The Department of English at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) is organizing a two-day national seminar titled, “Can Dalit Literature be a Core/Compulsory Course in Literature Departments?” in honour of Prof. M. Sridhar, at the School of Humanities Auditorium.
Prof. M. Sridhar
The inaugural function on 3rd April 2014 was held in the gracious presence of Prof. E. Hari Babu, Pro-Vice Chancellor, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Prof. Amitaba Das Guptha, Dean, School of Humanities, Dr. D. Murali Manohar, Head and Coordinator of the seminar, Prof. T.Nageswar Rao, Dean, School of English Language Literary Studies, and Guest of Honour Prof. M. Sridhar, Former Professor, Dept. of English.
Prof. T. Nageswara Rao delivered a key note address which was received very well by the audience. He spoke on the topic and expressed that the Dalit Literature has to be offered as a Core Course in English Departments. Moreover, there is a need to have workshops on this in all institutions so that more and more people will realize the need and importance.
After the inaugural session, six papers were presented by Panchanan Dalai from Benares Hindu University, on “The Other University Wits: Taking Dalit Literature the Students’ Desks”, J. Bheemaiah from CCL presented his paper on “Texts and Contexts: Can’t Dalit Literature Merit a Core Course”, K. Suneetha Rani, Director, Centre for Women’s Studies, on “Teaching Dalit Literature as an Optional Course: Issues of Politics and Pedagogy” and in the post lunch lesson session Dr. D. Murali Manohar Head and Coordinator of the seminar presented a paper on “Defining a Core/ Compulsory course on “Dalit Literature” om English Departments across the Country: A Model Proposal”, Dodda Seshu Babu Assitant professor from MANUU presented a paper on “Why Can’t Dalit Literature be a Core Subject in the Hindi Department?” and the last paper of M. Subba Raju from Avanti Institute of engineering and Technology was presented paper on “Dalit Literature as a Core Course: A Few Insights”.
Prof. E. Haribabu
The two-day seminar will see discussions by researchers and teachers from institutions in Varanasi, Bihar, Hyderabad and other places in Andhra Pradesh etc. on issues relating to teaching Dalit Literature.