The Department of Languages and Literature – English (DLL-E) at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), Anantapur Campus, hosted an enlightening guest lecture on March 14, 2024, by Dr. Sharmila Sreekumar, an esteemed Associate Professor from the Department of Humanities & Social Sciences at IIT Mumbai on “Feminist Critical Theory,” drawing from Elaine Showalter’s seminal work, “Feminist Criticism in the Wilderness”. The event, organized as part of the student’s capacity development and skill enhancement program, aimed to deepen their understanding of critical literary perspectives.
A recipient of the UGC’s JRF and SRF, Dr. Sharmila Sreekumar obtained her Ph.D. in English from the University of Hyderabad in 2002. Her extensive research spans various fields, including Women’s Studies, Autobiography Studies, Print Cultures, the “Crisis” in English Studies, and Disciplinary Formations. In 2009, Dr. Sreekumar’s noteworthy publication, “Scripting Lives: Narratives of Dominant Women in Kerala,” was released by Orient BlackSwan, showcasing her expertise in the field. She has contributed significantly to scholarly discourse through research publications in prestigious journals published by Taylor & Francis, Sage, and EPW.
Dr. Sreekumar’s academic prowess has been further acknowledged through her receipt of a Fulbright Fellowship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Additionally, she has been a sought-after speaker at numerous academic institutions and research centers, including the esteemed New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas.
The lecture, held in hybrid mode at the Multi-Media Learning Centre (MMLC) of the Anantapur Campus, attracted a vibrant audience of students from various English language and literature UG & PG programs. Engaging in a lively Q&A session, participants delved into topics ranging from societal structures and inequalities to the role of feminism in challenging established norms.
Dr. Sharmila Sreekumar emphasized the significance of feminist discourse as a catalyst for societal change, urging participants to confront systemic injustices such as environmental degradation, capitalism, language chauvinism, casteism, and majoritarianism. She highlighted the importance of activism and ethical engagement, stressing that the pursuit of justice is inherently valuable, regardless of immediate outcomes. In response to inquiries about the daunting nature of patriarchal systems, she encouraged perseverance and unwavering commitment to progressive ideals.
In essence, the guest lecture provided invaluable insights into feminist critical theory, inspiring students to critically examine prevailing power dynamics and advocate for social transformation. Dr. Sharmila Sreekumar’s illuminating discourse left a lasting impression, reinforcing the importance of continued dialogue and action in the pursuit of gender equality and social justice.
