Naharkatiya: A two-day National Seminar on “Interpreting Narratives: LGBTQ Characters in the Literary and Visual Landscape” was successfully organised on October 16 and 17 by the Departments of English and Bengali, Naharkatiya College. The seminar aimed to provide an academic platform for teachers, scholars, and students to explore and discuss the representation of LGBTQ identities in literature and visual media, fostering inclusivity and interdisciplinary dialogue. The event received an enthusiastic response, with over 100 research papers contributed by participants from across India and abroad.
The inaugural ceremony was hosted by Dr. Patrika Handique, Assistant Professor, Department of English. Dr. Jyoti Prasad Konwar, Principal of Naharkatiya College, delivered the inaugural address, highlighting the institution’s commitment to promoting inclusive and progressive academic discourse. Dr. Chandramallika Hondikoi, Head of the Department of English and Convenor of the seminar, welcomed the participants and guests.
Also Read: Assam CM Clarifies Jail Conditions of Accused in Zubeen Garg Case
The Keynote Address was delivered by Prof. Sukalpa Bhattacharjee of North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, while Prof. Mridul Bordoloi of Dibrugarh University presented the Plenary Speech. Dr. Protim Sharma, Principal of Sibsagar Girls’ College, graced the occasion as Guest of Honour, sharing his valuable insights. The session concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Karabi Hazarika, Associate Professor, Department of English.
Across four technical sessions, conducted in both online and offline modes, participants presented papers on diverse themes, including queer identity in Indian cinema, gender fluidity in literature, and cultural representations of sexuality. The sessions were chaired by eminent scholars such as Dr. Madhumita Purkayastha, Dr. Jovial Kalita, Dr. Ananta Kumar Baruah, and Dr. Pradeep Kumar Sarkar, with Dr. Gitali Saikia and Prof. Sukalpa Bhattacharjee serving as resource persons. The seminar was also coordinated by Dr. Prabhakar Mandal, Head of the Department of Bengali, along with faculty members of the English Department.
The Valedictory Session, anchored by Shilpi Priya Saikia, Assistant Professor, Department of English, provided a reflective and inspiring conclusion. The organisers expressed deep satisfaction with the successful conduct of the seminar, noting its significance in promoting inclusive narratives and enriching academic understanding of LGBTQ issues through literary and visual perspectives. The two-day event concluded on a high note, paving the way for future collaborative research and dialogue in this vital and evolving field.
