Media Release
Mangaluru, Mar 2: A national seminar on the theme of children's literature will be organised by the Postgraduate Graduate Department of Studies and Research in English, St Aloysius College on March 3. The seminar titled 'Approaches and Systems: Understanding the Child and Children's Literature' will see writers, critical experts and young readers apart from students and research scholars from colleges from within and outside the state.
As many as 200 students, research scholars and college teachers are expected to participate in the seminar. Fr Dionysius Vas SJ, the Rector of the Aloysian Institutions will preside over the inaugural at 9.30 am and Fr Swebert D’Silva SJ, the principal, will grace the occasion. The seminar will be held at Fr Robert Sequiera Hall in LCRI Block of the college.
The seminar is aimed at an in-depth exploration of questions surrounding contemporary children’s literature. From the basic ideas on what makes a book children’s literature to broad trends like the rise of the concept of evil in children’s literature, the ideology of nationhood in children’s literature and the diverse world views expressed in children's literature are some of the sub-themes on which discussions and paper presentations would be held.
Dr Anto Thomas, Fulbright Fellow to the National Centre for the Study of Children’s Literature at San Diego State University, California, will deliver the Fifth Annual SC Frank Endowment Lecture on 'Constructions of Girlhood in Indian English Children’s Literature' as part of the seminar. Internationally recognised award winning author Dr Geralyn Pinto will present the lead paper for the inaugural session. This will be followed by an interactive session with high school children by Dr Padma Bhaliga. Dr Bhaliga did her PhD thesis on 'Politics of Gender Representation: A Feminist Reading of Children’s Novels in English by Indian Women Writers'. She has published several academic papers including one in Alice in a World of Wonderlands: The Translation of Lewis Carroll’s Masterpiece Volume I.
Sessions with young readers from schools in Mangaluru would be another key highlight of the event. This will be followed by paper presentation on the title and sub-themes by students, research scholars and teachers. Around 60 scholarly papers are going to be presented at the seminar.