HPU Hosts National Seminar on Indigenous Epistemologies and Postcolonial Resistance

Shimla, September 29: Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla, organised a national seminar on “Indigenous Epistemologies and Postcolonial Resistance: Literary Traditions from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and India” in collaboration with the Centre for Australian & New Zealand Studies (CANZ) and associated academic units.

Academicians, researchers and students from universities and colleges across the country participated in the seminar. The inaugural session featured the lighting of the lamp, university anthem and welcome address, followed by the release of the International Journal of Australian Studies (IJAS).

Prof. Neelima Kanwar, Dean, Faculty of Languages, HPU and former Director of CANZ, delivered the inaugural address, while Prof. B.K. Shivram, Dean of Studies, HPU, attended as the chief guest. Prof. Vivek Sachdeva of the University School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indraprastha University, New Delhi, and Founding President of the Association for Film Studies in South Asia (AFSSA), delivered the keynote address.

The seminar focused on indigenous knowledge traditions, cultural memory, identity, resistance, anti-colonial discourse and literary expressions in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and India. Discussions also covered literature, history, sociology, political science, folk culture, law, media, cinema and digital platforms.

A total of 65 research papers were presented through both online and offline modes. Technical sessions covered themes including Indigenous Epistemologies, Cultural Resistance, Trauma and Memory, Indigenous Feminism, Decolonisation, Land and Identity, Oral Traditions, Indigenous Literature, Media and Cinema, and Postcolonial Resistance.

Participants included scholars and researchers from HPU, IIT Mandi, institutions affiliated with Delhi University, St. Bede’s College Shimla, various government colleges of Himachal Pradesh and other universities across the country.

At the valedictory session, Prof. Aparna Negi, Chairperson, Department of Buddhist Studies and Director, CWD & DIS, HPU, addressed the gathering as a distinguished guest and speaker. Prof. Roshan Lal Sharma, former Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Himachal Pradesh and Dean, Faculty of Languages, CUHP, delivered the keynote address, while Jyoti Rana, Registrar, HPU, participated as a distinguished guest. Certificates were also distributed to the participants.

The seminar provided an academic platform for dialogue on indigenous knowledge systems, literature and cultural resistance while encouraging interdisciplinary and international academic exchange.