The Department of English in collaboration with the Department of Teacher Education, Nagaland University, organised a two-day international seminar titled “Ecological Echoes of the Earth: Literature, Culture and Education” on May 5 and 6 at the Conference Hall of the Department of English, Kohima Campus.
The seminar brought together scholars, academicians, faculty members and students from institutions across India and abroad to deliberate on ecological humanities, environmental ethics, sustainability studies, Indigenous knowledge systems, literary ecology and ecological pedagogy. Around 125 research papers were received, prompting the organisers to conduct 12 parallel technical sessions in both online and offline modes.
The programme was organised under the guidance of Vice-Chancellor J.K. Patnaik with support from the Pro Vice-Chancellor of Kohima Campus.
Delivering the welcome address, seminar convener Subhashis Banerjee highlighted the growing importance of ecological consciousness in literature, culture and education. He said the seminar aimed to promote dialogue between literature and environmental ethics while foregrounding Indigenous ecological knowledge and sustainable educational practices.
The seminar featured lectures and presentations by several noted scholars, including Pramod K. Nayar, Saugata Bhaduri, Bhavatosh Indraguru, Patrycja Austin and Dhananjay Tripathi. Discussions focused on environmental humanities, cultural ecology, sustainability, ecological memory, gender and climate narratives.
The organisers also acknowledged the contributions of session chairs, faculty members, research scholars, volunteers and students for ensuring the smooth conduct of the seminar.
The valedictory session concluded with expressions of gratitude to participants and speakers. Organisers said the seminar successfully fostered interdisciplinary dialogue and opened new avenues for future research in environmental humanities and ecological studies.
