Mysore/Mysuru: The Department of English and IQAC of SBRR Mahajana First Grade College (Autonomous), Jayalakshmipuram, Mysuru, recently organised a one-day National Seminar titled “Between Traditions and Transitions: Cartographing Women’s Voices in Contemporary Indian Literature and Cinema.” The primary objective of the seminar was to meticulously examine how the representation and intervention of women in modern Indian culture are evolving over time.

Inaugurating the event, renowned surgeon and novelist from Kodagu, Dr. Kavery Nambisan, spoke on “The Candid Voice of Women in Literature.”

She emphasised that literature and cinema have emerged as powerful platforms to showcase female identity, rights and the spirit of resistance. In today’s rapidly changing world, women are no longer tethered solely to inherited cultural frameworks but are instead articulating their own unique subjectivities.

She observed that modern cinematic works and literary pieces serve as profound sites for analysing complex issues such as migration, social standing and sexual identity.

Dr. Nambisan further highlighted that the legacy of Rukhmabai Raut, one of India’s first female doctors, stands as a beacon for the current generation due to her courage in overcoming the rigid social constraints of her time.

She asserted that literature knows no boundaries or limits; it serves as a tool to discover one’s inner self and allows one to experience diverse lives.

Language, she noted, is not exclusive to humans — animals too have their own modes of communication. The evolution of letters into words and subsequently into literature has been the cornerstone of knowledge dissemination globally.

While a person may think in one language, multilingual proficiency is essential for communicating those thoughts on a global scale. Literature, whether fictional or non-fictional, remains the root for the expansion of various fields including cinema, drama, art and science, she said and concluded that it is crucial to observe how modern writers are transcending traditional hurdles to find new forms of self-expression.

Dr. B.R. Jayakumari, Principal of the college, remarked that literature and cinema are not mere modes of entertainment but are powerful cultural spaces where society reflects upon itself.

She noted that the Kannada literary tradition has produced remarkable writers like Triveni and Vaidehi, who explored the emotional worlds of women with great insight, a tradition continued today by writers like Banu Mushtaq. Regardless of the language used, the underlying voice of a woman — carrying her aspirations and experiences — remains universal.

Dr. T. Vijayalakshmi Muralidhar, Hon. Secretary of Mahajana Education Society, stated that while English provides numerous global opportunities, thoughts find their most beautiful and authentic expression in one’s mother tongue, as it facilitates a deeper emotional connection.

The seminar concluded with an encouraging message for the students: “To be successful in today’s world, you must choose a subject, dive deep into it and adapt yourselves to the latest trends. Never give up on your goals and use conferences like these to develop your intellect.”

The event saw active participation from faculty members, research scholars and students from various institutions.

Earlier, D. Geetha, Head of the English Department, welcomed. K. Chandana delivered introductory remarks. Musrath Sultana anchored the programme. N.C. Hamsaaveni proposed the vote of thanks.