Queer Identity in Indian Cinema, Gender Fluidity in Literature and Cultural Representations of Sexuality

Queer Identity in Indian Cinema, Gender Fluidity in Literature and Cultural Representations of Sexuality

Bikramaditya Dutta Kakoty

  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 sought to create an academic platform for teachers, scholars, and students to engage in critical discussions on the literary and visual representations of LGBTQ identities, promoting inclusivity and interdisciplinary dialogue. The seminar received an overwhelming response, with over 100 papers contributed by participants from diverse parts of 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, emphasising the institution’s role in promoting inclusive and progressive academic discourse. The Convenor, Dr Chandramallika Hondikoi, Head of the Department of English, extended a Warm welcome to all participants and guests.

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. The Guest of Honour, Dr Protim Sharma, Principal of Sibsagar Girls’ College, also shared his perspectives. 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 themes such as queer identity in Indian cinema, gender fluidity in literature, and cultural representations of sexuality. Sessions were chaired by eminent scholars, including 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, Department of Bengali, along with the faculty of the English department.

The Valedictory Session, anchored by Shilpi Priya Saikia, Assistant Professor, Department of English, provided a reflective conclusion. The organisers expressed their satisfaction with the success of the seminar, emphasising its importance in promoting inclusive narratives and fostering a deeper understanding of LGBTQ issues through academic and artistic lenses. The seminar concluded on a high note, setting the stage for further collaborative research and discussions in this vital field.

Bikramaditya Dutta Kakoty, Duliajan

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