A RUSA Sponsored two-day International Virtual Conference
A RUSA Sponsored two-day International Virtual Conference on “Intersections of Gender: Texts and Contexts” was organised by the Department of English, Patna Women’s College (Autonomous) on 26th and 27th April 2022 through the online platform zoom. The theme and agenda of the conference were introduced by the convenor Dr Sahar Rahman and the guests were welcomed by the Principal Dr Sister M Rashmi AC. The conference was an attempt to investigate into different intersections of gender and analyse the subtle aspects of privilege, deprivation and indifference occurring at these intersections.
The members of the organising committee moderated different sessions which comprised the inaugural session, two plenary sessions, six technical sessions and the valedictory session. The inaugural session was addressed by Professor Shanker A. Dutt, former Head, Department of English, Patna University, Patna. The keynote speaker of the conference was Prof. Mary E. John, Former Professor, Centre for Women’s Development Studies, New Delhi. She talked about ‘Paradoxes and Challenges in thinking about Women and Gender in India today.’ The Valedictory Session was addressed by Dr. Meena Kandasamy, Poet, Novelist, Translator, Activist, Fellow, Jung Akademie, Berlin. Other distinguished speakers were: Prof. Razinat T. Mohammed, Chair, Department of English, University of Abuja, Nigeria; Mr Frank Krishner, Coordinator, Department of Mass Communication, St. Xavier’s College of Management and Technology, Patna; Ms Rebecca Peters, Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Awardee, Department of Religion, Florida State University, USA; and Ms Gayatri Singhal, Indian Program Manager, United States- India Educational Foundation, New Delhi.
Sixty six delegates from reputed colleges and universities across the country presented papers in the conference. The chairpersons of technical sessions Mr. Frank Krishner, Prof. Sunita Sharma, Dr Huma Yaqub, Dr Basudhara Roy, Prof. Smriti Singh and Prof. Shanker Dutt gave their valuable inputs. Each technical session had 2 Students rapporteurs, a time keeper and a student in charge from the students’ committee.
The recommendations were read out by the co-convener of the conference, Dr Shahla Rehana. The conference was successful in its purpose as the outcome of the deliberations was to promote inclusivity and gender equity which are the very foundation of an egalitarian society. The feedback of the speakers and participants was extremely positive and encouraging. The conference ended by thanking all who contributed to the conference.
