News & Updates | Department of Literature and Languages

Today, we approach the topics of caste and religion with great sensitivity, aware of the deep-rooted complexities they carry. Yet, here was a character who transcended these societal boundaries, evolving into the embodiment of ‘Moner Manush’—a figure who rose above the constraints of identity to embrace a higher sense of spiritual unity and inclusiveness. Dr Sayantan Thakur, Assistant Professor at the Department of Literature and Languages closely reads into the intricacies of Lalon’s conceptualisation of man and the caste barriers in his research paper.

Abstract:

The paper entitled ‘Beyond ‘Jaat’ and Dharma: Exploring the Evolution of Lalon’s Idea of ‘Moner Manush’ delves into an in-depth exploration of Lalon’s conceptualization of ‘Moner Manush,’ transcending the conventional confines of ‘Jaat’ (caste) and Dharma (religion). Through a nuanced analysis of Lalon’s evolving perspectives, the study traces the transformative journey of the idea of ‘Moner Manush.’ By dissecting the lyrical and philosophical aspects, the paper illuminates how Lalon’s spiritual musings challenge societal norms, promoting a universal ethos that goes beyond distinctions. This inquiry aims to unravel the evolving nature of Lalon’s concept of ‘Moner Manush’ and its enduring significance in fostering inclusivity and spiritual interconnectedness, surpassing the limitations of caste and religion.

Practical Implementation and Social Implications:

The practical implementation of my research on “Beyond ‘Jaat’ and Dharma: Exploring the Evolution of Lalon’s Idea of ‘Moner Manush'” has profound social implications, particularly in fostering inclusivity and breaking down societal barriers. By promoting Lalon’s vision of transcending caste (jaat) and religious (dharma) divisions, this research advocates for a more egalitarian society where people are valued for their inner virtues, not external identities. In practical terms, this philosophy can be integrated into education, community-building, and social reform initiatives to encourage tolerance, empathy, and unity among diverse groups.

In multicultural societies, teaching Lalon’s ideas in schools and community programs can help dismantle deep-seated prejudices and promote cross-cultural understanding. Socially, the emphasis on the Moner Manush—the ideal human being—can encourage individuals to focus on self-reflection, moral development, and compassion, creating a more harmonious coexistence. Additionally, his philosophy can inform contemporary debates on identity politics, helping people prioritize human connections over rigid societal structures.

Future Research Plans

Regional Literature in Translation

Tantric Tradition and Eastern Indian Literature

Folk Music of Bengal

Indian Philosophy, Aesthetics & Literature

The link to the article

SRM University-AP is proud to announce that Dr Abhilasha Gusain, Assistant Professor in the Department of Literature and Languages has made an outstanding contribution to the academic world with her recent publication. Her research paper, “Illustrating Memory: Clément Baloup’s Vietnamese Memories and the Visual Representation of the Past,” featured in 3L: The Southeast Asian Journal of English Language Studies, a Q1-ranked journal known for its high impact in the field.

Abstract

The present study aims to highlight the role that Clément Baloup’s comics, Vietnamese Memories: Leaving Saigon (Volume 1) and Vietnamese Memories: Little Saigon (Volume 2), play in the creation of an alternate archive that validates the forgotten tales and the memories of a neglected past. These texts provide an alternate form of remembrance by materialising the past in the form of images. The two volumes present the unheard experiences of the Vietnamese diaspora that Baloup recorded during his travels to the different parts of France and the U.S. Such experiences bring to the forefront memories that are otherwise kept at the margins or suppressed by the dominant discourse. If not recorded, they will be lost forever. The counter-memory, thus, calls for a reassessment of the idea of a singular past that denies the marginalised memories. It claims representation and restoration in the cultural memory. As works of postmemory, these texts form a link between the past and the present through mediation and give memorability to unremembered accounts. The memories are illustrated, and hence, visual representation becomes important to the task of postmemory here.

Explanation of the Research:

This study emphasises the significance of visual representation in postmemory, showing how the two graphic narratives create a space for counter-memory and contribute to a reassessment of cultural memory by including marginalised experiences. Postmemory is a term used to describe how the memories of one generation are shaped by the stories and experiences of the previous generation. It often relates to events that people haven’t directly experienced, like wars or significant historical events, but feel a strong connection to through family stories, photographs, or cultural narratives. The paper illustrates how Baloup’s works serve as an alternate archival repository, creating a dynamic and inclusive cultural memory that reflects the complex, polyphonic nature of human experience; thus contributing significantly to the fields of comics studies and memory studies.

Link to the article