MAHENDERGARH, 30.04.26-A two-day International Conference on “Decolonising English Literary Studies: Indigenous Epistemologies, Counter-Narratives, and Knowledge Futures” was inaugurated on April 30, 2026, at the Central University of Haryana with enthusiastic participation from academicians, researchers, scholars, and students from across India and several countries abroad.

The conference is being jointly organised by the Department of English and Foreign Languages, Central University of Haryana, in collaboration with the University of Alcalá, Spain, and the Comparative Literature Association of India, with Literary Voice and Rupkatha Journal as publishing partners.

All the dignitaries present on the dais—Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Haryana, Prof. Tankeshwar Kumar; Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Gujarat, Prof. Atanu Bhattacharya; Prof. Sudhir Kumar, Former Professor, Panjab University and Former Visiting Professor, Nalanda University; Prof. Francisco Saez de Adana, University of Alcalá, Spain; Prof. Sumedha Bhandari, Punjab Agricultural University; and Prof. T.S. Satyanath, University of Delhi, Prof. Tanu Gupta, Head, Department of English and Foreign Languages, Central University of Haryana—jointly inaugurated the conference and released the conference souvenir.

In his inaugural address as the Chief Guest during the session, Prof. Atanu Bhattacharya, Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Gujarat, shared his views on the intellectual foundations of decolonisation. Drawing upon Hegel’s dialectical model of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis, he questioned whether alternative frameworks of thinking about subjectivity and citizenship could emerge beyond Western paradigms.

He highlighted that ecological consciousness has long been embedded in Indian knowledge systems—from Vedic and Upanishadic traditions to Puranic narratives—and referred to the centuries-old evolution of rasa theory as evidence of deeply rooted aesthetic traditions. Emphasising that Indian epistemology often unfolds through narrative forms, he observed that key philosophical concepts have historically been articulated through stories.

Prof. Bhattacharya also spoke about the contemporary “battle of narratives,” particularly in the age of social media, and pointed out that while modern knowledge systems are largely scientific and evidence-based, India has not adequately archived its oral traditions and indigenous knowledge systems. He stressed the need for creating robust digital archives to preserve these traditions and to shape future knowledge systems. Reflecting on “knowledge futures,” he referred to speculative fiction as a literary mode that enables societies to imagine alternative futures, and invoked the philosophical concept of maya to underscore deeper questions of perception and reality.

In his presidential address during the inaugural session of the conference, Prof. Tankeshwar Kumar remarked that he deeply understands the significance of decolonisation and its relevance in the contemporary academic and social context. He emphasised the need to rethink established frameworks of knowledge and create greater space for indigenous perspectives and marginalised voices within academia. He appreciated the collaborative initiative with the University of Alcalá, Spain, and noted that such engagements foster meaningful dialogue across cultures and disciplines, contributing to more inclusive knowledge futures.

The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Sudhir Kumar, Former Professor, Panjab University and Former Visiting Professor, Nalanda University, who offered a profound reflection rooted in Indian intellectual traditions. Drawing upon the Vishnu Purana, he emphasised that true knowledge is that which liberates. He argued that rather than being preoccupied solely with postcolonial or decolonial frameworks, it is essential to understand the idea of critical swaraj—an intellectual self-realisation rooted in one’s own traditions.

He highlighted the unbroken lineage of Indian thinkers who have consistently urged a deeper understanding of selfhood and knowledge. Reflecting on concepts such as kavya and sahitya, he elaborated on the literal and philosophical meaning of sahitya as a spirit of union, communion, and togetherness—pointing towards a non-dualistic understanding of subjectivity. He also referred to Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak and David Damrosch’s interventions in rethinking literature, while emphasising the importance of engaging with indigenous terminology and conceptual frameworks as forms of intellectual “technology.”
The inaugural session commenced with a welcome address by the Convener of the Conference and Head of the Department, Prof. Tanu Gupta. She highlighted that the conference marks not merely an academic event, but the beginning of a critical dialogue that questions established frameworks and reimagines the future of English literary studies.

An overwhelming response was received for the conference, with around 670 abstracts submitted, of which 472 were formally registered after a rigorous review process, bringing together 554 participants. The conference is truly a global dialogue, with participation from 22 Indian states and countries including Spain, Nigeria, Algeria, Bangladesh, England, and Saudi Arabia.

Distinguished speakers including Prof. Francisco Saez de Adana (University of Alcalá, Spain), Prof. Sumedha Bhandari (Punjab Agricultural University), and Prof. T.S. Satyanath (University of Delhi) also graced the occasion, contributing to the academic richness of the session.

The programme was also graced by the Dean Research, Prof. Neelam Sangwan, Dean Academics, Prof. Pawan Kumar Maurya, Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof. Payal Kanwar Chandel, and various Heads of Departments. The conference was made a great success through the tireless efforts of the faculty members of the Department—Dr. Rinu, Dr. Shweta Nanda, Dr. Snehlata, and Dr. Sudeep.

The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Shaweta Nanda, expressing gratitude to the distinguished guests, speakers, organisers, faculty members, and students for their contributions to the successful commencement of the conference.