####International Conference Concludes Successfully in Jayal
Scholars discuss literature, society and political consciousness
A two-day international conference of the Rajasthan Association for Studies in English (RASE) concluded at Government College Jayal on 14–15 November 2025, marking a historic milestone for the institution. More than 100 scholars, professors, researchers and students from various parts of the country gathered in this small town to deliberate on the theme Literature, Society and Political Consciousness.
The inaugural session was held in the presence of Prof. Dr. Manju Baghmar, State Minister for Women & Child Development and Public Works Department, who emphasised that literature mirrors society and carries the power to transform it. Referring to writings by Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Ambedkar and Savarkar, she stated that such literature awakened political awareness among the people. She congratulated the college team for the successful organisation of the event.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Dr. Asha Kaushik, former Head of the Political Science Department, University of Rajasthan, who spoke on Politics, Aesthetics and Culture. She observed that literary creation emerges from the writer’s ideological convictions and that socially significant literature is always shaped by political values and commitments. Prof. Dr. Rajul Bhargava, former Head, Department of English, University of Rajasthan, presided and highlighted that no literature exists without consciousness.
The session began with floral tributes to Saraswati and lighting of the lamp, followed by the national song Vande Mataram. Principal Dr. Payod Joshi welcomed the guests and participants, stressing the deep relationship between politics and literature. RASE Vice-President Dr. Hemendra Singh Chandalya spoke on the humanitarian consciousness behind great literature, while Secretary Dr. Kang presented the association report. Organising Secretary Dr. Seema Soni outlined the conference structure. Renowned Rajasthani writer Shri Laxman Das Kavia was felicitated. Anchoring was done by Dr. Anant Dadhich and Dr. Rukhsana Saifi.
In the first plenary session, Prof. Sanjeev Kaushal (University of Delhi) delivered the S.N. Joshi Memorial Lecture, asserting that being “apolitical” is the biggest form of politics. The second plenary featured Prof. Amit Soni (University of Delhi), who discussed departmental politics in English studies. Dr. Anant Bhatnagar spoke on banned literature, while Dr. Rajesh Chaudhary presented on freedom-movement writings. Poet-scholar Dr. Gopal Sharma ‘Sahar’ explained how literature reacts powerfully against oppression. The session was chaired by Dr. Ghasi Ram Chaudhary with co-chair Dr. Baney Singh.
Six parallel technical sessions followed. In the evening, students presented cultural performances, including the popular qawwali “Hum gaon ke rehne wale hain…”, along with Chirmi and Leelan dances. Poetic recitations by Prof. Sanjeev Kaushal, Dr. Gopal Sharma ‘Sahar’, Dr. Hemendra Chandalya, Dr. Devendra Rankawat and Dr. Payod Joshi captivated the audience.
The second day included further technical sessions and online presentations. The third plenary featured Prof. Rajshree Ranawat (JNVU, Jodhpur) discussing ideological influences in English writing, Dr. K.S. Kang analysing Jane Austen’s works, and Dr. Rahul Chaudhary presenting Tagore’s views on nationalism. Prof. Seema Sharma (Bikaner University) presided.
The valedictory session was addressed by eminent journalist Shri Tribhuvan, who spoke on the myths created to weaken political awareness and referred to the Mahabharata as a powerful text reflecting the consequences of war. Chief speaker Dr. Ladhuram Chaudhary (University of Rajasthan) explained that the unspoken truths in literature often hold the deepest political meaning, citing examples of suppressed caste realities. Sub-Divisional Officer Shri Rajat appreciated the success of an international academic event in Jayal and emphasised literature’s role in social awareness.
Prof. Satish Kumar Harit, Head, Department of English, JNVU, presided and explained that truth in literature is time-bound, resulting in shifts and contradictions in a writer’s works. Dr. Amit Kumar Yadav introduced the guests, while Organising Secretary Dr. Seema Soni presented the two-day report. Principal Dr. Payod Joshi praised the collective efforts of faculty and staff and expressed gratitude to the administration, donors, media and students. Formal thanks were presented by Shri Vijay Kumar, with session anchoring by Dr. Anant Dadhich.
Various technical sessions were chaired by Dr. Anant Dadhich, Dr. G.K. Sukhpal, Dr. Gautam Sharma, Dr. Sumer Singh, Dr. Gopal Sharma ‘Sahar’, Dr. Hariram Parihar and Dr. Kailash Samota, while online presentations were coordinated by Dr. Abrar. The conference recorded 9 plenary lectures, 65 offline papers and 45 online presentations, with participation from Cameroon, Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh.
The event received strong support from patrons and coordinators, including Dr. Rajmohan Meena, Shri Sukhdev Diddel, Shri Vijay Kumar Arora, Smt. Sunita Prajapat, Shri Sunil Kumar Meena, Shri Surendra, Dr. Amit Kumar Yadav, Shri Vikram Kumar, Shri Kanaram Sinwar, Smt. Sarla, Smt. Suman, and several faculty members and staff of the college.
The conference was made possible with generous support from JSW Cement, Veer Teja College, Jayal Vyapar Mandal, Jayal Vikas Samiti, Gurukul College Khinyala, Rahul Mirdha College, Darivai Misthan Bhandar (Nagaur), Balaji Furniture, Dadhimati Photostat, and others. Local media representatives Shri Bhanwar Singh and Ramesh Chandra provided commendable coverage, with valuable cooperation from the administration.
The event proved to be an unforgettable and historic academic achievement for Jayal, a small yet determined town.
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