Lal Sapkota chaired by Ram C. Paudel focused on "Visions of Nature: Space, Landscape, and Forests in Sacred and Literary Traditions." This topic is significant as it emphasizes the role of literature in enhancing our understanding of landscapes and the urgent need for environmental conservation, fostering greater awareness of the intricate interplay between humanity and nature.

Networking and Engagement

On the opening day, following the inaugural session, a group photo was taken with all delegates, organizers, and chairs, which is featured on the MELOW social media. This was followed by tea and cookies that facilitated lively interactions, allowing attendees to forge new connections. Before the conference, a media interview with the governing body of MELOW, including President Prof. Manju Jaidka, was conducted, garnering coverage from major media outlets, and leading to the publication of a formal newsletter. Daily newsletters reported the presentations and cultural program that showcased Nepali culture alongside performances from India, Poland, and other nations. With 115 participants from various countries, including Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Australia, the US, and Europe, the conference created a vibrant environment for meaningful exchanges and collaborative opportunities among attendees. The diverse backgrounds and expertise of the participants enriched discussions and highlighted the potential for future collaborations.

 The keynote address delivered by Professor Krishnan Unni P., titled Nostalgia, Wonder, and Terror: An Examination of Differing and Distancing Landscapes in Literature and Arts,”  explored the intersection of landscapes and literature through four key ideas: first, the connection between landscape and writers from Homer to Vigil; second, the themes of nostalgia and wonder in literature, particularly from the mid-17th to the early 19th century, as illustrated by the works of artists like C.G. Turner and John Constable. Prof Unni then examined how literature reflects colonial agendas, shifting from wonder to terror within the context of European modernity. Finally, he analyzed 20th-century literary forms and their responses to colonialism across various regions, emphasizing the sociological implications embedded in landscapes. He concluded by addressing contemporary perceptions of landscapes in a digitized world, posing a thought-provoking question: Will AI ever succeed in creating a landscape of its own?”

 The second keynote address was delivered by Prof. Amma Raj Joshi, a distinguished faculty member at Tribhuvan University and former Vice-Chancellor of Far-Western University, Nepal. Chaired by Prof. Roshan Lal Sharma, Prof. Joshi's presentation was titled Nature and Creative Art: Trajectory from Mythic Adulation to Anthropocene Apprehension.” In his talk, he intermittently reflected on Western literature from the mythical and classical periods to the present, incorporating insights from Vedic and Upanishadic anecdotes, the Sanskrit works of Kalidasa, and Nepali literature since Lekhnath Poudel. He explored the human-nature relationship, attitudes toward nature in these writings, and the positions of writers in their literary creations.

 On the final day of the conference, there was a panel discussion in which senior professors from Nepal participated: Prof. Krishna Chandra Sharma, Prof. Ananda Sharma, and Prof. Jib Lal Sapkota. Prof. Sharma emphasized the importance of recognizing the Vedic texts not as mere science fiction but as a profound reflection of ancient human society, highlighting their relevance to contemporary ecological themes. Prof. Ananda Sharma introduced the concept of phytocentrism, asserting that we dont have stories if we dont have trees,” and illustrated how forests serve as spaces for self-discovery and existential exploration. Prof. Sapkota, quoting from the Atharva Veda, stressed that the Earth is our mother,” advocating for a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature through ecocriticism. Chair Prof. Poudel concluded the session and fielded questions and suggestions from the audience.

 This year’s Isaac Sequeira Memorial Special Lecture was delivered by Prof Roshan Lal Sharma who spoke of “Nature in Whitman.” The session was chaired by Prof Anil Raina. In his highly erudite talk, Prof Sharma explored the dual significance of nature in Walt Whitman's poetry, highlighting both its imagery and his deep, internalized connection to the natural world. He emphasized how Whitman's engagement with nature was both intense, reflecting its raw energy, and non-conventional, particularly in comparison to his contemporaries like Emerson and Dickinson. His groundbreaking work, "Leaves of Grass," showcased a distinct poetic approach that intertwined his creative consciousness with the essence of nature, revealing a symbiotic relationship between the two. 

The ISM Award Session for the best paper presented by a young speaker had three participants: Debasmita Das, Ritu Varghese, and Shruti Gaur. Chairing the session was Prof Virginia Dominguez who logged in online from Urbana-Champaign, USA. The prestigious award went to Ritu Varghese from Vellore Institute of Technology, Andhra Pradesh, whose paper on “Miramais in Vrindavan: Reading Bhakti, Spatiality, and Trauma in K. R. Meera’s The Poison of Love” was much appreciated by all.

For the unversed, the Isaac Sequeira Memorial Award is in its 17th year now. Highly competitive, it is one of the main attractions of the MELOW Conference. This year, as many as 75 delegates competed for the award which comprises a certificate, a cash prize of Rs. 5,000, and – of course – a lot of prestige!

 Behind the scenes:

While there is no doubt that the conference in the safe precincts of the university campus was a resounding success, there was a lot of turmoil outside the conference venue. The first day passed peacefully, with all the participants reporting on time and the sessions taking off according to schedule. 

However, on the second day of the conference, amid incessant downpour, a landslide occurred early in the morning, severely affecting the area around some of the hotels where our delegates were housed. The crisis necessitated immediate action in the face of inclement weather. Rescue teams were mobilized, and participants evacuated safely but only after some of them had spent more than twenty-four hours trapped in their hotel rooms without internet, water, or electricity. Buses from Kathmandu University were made available to transport them to the university bag and baggage. From there they were moved to safer areas. Roadblocks caused delays for many other participants and some could not make it to the venue at all. Their presentations were rescheduled for the third day or – those who still did not make it – were held the following week online.

Swift decisions and appropriate action taken by the local organizers and the MELOW team ensured the safety of all the participants, coordinating evacuations and transportation from various hotels and rescheduling the conference program, morale-boosting, and ensuring a smooth continuation of the event.

The conference “Echoes of the Earth” centered on Nature and its diverse manifestations, including the caprices of the natural world and the repercussions of Mother Nature when humans overstep their bounds. Remarkably aligned with the conference theme, delegates witnessed Nature’s fury firsthand as it inundated the countryside, uprooted trees, triggered landslides, and halted all human activities. Fortunately, after this tumult, Nature revealed its gentler side, as blue skies returned, the sun shone with renewed hope, and birds sang in the air. The conference in Kathmandu proved to be a profoundly holistic experience that will linger in our memories for years to come.

 Acknowledgments

MELOW would like to place on record its debt to the local organizers, the Vice-Chancellor, faculty and students of Kathmandu University for the enthusiasm and sincerity evident in their support during the conference. In particular, the contribution of Dr. Khagendra Acharya and Prof Susmita Talukdar who first initiated the planning of the conference, is gratefully acknowledged. The Registrar of KU; Dean of Management; Dr. Hem Raj Kafle; Mr. Narayan Niraula, Dr. Kashiraj Pandey, Mr. Yadav Adhikari, and Mr. Punya Koirala, all joined hands to ensure the smooth conduct of the conference. Hopefully, this association between MELOW and KU will continue in times to come and there will be many more occasions for mutual interaction and exchange of ideas.

 In the GBM that followed, some discussion took place which will be communicated to members in due course. Meanwhile, let us congratulate ourselves on reaching a milestone: the 25th international conference of an academic organization is no small achievement. Well done, MELOW members! Keep going!

 Manju Jaidka (Prof), President, MELOW

 Supported by:

Vice-President:  Debarati Bandyopadhyay, Prof, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, WB
Secretary:  Manpreet Kaur Kang, Prof, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi

Jt. Secretary: Roshan Lal Sharma, Prof, C.U. of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala

Treasurer: Aneel Kumar Raina, former Prof of English, Panjab University, Chandigarh

 [Report compiled by Srishti Sharma, IPU, Delhi, with the help of the media team of Kathmandu University]

  



Monday, April 15, 2024

CONFERENCE CALL: 25th INTERNATIONAL MELOW CONFERENCE - KATHMANDU, NEPAL

 



Conference Call

25th MELOW International Conference to be held at Kathmandu University, NEPAL

27-29 September 2024

on

Echoes of the Earth: Interplay of Literature and Landscape

Throughout history, terrestrial landscapes have captivated human curiosity, serving as a significant muse for creative practitioners. Whether it be the enigmatic allure of towering mountains, the mystical charm of dense forests, or the vast expanse of oceans, the natural environment has served as a symbolic platform for portraying human existence, emotive expression, and contemplation of the human condition.

The dynamic relationship between literature and landscape is multifaceted, serving as both a backdrop for narrative events and a vehicle for emotional expression. In fictional works, landscapes such as the untamed wilderness in Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness and the tropical setting of Kerala in Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things not only provide a physical setting but also reflect the thematic elements of the narratives. Eugene O'Neill's The Emperor Jones exemplifies how the landscape, like the jungle, can symbolize the psychological state of characters. In poetry, the landscape serves as a vehicle for memory and emotional expression, as seen in William Wordsworth's "Tintern Abbey" and Siddhicharan Shrestha's "Mero Pyaro Okhaldhunga." Additionally, in argumentative writings such as Elizabeth Kolbert's The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History, the relationship between humans and nature is explored, emphasizing the urgency of environmental conservation.

The September 2024 MELOW International Conference will explore the relationship between literature and landscapes, investigating both the depiction of landscapes in literature and literature's role in enhancing our understanding of landscapes.

The conference will address the following sub-themes:

1.     Theoretical considerations

2.     Environment, indigeneity, and spirituality

3.     Forests and fantasies, woods, and wilderness

4.     Landscapes –urban and rural: aesthetics and identity

5.     Low-lying locations: plains and possibilities, deserts and desolation

6.     Mountains, mountaineering, mystery and menace 

7.     Water bodies: rivers and reflections, oceans, and odyssey

The thrust of each panel will be on Literature and its relationship with Nature.

Important Dates

Announcement/Call for Abstract: 15 April 

Abstract Submission: 25 May 2024

Notification to Authors: 15 June 2024

Full-length papers due (those competing for the ISM Award*): 1 Aug 2024

Full-length Paper Due (those who wish to publish in the MELOW journal: 1 Sept 2024

     Programme to be finalized: 10 Sept 2024


MODE OF ABSTRACT SUBMISSION

The subject line of your message should be: ABSTRACT NEPAL 2024 [YOUR NAME]

If you’re competing for the ISM Award*: state clearly “Indian citizen below 40 competing for the ISM Award”

Abstracts may be sent in the format given below.

 

1.     THEME under which abstract may be considered (1 to 7 as given above): 

       Note: Please send only ONE abstract. Double submissions will not be considered.

2.     MELOW conferences attended earlier (in which year and where):

3.     Are you currently a member of MELOW? Or do you need a fresh / renewed membership? Please specify.

4.     Competing for ISM Award*: YES or NO

5.     PPT presentation YES or NO

6.     Name of Delegate

       Official designation (Designation/Dept/College/University)

       Email id

7.     Title of Abstract

8.     ABSTRACT [Text] 200-250 words

 

9.      

 

Send your abstract to melusmelow@gmail.com with a copy to khagendra@ku.edu.np

 Deadline for receipt of abstracts is 25 May 2024 

Presenters need to be at least postgraduate research scholars, teachers, or independent scholars.

All abstracts will be peer-reviewed before they are accepted.

This is an in-person conference. Online sessions may be considered for delegates from outside India/Nepal/Bangladesh.

All paper presenters need to be members of MELOW. In case you are not a member, you may send your abstract now and apply for membership once it is accepted.

Details of membership/registration fees will be sent along with the acceptance letter.

* ISAAC SEQUEIRA MEMORIAL AWARD:

In memory of the late Prof Isaac Sequeira, MELOW annually awards a prize for the best paper presented by a young scholar (below forty at the time of the conference) at its conference. The award comprises a certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 5,000. The competition is open to Indian citizens who are members of MELOW. The abstract and paper should be submitted by the stipulated deadline in the required format. Joint entries will not be accepted for the ISM Award.

 For further inquiries please email: melusmelow@gmail.com

Our website: www.melow.in

ABOUT MELOW

MELOW (The Society for the Study of the Multi-Ethnic Literatures of the World) was first set up in 1997 as MELUS-India. It is an academic organization, among the foremost of its kind in India. The members are college and university teachers, scholars and critics interested in literature, particularly in world literatures, and literary connections across borders of time and space. The organization meets every year over an international conference. It seeks to maintain academic standards, encourages younger scholars, and provides a forum for a fruitful exchange between upcoming and senior scholars in literature.

MEJO, The MELOW journal has existed in hard print for more than a decade. It is now published annually online.

Current Office Bearers of MELOW

The Governing Body

President: Manju Jaidka, former Prof of English, Panjab University, Chandigarh

Vice-President:  Debarati Bandyopadhyay, Prof, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, WB

Secretary:  Manpreet Kaur Kang, Prof, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi

Jt. Secretary: Roshan Lal Sharma, Prof, C.U. of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala

Treasurer: Aneel Kumar Raina, former Prof of English, Panjab University, Chandigarh

 

Regional Representatives:

Prof Sushila Singh (Varanasi)

Prof Sachidananda Mohanty (Orissa, India)

Prof Dipankar Purkayastha (Silchar)

Prof Jap Preet Bhangu (Longowal, Pb)

Prof Sanjay Mukherjee (Gujarat)

Prof Kalpana Purohit (Rajasthan)

Dr Neela Sarkar (Kolkata)

Dr Meenu Gupta (Chandigarh)

International Advisory Board

Prof Giorgio Mariani (U of Rome, Italy)

Prof Rajeshwari Pandharipande (U of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA)

Prof Mukesh Williams (Soka University, Japan)

Prof Pawel Jędrzejko (U of Silesia, Katowice, Poland)

Assistant International Advisors

Dr Ui Terramoto (Japan)

Dr Khagendra Acharya (Nepal)

 

Reach us on: www.melow.in, www.melusmelow.blogspot.in

and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003036474708&fref=ts

Email: melusmelow@gmail.com

  

ABOUT THE HOST INSTITUTION

Kathmandu University (KU) is an autonomous, not-for-profit, self-funding public institution established by an Act of Parliament in December 1991. It is an institution of higher learning dedicated to maintaining the standard of academic excellence in various classical and professional disciplines. The mission statement of the University is “to provide quality education for leadership”. The vision is “to become a world-class university devoted to bringing knowledge and technology to the service of mankind”. The University aspires to serve the nation by fulfilling the needs of the society through the motto of taking knowledge and skills “from the campus to the community.” 

Established in 1951 as Nepal's pioneering women's campus, Padma Kanya Multiple Campus (PKMC), affiliated with Tribhuvan University (TU) has evolved from its humble beginnings into a beacon of empowerment for women. Initially focusing on humanities, PKMC now offers a diverse range of bachelor’s and master’s programs, preparing students for the challenges of the modern global market. Rooted in the vision of women's empowerment, PKMC strives to equip its students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a sustainable and prosperous future. Looking ahead, PKMC envisions transformation into a fully-fledged Women’s University with its mission of providing quality education, vesting women to lead the future with competence.



Tuesday, October 17, 2023

There's a Spirit in the Woods: International Conference on Literature and Ecology

 

Conference Call

LITERATURE AND ECOLOGY

 

Concept Note

In an era marked by escalating environmental concerns and a pressing need for sustainable coexistence with the natural world, the study of literature through the lens of ecology has gained significance. Ecocriticism, as an interdisciplinary field, explores the intricate relationships between literature, culture, and the environment, offering valuable insights into how human beings perceive, interact with, and represent the natural world in their creative expressions. The proposed conference aims to delve deep into the multifaceted dimensions of ecocritical approaches to literature, fostering discussions that illuminate the symbiotic connection between artistic imagination and ecological consciousness.

The ecocritical approach recognizes the power of literature to shape perceptions and attitudes towards ecology – the environment, environmental ethics, activism, and policy-making. Analyzing the ways in which nature is portrayed, celebrated, exploited, or lamented in literary works, scholars can unravel the ecological, social, and philosophical implications of these representations. The proposed conference will provide a platform for academics, researchers, and enthusiasts to explore key themes that discuss the following issues:

1.      Nature as Character and Metaphor: How does literature personify nature, attributing human-like qualities to natural entities? How do ecological metaphors and symbols enrich our understanding of environmental issues?

2.      Wilderness and Urban Landscapes: Investigate depictions of wilderness and urban environments in literature. What do these portrayals reveal about the human-nature relationship and the impacts of urbanization?

3.      Environmental Justice: Examine narratives that address environmental inequalities, marginalized communities, and the socio-economic implications of ecological degradation.

4.      Climate Fiction (Cli-Fi): Explore the emerging genre of climate fiction, analyzing how authors envision and convey potential futures shaped by climate change.

5.      Eco-spirituality and Indigenous Knowledge: Delve into the spiritual connections between humans and the natural world, drawing from indigenous knowledge systems and cultural perspectives.

6.      Ecofeminism: Discuss the intersections between gender, ecology, and literature, exploring how feminist perspectives contribute to ecological discourse.

7.      Postcolonial Ecocriticism: Analyze how colonial legacies influence literary representations of landscapes, resource exploitation, and the indigenous relationship with nature.

8.      Ecopoetics: Study the aesthetic dimensions of eco-poetry and eco-prose, considering how literary forms and techniques engage with ecological themes.

9.      Theoretical Considerations: Explore and critique the contribution of theorists on the subject of Ecocriticism, Literature and Ecology, and Nature Writing.

10.   Specific authors and their texts.

 

This conference seeks to foster an inclusive and diverse dialogue, inviting scholars from literature, environmental studies, philosophy, cultural studies, and related fields to participate in a stimulating environment, examining literary texts from different historical periods, genres, and cultural contexts. Participants will contribute to a nuanced understanding of humanity's evolving relationship with the natural world. Through critical analysis and discussion, the seminar aims to unearth the transformative potential of literature in shaping ecological awareness and inspiring sustainable action.

Paper proposals are invited that engage with these thematic areas and encourage innovative interpretations, comparative analyses, and interdisciplinary explorations. Fostering collaboration and sharing insights, the seminar aspires to illuminate the ways in which ecocritical approaches to literature contribute to our collective efforts in nurturing a more ecologically conscious and harmonious world.

 

How to submit your abstract:

Abstracts of about 200-250 words are invited on panels 1-10 listed above. Please follow the following format:

 

Panel under which the abstract may be considered (1 to 10):

Mode of presentation: online (for delegates from outside India) or in person?

Is ppt required? Yes or No:

Name of the participant:

Designation and Affiliation:

Email id:

Title of the abstract:

The abstract in 200-250 words

Keywords (4-5):

 

Note:

i.                 The seminar will be hosted by SRM University, Delhi-NCR, Sonepat, India.

ii.                This will be a hybrid event. Participants from outside India will make their presentations online.

iii.               Participants from India will attend the seminar in person.

iv.               Details regarding Registration fee/accommodation will be sent along with the acceptance letters. For (online) participants from abroad there will be no fee.

v.                Full papers will be invited before the seminar.

vi.               Selected papers will go into a volume to be published by Springer.

 

Mail your abstracts by Nov 15, 2023, to ency.iwie@gmail.com with a copy to melusmelow@gmail.com

 

Important Deadlines:

Announcement: October 20, 2023

Deadline for Abstracts: November 15, 2023

Acceptance letters to be sent by: November 30, 2023

Full papers due by: January 30, 2024.

Proposed conference dates: 2-3 March 2024

MANJU JAIDKA (Prof)

Director of Humanities