6th Young Researchers’ Conference Held at Pandu College

Guwahati, March 18: The Department of English, Pandu College, Guwahati, successfully organized the 6^th Young Researchers’ Conference on the theme “Beyond the Text: Perspectives in Literary and Critical Discourses” today. This conference brought together students and teachers from various departments and colleges to discuss literature, research and critical ideas in a meaningful way.

This event was held under the guidance of Dr. Sanchay Jyoti Bora, Principal of Pandu College along with the presence of Vice Principal Dr. Chandana Sinha Roy and Dr. Mridul Das, Head of the Department of English, Pandu College. Dr. Anup Kumar Das, Convenor of the conference along with Ms Pallabi Konwar, Advisor of the conference and the Organizing Committee members: Miss Ashmita Chakraborty, Mr. Rupam Bhujel, Dr. Anindita Hazarika and Miss Dayeeta Patikar, from the Department of English, Pandu College, who played a very crucial role in conducting the conference successfully along with the Chairperson of the Organizing Committee Dr. Mridul Das. The Organizing Committee is grateful to the Principal of the college Dr. Sanchay Jyoti Bora, for his immense administrative as well as other necessary help and guidance.

The keynote address was delivered by Kuldeep Patowary, Assistant Professor in the Department of History at Gauhati University. In his speech he focused on the importance of myths, legends, and oral traditions in understanding literature. He explained using various examples how folklore is not fixed but keeps changing with people’s views and cultural contexts. He also highlighted how oral traditions form the base of written literature. Referring to modern times, he noted how society is moving towards a new form of orality through digital platforms like Instagram reels and YouTube short videos.

The conference strongly focused on research and the importance of the National Education Policy (NEP), encouraging students to develop independent thinking and academic writing skills. Several distinguished guests, including Dr. Marie Kalita, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of English at Paschim Guwahati Mahavidyalaya; Dr. Himadri Bharali, Head of the Department of English at Pub Bongsor College; Sheikh Abdul Hamid; and Dr. Dhruba Jyoti Malakar of the Department of English, Pub Bongsor College, were also present. They shared their valuable insights, guided the students during their paper presentations, and offered constructive suggestions on effective research writing.

The conference included three technical sessions where students presented research papers on a wide range of topics. The presentations explored themes such as gender roles, female identity, and women’s position in the society.

Students also discussed gothic elements, trauma and psychological struggles in different texts. Some papers highlighted environmental concerns, industrialization, and the relationship between humans and nature.

The conference not only provided a valuable platform for young researchers to express their ideas and improve their research skills. It successfully encouraged critical thinking and deeper understanding of literature beyond the text.