Lucknow: The second day of the International Conference on “Intersectionality of Language, Culture and Region in South Asia”, organized by the Department of Sociology, University of Lucknow, witnessed a series of intellectually stimulating technical and plenary sessions featuring eminent scholars and researchers from across the country.
The day began with Technical Sessions I and II held simultaneously at D. P. Mukerji Hall, A. K. Saran Hall, and the Faculty Lounge, where around 75 paper presenters explored diverse themes on language, culture, identity, and regional transformation within the South Asian context.
The academic highlight of the day was Plenary Session IV held at R. K. Mukerjee Hall, which also marked the observance of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia’s Death Anniversary Lecture on the theme “Ramanohar Lohia: Bharat ki Himalaya Niti.” Organized by Prof. Archana Verma, the session was chaired by Prof. K. L. Sharma, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, and featured Prof. Ashok K. Pankaj, Council for Social Development, New Delhi, as the distinguished speaker. Prof. Pankaj delivered a thought-provoking lecture on Lohia’s vision of the Himalayas as a symbol of civilizational resilience and self-reliant policy, emphasizing his insights into ecological balance, regional cooperation, and socio-political autonomy.
The session concluded with informal reflections among participants, marking a vibrant exchange of ideas, and a Vote of thanks by Prof. D. R. Sahu, Director, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Shodhpeeth.
After lunch, Plenary Session V was organized by Dr. Sushma Mishra and chaired by Prof. A. K. Pandey. The session brought together leading scholars including Prof. Virginius Xaxa (Institute of Human Development, New Delhi), Prof. Aparna Rayaparol (University of Hyderabad), Dr. Mallika Shakya (South Asian University, New Delhi), and Dr. Ellina Samantray (V. V. Giri National Labour Institute, Noida), with Prof. S. M. Patnaik (University of Delhi) serving as the Discussant. The speakers examined critical perspectives on social development, identity politics, and cultural intersections in South Asia, offering interdisciplinary insights grounded in field-based and theoretical research.
The day concluded with Plenary Session VI organized by Dr. Saroj Kumar Dhal and chaired by Prof. Abha Chauhan, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala. The session featured an eminent panel comprising Prof. Nita Mathur (Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi), Prof. Arvinder Ansari (Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi), Dr. Atrayee Saha (Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi), and Dr. Swargajyoti Gohain (Ashoka University, New Delhi), with Prof. Manoj Jena (JNU, New Delhi) as the Discussant. The deliberations explored contemporary debates on intersectionality, migration, and digital modernity, situating them within evolving regional and global frameworks.
The discussions throughout the day reflected a deep engagement with the conference’s central theme—illustrating how regional identities, linguistic practices, and cultural expressions interweave to shape South Asia’s dynamic sociological landscape. With robust participation from over 350 scholars, the conference continues to serve as a vibrant platform for critical dialogue and interdisciplinary collaboration.
