Jodhpur: The 23rd International Conference of the Rajasthan Association for Studies in English commenced on Friday at Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur. The conference, themed “Nuances of Narration: In the Context of Literature and Audiovisual Media,” was inaugurated at the university’s Golden Jubilee Celebration Auditorium under the chairmanship of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Pawan Kumar Sharma.
The chief guest, renowned linguist and Padma Shri awardee Prof. Ganesh Devy, who has also received the Sahitya Akademi Award for criticism, highlighted the importance of linguistic diversity and multiple narratives in preserving India’s cultural identity.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Devy said that state power was increasingly coming under corporate influence, replacing lived reality with virtual reality, presenting artificial rationality as normal in place of fundamental human sensitivities, and justifying violence. He observed that memory was being prioritised over imagination in contemporary times.
He described the present era as one in which narratives supported by those in power were being imposed on the narratives of ordinary people. “India will remain India only as long as the plurality of narratives is protected,” he said, cautioning that prioritising a single narrative over diverse perspectives would go against the very nature of the country.
Prof. Devy also expressed concern over the gradual disappearance of languages, emphasising that such trends might produce citizens of a nation but would not necessarily create citizens of a civilisation.
Prof. Rajul Bhargava, president of the Rajasthan Association for Studies in English and the guest of honour, said flexibility was one of the most significant aspects of narration. She noted that innovative methods of delivery and variations in vocal pitch could enrich the meaning and quality of expression.
Prof. Vic Gaffney from Australia observed that the diverse use of words and meanings enhances the aesthetic appeal of literature. Prof. Evgenia Zharikova from Russia explained that different styles of narration generate new meanings across languages, countries and cultural settings.
Introducing the conference theme, Prof. Hemendra Chandalia, vice-president of the association, said that oral literature often allows multiple creative interpretations of a single story. Despite variations in their narratives, these versions have historically found acceptance across different sections of society. He described this diversity as a defining strength of Indian culture.
The association’s general secretary, Dr. Raghuwant Singh, presented the annual report, while Prof. Satish Harit, head of the department, delivered the welcome address. Conference secretary Dr. Vivek Kumar Pahadia proposed the vote of thanks.
The conference also witnessed the release of its souvenir, the association’s journal, and a book authored by Dr. Vivek Pahadia and Vikas.
Prof. Ashutosh Mohan delivered the Prof. N. N. Joshi Memorial Lecture. In the afternoon session, Prof. Biswajoy Chatterjee, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Engineering and Management, delivered a special lecture.
The conference brought together scholars and academics from India and abroad to deliberate on the relationship between language, narration, literature and audiovisual media, with particular emphasis on the role of linguistic and cultural diversity in sustaining society.