International Conference on Contemporary Trends in English Studies
The Department of English at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat, successfully organised a two-day International Conference on “Contemporary Trends in English Studies” on March 10–11, 2026. The conference was held under the esteemed guidance of the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Dr Kishorsinh N. Chavda, and the Hon’ble Registrar, Dr RamesdanGadhvi. Conducted in a hybrid format (online and offline), the conference enabled both in-person participation on the university campus and online participation from across India, thereby facilitating broader academic engagement and accessibility. The event brought together academicians, research scholars, and students who contributed to a vibrant exchange of ideas on emerging developments in English language and literary studies. The conference also featured distinguished international resource persons from Thailand and Hong Kong, while participants joined from several Indian states, including Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
The conference commenced with the inaugural session that began with a welcome address delivered by Dr Mahesh Kumar Dey, Head of the Department of English. In his address, he emphasised the importance of academic dialogue and collaborative research in advancing the humanities. This was followed by a thematic introduction by the conference coordinator, Dr Sunil Shah, who outlined the conference's objectives and highlighted the relevance of examining contemporary developments in English studies, particularly amid rapid technological, cultural, and interdisciplinary transformations.
In his inaugural address, the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Dr Kishorsinh N. Chavda, spoke about the evolving scope of English studies in the contemporary academic landscape and encouraged scholars to engage with interdisciplinary approaches and innovative research methodologies.
The conference featured a keynote address and a series of plenary lectures delivered by eminent scholars. The Keynote Address was delivered by Prof. David D. Perrodin, English Language Specialist at the Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Thailand, on the topic “Rehumanizing English Studies in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Equity, Identity, and the Future of Language Education.” The lecture examined the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on English studies. It emphasised the importance of maintaining the humanistic core of language and literary education in an increasingly technology-driven world.
The conference also hosted several Plenary Lectures by distinguished scholars. Prof. Dilip Barad, Professor and Head, Department of English, Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University, delivered a plenary lecture on “The Plurilingual Cyborg: AI, Posthuman Ethics, and Inclusive English Studies.” His lecture explored the intersection of artificial intelligence, posthumanist thought, and inclusive pedagogical practices in contemporary English studies. Prof. James Simpson, Professor and Acting Head in the Division of Humanities and Director of the MA International Language Education programme at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, delivered a plenary lecture titled “Translanguaging, Belonging and Mobility.” His talk examined how linguistic practices shape identity, belonging, and mobility in multilingual and migratory contexts.
Another plenary lecture was delivered by Prof. Anand Mahanand, Professor in the Department of Materials Development, Testing and Evaluation and Foreign Students Director at the Centre for Consultancy and Language Training (CCLT), The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. His lecture titled “Indigenizing English Language Education: Integration of Indian Languages in the Teaching of English” highlighted the importance of multilingual approaches and the integration of Indian languages and cultural contexts in English language teaching.
The conference also featured the H. C. Trivedi Memorial Lecture, delivered by Prof. Kalpana Purohit, Former Professor and Head of the Department of English and Former Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Education and Social Sciences at Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur. Her lecture, titled “Echoes of the Past: Retellings of Mythology in Contemporary Indian Narratives,” examined how modern Indian writers reinterpret mythological narratives to address contemporary social, cultural, and ethical concerns.
Over the course of the two-day conference, 130 participants attended, of whom 103 presented research papers in multiple parallel technical sessions conducted in both online and offline formats. The research papers addressed a wide range of themes reflecting contemporary developments in English studies. Major thematic areas included English for Employability, Artificial Intelligence in English Education, English in the Digital Era, AI and Language Acquisition in Multilingual Contexts, and the Evolution of Literary Genres in the Age of Technology. Several papers also explored AI for Collaborative Learning and Creative Writing, demonstrating how digital tools are transforming pedagogical practices and literary creativity.
Additional sessions focused on important areas such as Postcolonial (Re)reading of Literatures, Comparative and World Literatures, Literature and Social Justice, Ecocriticism and Environmental Humanities, Translation Studies, Interdisciplinary Approaches to Literature and Culture, Global Literatures in English, Digital Humanities and Literature, and Teaching English as a Second Language. These sessions encouraged meaningful academic dialogue and critical engagement among scholars, reflecting the interdisciplinary and evolving nature of English studies in the contemporary academic context.
The conference concluded with the Valedictory Session, presided over by Dr Manish Sidhpuria, Head of the Department of Business and Industrial Management, VNSGU, Surat. In his address, he reflected on the continuing relevance of literature and language studies in fostering critical thinking, cultural awareness, and ethical engagement in contemporary society. He appreciated the Department of English for successfully organising an international academic event that brought together scholars from diverse academic backgrounds and research interests.
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr Sunil Shah, the conference coordinator, who expressed sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor and Hon’ble Registrar for their guidance and support. He also acknowledged the valuable contributions of the keynote and plenary speakers, paper presenters, participants, organising committee members, volunteers, and student coordinators whose collective efforts ensured the smooth and successful conduct of the conference.
Overall, the International Conference on “Contemporary Trends in English Studies” served as an important intellectual platform for scholars to deliberate on emerging issues in literature, language, and culture. Through stimulating lectures, insightful discussions, and diverse research presentations, the conference significantly contributed to contemporary academic discourse. It marked another milestone in the Department of English’s continued commitment to academic excellence at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University.
Academic Activities
The department undertakes the following activities:
- Prof. H. C. Trivedi Memorial lecture
- National/ International Seminars
- Scholarly Lectures by distinguished professors
Over the years, the department has organized national and international seminars on themes like Translation Studies, General Semantics, Contemporary Indian Drama, Children’s literature, Partition literature, and English Language Teaching. Collaborating with Balvant Parekh Centre for General Semantics and Other Human Sciences, Baroda, the department has successfully conducted international conferences on Translation Studies and Alfred Korzybski’s General Semantics. The Department of English has conducted National Seminars on English Language Teaching in 2018 and 2019.The themes are “Exploring ELT: Innovative Strategies in Pedagogy” (2018) and “ELT in India: Multiple Readings” (2019). Prof. H. C. Trivedi Memorial lecture (2023) was delivered by Prof. E. V. Ramakrishnan on “ Indian Bhasha Literatures as World Literature: Translation as Re-cognition and Re-valuation”. Moreover, a national seminar on “ Indian Literary Traditions: Text and Contexts was organised in September 2023.
5-day National Symposium
Department of English Veer Narmad South Gujarat University successfully conducted a 5-day National Symposium, bringing together scholars and experts to explore the evolving relationship between language, translation, and artificial intelligence in education. The event featured engaging discussions on translation studies, machine translation, generative AI, and English pronunciation, focusing on both technological advancements and the importance of human expertise. Esteemed speakers such as Dr. Atanu Bhattacharya highlighted how colonialism shadowed not only our history, but also how it was taught in our institutions and textbooks, while Dr. Rupali Burke examined the impact of AI on translation, emphasizing ethical concerns, cultural preservation, and the continued relevance of human translators. In another session, Dr. Dilip Barad discussed AI’s role in English studies, highlighting its potential to enhance learning while stressing the need for responsible usage. Dr. Dharmendra Sheth led an interactive session on pronunciation, providing practical techniques to improve fluency and communication skills as Dr. Joya Chakravarty gave us important insights into how to remain connected to our roots while pursuing an international language.
Through thought-provoking discussions and hands-on activities, the symposium encouraged students and researchers to engage with these fields, blending traditional knowledge with modern innovations. The event served as a platform to reflect on the future of education and the role of technology in shaping language and communication.
Puducherry Trip (January 24–30, 2025)
The Department of English, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, organized an educational trip to Puducherry from January 24 to January 30, 2025. The trip aimed to explore the region’s historical, literary, and cultural significance, providing students with firsthand experiences of places deeply connected to philosophy, spirituality, and colonial heritage.
The group visited the Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo, a renowned philosopher, poet, and spiritual leader. A walk through White Town provided insight into Puducherry’s colonial history. Students also visited Auroville and Matrimandir where they learned about the philosophy behind this universal township, which aims to unite humanity beyond race, religion, and politics.
Pichavaram, one of the world’s largest mangrove ecosystems, was explored by students through a boating facility as part of an ecological study.
The trip to Puducherry was an enriching experience that blended literature, history, philosophy, and ecology. Each location visited contributed to a deeper understanding of cultural heritage and its impact on literary traditions. The Department of English extends gratitude to all organizers and participants for making this journey a meaningful academic exploration.
International Conference on Emerging Trends in English Studies
The Department of English at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University successfully organized a two-day International Conference on “Emerging Trends in English Studies: Global Perspectives” on February 10-11, 2025, under the esteemed guidance of Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Dr. Kishorsinh N. Chavda. The conference witnessed enthusiastic participation from scholars and academicians from across the country and beyond, contributing significantly to its success.
Inaugural Session
The conference commenced with a warm welcome by Dr. Mahesh Kumar Dey, Head of the English Department. Vice-Chancellor Dr. Kishorsinh Chavda and Registrar Dr. Rameshdan C. Gadhavi delivered thought-provoking addresses, emphasizing the importance of emerging trends in English studies and extending their best wishes for the event.
Distinguished Speakers and Participation
The conference featured eminent scholars, including:
- Dr. Ashok K. Mahapatra
- Dr. Anand Mahanand
- Dr. Jyotika Ramprasad
- Mr. Daya Dishanayak
- Dr. Kalyan Chattopadhyay
- Dr. Atanu Bhattacharya
- Dr. Rishikesh Kumar Singh
- Mrs. Vinita Agarwal
Their insights enriched the discussions and contributed to the intellectual depth of the event. Scholars and participants from the USA, Sri Lanka, and various states of India, including Delhi, Odisha, Kolkata, and Gujarat, further enhanced the diversity and richness of the academic exchange, fostering a deeper understanding of both Indian and global literary traditions.
Academic Engagement and Research Presentations
Over two days, 85 research papers were presented, covering a broad spectrum of themes, including:
- British, American, and Commonwealth Literature
- Indigenous Literature and Dalit Writings
- Indian Literature in English Translation
- Women’s Writings and Gender Studies
- Diasporic and Cultural Interactions
- Digital and Environmental Humanities
- Film Studies and Literature
- Translation Studies and Multilingualism
- Innovations in English Language Teaching
Valedictory Session and Book Launch
The Valedictory Function, presided over by Dr. Dakshaben Vamdatt, provided an insightful conclusion to the conference. She reflected on the significance of literature and cultural studies and lauded the English Department for successfully hosting the event.
A special highlight of the session was the unveiling of the book "A Critical Study of Dalit Sensibility in Selected Indian Autobiographical Narratives" by Dr. Rekha Parmar, Associate Professor, Department of English, VNSGU. This scholarly work explores Dalit experiences in Indian autobiographical writings, making a significant contribution to Dalit literature and cultural studies.
Vote of Thanks and Conclusion
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Sunil Shah, who expressed gratitude to the invited speakers and participants for their dedication to knowledge-sharing. Under the coordination of Professor Sunil Shah, the conference successfully served as an intellectual platform, fostering in-depth discussions on literature, culture, and language studies.
With its engaging academic discourse and valuable research contributions, the conference marked another milestone in academic excellence at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University.
“National Workshop on Research Methodology” on 7th March, 2024
The Department of English at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University organized a national-level workshop on "Research Methodology and Academic Writing" on March 7, 2024. Prof. Atanu Bhattacharya from the Central University of Gujarat and Prof. Dilip Barad from Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University were present as experts. In the first session, Prof. Atanu Bhattacharya delivered a lecture on "Academic Writing and Integrity," and in the second session, Prof. Dilip Barad spoke on "Exploring Digital Tools for Research and Publication." At the end, Prof. Paresh Joshi extended thanks to the honorable Vice Chancellor Dr. K.N. Chavda, the Registrar Dr. Rameshdan Gadhvi, Department Head Prof. Mahesh Dey, workshop organizer Dr. Amit Prajapati, all the teaching staff, and participants. The workshop was conducted both offline and online, attracting over 200 PhD and MA students and teachers.
Two-day national conference on "English Studies in India: A Paradigm Shift in Language and Literary Discourse"
The English Department of Veer Narmad South Gujarat University successfully organized a two-day national conference on "English Studies in India: A Paradigm Shift in Language and Literary Discourse" under the esteemed guidance of Honorable Vice-Chancellor of VNSGU, Dr. Kishorkumar N. Chavda on February 28-29, 2024. Scholars and educators from across the country participated enthusiastically, contributing to the conference's tremendous success. At the inauguration, Dr. Mahesh Kumar Dey welcomed the dignitaries and participants with warm words. Dr. R. C. Gadhvi, Registrar of VNSGU, set the tone for the conference by extending his best wishes for its success. Prof. Paresh Joshi, as the conference organizer, briefly introduced the theme, while Prof. Sunil Shah proposed the vote of thanks.
Prominent scholars like Prof. Anil Paliwal, Mr. Gopi Kottoor, Prof. Dilip K. Das (online), Prof. Kamal Mehta, Prof. H.S. Chandalia, Prof. Atanu Bhattacharya, Prof. Sunil Sagar, and Prof. Parul Popat enriched the discussions with their insights, significantly enhancing the conference's deliberations. Participants from Delhi, Odisha, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Kerala, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and other states attended the conference, reflecting the rich diversity of Indian literary traditions. Prof. Dilip Das delivered an online keynote lecture on "Reading Refugee Studies against the Grain: Place, Displacement, and the Problem of Refugee in Stories of the Marichjhapi massacre." Over the course of two days, a total of 103 research papers were presented both online and offline, covering a wide range of topics including British literature, American literature, New literature in English, Marginal Writings in English, Travel Literature, Literary Theories, Translation Studies, Women’s Writing, Post-Colonial Literature, ELT and its aspects, Linguistics, and various other subjects.
International Mother Language Day Celebration-2024
Department of English, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University celebrated the International Mother Language Day on 21st February 2024. All the faculty members, research scholars and students participated in the event with umot zeal and enthusiasm. The Head of the Department, Prof. Dr. Mahesh Dey elaborated upon the importance of the mother language and encouraged students to become multilingual in order to be in touch with their mother tongues while being students of English literature. Various acts such as poetry recitation, story telling, singing performance, and mono acting were performed by the students in their respective mother languages like Gujarati, Hindi, Bengali, and Urdu, etc. Ayush Prajapati from Semester-2 recited a poem by noted Gujarati poet Ramesh Parekh. Neha Mali From Semester-4 sang a Gujarati song written by Suresh Dalal. A student from Semester-2, Dhruvi Khakhkhar, performed a mono acting written by herself. Payal Bhowmick from Semester-4 read a short story in Bengali based on the tale of Tenali Raman. Apart from that, Prof. Amit Prajapati, recited a poem composed by himself in his mother language Gujarati. On the other hand, Prof. Paresh Joshi recited a few lines of 'duha' a form of Gujarati folk poetry and also shed some light upon the nuances of this form of poetry. In conclusion,the programme was an enthralling celebration of different mother languages of all the people present.
QUIZ COMPETITION ON ENGLISH LITERATUTRE February 16, 2024
On February 16, 2024, the English Department of VNSGU in Surat organized an engaging quiz competition. A total of 17 teams, consisting of 51 students from various affiliated colleges of the universities in Surat, participated enthusiastically. The competition commenced with a multiple-choice written exam on English literature, carrying a weightage of 50 marks in the first round. Following this initial round, four teams were chosen to proceed to the final round based on their performance.
In the final standings, the first position was clinched by Shivani Tiwari, Lavina Chetnani, and Kishor Rathod from the English Department of VNSGU. Priyal Surti, Priyanshi Gauswami, and Owusu Gyan Philemon from M.T.B. Arts College secured the second position, while Moinkhan Muzammilkhan Pathan, Karan K Ramanandi, and Trivedi Meetkumar Yogeshkumar took the third position. Parekh Vidhi Kamleshbhai, Rathad Sigma Bistubhai, and Parmar Olena Olive from Sheth P.T. Mahila College of Arts and Home Science secured the fourth position.
The winning team received a shield, a cash prize, certificates, and books, presented by the esteemed Vice-Chancellor of the university, Dr. Kishorsinh Chavda. The entire event was meticulously organized under the supervision of Dr. Mahesh Kumar Dey, with valuable contributions from Prof. Sunil Shah and Prof. Paresh Joshi from the English Department. Heartfelt congratulations to all the winners from the English Department. The event was filled with energy and served as a great source of inspiration for everyone involved.
Induction Programme on 29th July 29, 2024
The Department of English organized an Induction Programme from the first semester students. Honorable Vice Chancellor Dr. K.N. Chavda remained present and motivated students to work hard. He also insisted that students should also focus on extra-curricular activities for overall development. All semester - I students attended the programme along with all faculties members.
Importance of meditations by Falun Dafa
An enlightening session convening the importance of meditations was held at the Dep. of English, VNSGU on Dt. 18 July 2024. Semester – III Students of M.A. Programme attended the session conducted by Falun Dafa.
Merit Based