The Department of Languages and Literature – English, of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), conducted a two-day national conference titled Lit Treat Edition V: “Language, Literature, and Beyond – Exploring New Frontiers in English Studies” in collaboration with Literary Voice, a peer-reviewed, UGC CARE Group II indexed journal of English Studies. The conference took place on the 14th and 15th of March, 2025, at the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, bringing together eminent scholars, researchers, and students to engage in thought-provoking discussions on contemporary literary studies.
The inaugural session commenced with the traditional invocatory Vedam chanting by the students of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Anantapur Campus, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. A video presentation showcasing the Department of Languages and Literature – English at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning introduced the faculty, research scholars, and students while highlighting their participation and achievements at various national and international events. Prof. Rani P.L., Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Director of the Anantapur Campus, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, welcomed the gathering and set the stage for the conference by emphasising the universality and timelessness of literature.
Following this, the Vice Chancellor of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad, addressed the audience, noting that world literatures reflect the complexities of human experiences. The Hon’ble Chancellor of the Institute, Sri K. Chakravarthi, IAS (Retd.), delivered his inaugural address, underscoring the evolution and transcendence of literature beyond social, technological, and cultural influences. Subsequently, Dr. Bhagyashree S. Varma, Associate Professor of English at, the University of Mumbai, and Reviewer of Literary Voice, was invited to deliver a brief note on behalf of the journal.
The morning session featured two plenary talks. The first, delivered by Prof. Bharathi Harishankar, Vice Chancellor of Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, was titled “The Expanding Horizons of English Literary Studies.” She explored the evolution of literature through dynamic perspectives in contemporary times. The second plenary talk, presented by Dr. Poonam Nigam Sahay, Head, and Associate Professor of English at Ranchi University, was titled “Engaging the Indian Learner with Novel Instructional Strategies: Understanding and Concerns.” Dr. Sahay emphasized the necessity of dynamic, student-centred approaches and innovative instructional methods to foster inclusivity and equity in education. The first day concluded with parallel technical sessions featuring research paper presentations by postgraduate students and research scholars from various institutions across India.
The second day commenced with the traditional invocatory Vedam chanting by the students of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Nandigiri Campus, followed by a video presentation offering a behind-the-scenes look at the inception and organization of the conference. The plenary session featured an insightful lecture by Prof. Jibu Mathew George, Professor of English Literature at The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, on “The Ontology of Religious Narratives and Doctrines.” Prof. George introduced the audience to emerging research in religious studies, elaborating on his concept of ‘equi-reversible ontology,’ which examines the interplay between theist and atheist perspectives on religion through literature. The morning session concluded with three parallel technical sessions focusing on distinct themes.
The post-lunch session featured an intellectually stimulating quiz conducted by the department’s first-year postgraduate students. The quiz challenged participants’ knowledge of classical and contemporary literature. This was followed by a cultural session, which included a soulful musical rendition of slam poetry, creatively composed and performed by first-year BA English Honours students from the Nandigiri Campus. The poetry celebrated the magnificence of creation and the benevolence of the Creator.
The conference concluded with the Valedictory Session. Dr. Vivek Chauhan, Associate Professor of English, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, delivered the welcome address. Seven participants were awarded the Best Paper Presentation Award from each of the technical sessions. A student representative then presented a comprehensive report on the conference proceedings. Dr. Bhagyashree S. Varma delivered the Valedictory Address, offering insightful reflections on the significance of such academic engagements. Dr. Maitali Khanna, Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Languages and Literature, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, delivered the concluding remarks and Vote of Thanks. The conference formally concluded with the ceremonial Mangala Arati.
The Lit Treat Edition V, conducted by the Department of Languages and Literature – English, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, in collaboration with Literary Voice, successfully fostered intellectual exchange and provided a platform for scholars to explore emerging frontiers in English studies. Through plenary talks, research presentations, interactive discussions, and cultural performances, the conference enriched participants’ understanding of literature’s evolving role in contemporary academic discourse.
Watch Recording:
Day 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGcgvVUYr58
Day 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeDxZo0eQC4&t
Day 2 Valedictory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rJ6YRv0_Dc
