By the Department of Languages and Literature, SSSIHL in collaboration with UNESCO CHAIR in Vulnerability Studies, University of Hyderabad

The Department of Languages and Literature – English, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, in collaboration with the UNESCO Chair in Vulnerability Studies, University of Hyderabad, offers a Ten-Day Online Faculty Development Programme (FDP) from 6th to 18th March 2026 on “Literary-Cultural Theory and Vulnerability Studies”.

This FDP features experts who discuss topics such as Thing Theory, Famine Comics, Plastic Studies, Plant Humanities, Partition Literature, Trauma in South Asian Comics, Marginal Literatures, Critical Body Studies, Memory in Feminist Historiography, Urban Studies, Ecocritical Entanglements, Animal Studies, Ageist Discourses, Posthuman Vulnerabilities, War in Comics, the Vulnerable Child in Literature, Storytelling as Healing, and Language and Vulnerability.

The FDP, designed for academics, researchers, and postgraduate students, foregrounds how acts of reading are practices demanding theoretical knowledge and practical involvement from readers who must position themselves at interdisciplinary intersections that demonstrate the imbrication of discourses in colluding with or struggling against hegemonies and marginalities.

Secure your spot: Register here before 28^th February 2026

The Department of Languages and Literature – English, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, is delighted to announce the recognition our faculty and students received at the St. Aloysius Best Research Paper Award 2024-25 National Level Competition. The event was hosted by the Research Centre & PG Department of English at St. Aloysius College, Elthuruth, Thrissur, Kerala.

3 collaborative research papers authored by faculty members and students of the SSSIHL English Department were among the 10 shortlisted papers from 53 entries submitted by research scholars and academics across India.

Among these, the paper by Ms. Sanya Ahuja and Dr. Vijayalekshmi Ramachandran titled “Changing Patterns of Gender Representation in Pakistani New Media: A Case Study of Sar-e-Rah and Kuch Ankahi” won the prestigious Best Research Paper Award. This recognition comes with a prize of Rs. 5000 and a Certificate of Excellence.

The other two shortlisted entries were:

• “Cognitive Growth with Sudha Murty: Employing Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development to Unravel Cognitive Cues in Sudha Murty’s Selected Short Stories” by Ardra K. B. and Dr. Maitali Khanna
• “Foreign Body: A Modernist Exploration of Globalisation, Media, and Medical Ethics” by G. V. D. Harshaprada and Dr. Sowmya Srinivasan –

Furthermore, all 10 shortlisted research papers, including these 3, will be published by St. Aloysius College.

SSSIHL congratulates the faculty and students for their outstanding contributions to literary research. This achievement highlights the department’s commitment to academic rigour, innovative research, and intellectual growth.

The Department of Languages and Literature – English, of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), conducted a two-day national conference titled Lit Treat Edition V: “Language, Literature, and Beyond – Exploring New Frontiers in English Studies” in collaboration with Literary Voice, a peer-reviewed, UGC CARE Group II indexed journal of English Studies. The conference took place on the 14th and 15th of March, 2025, at the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, bringing together eminent scholars, researchers, and students to engage in thought-provoking discussions on contemporary literary studies.

The inaugural session commenced with the traditional invocatory Vedam chanting by the students of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Anantapur Campus, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. A video presentation showcasing the Department of Languages and Literature – English at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning introduced the faculty, research scholars, and students while highlighting their participation and achievements at various national and international events. Prof. Rani P.L., Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Director of the Anantapur Campus, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, welcomed the gathering and set the stage for the conference by emphasising the universality and timelessness of literature.

Following this, the Vice Chancellor of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad, addressed the audience, noting that world literatures reflect the complexities of human experiences. The Hon’ble Chancellor of the Institute, Sri K. Chakravarthi, IAS (Retd.), delivered his inaugural address, underscoring the evolution and transcendence of literature beyond social, technological, and cultural influences. Subsequently, Dr. Bhagyashree S. Varma, Associate Professor of English at, the University of Mumbai, and Reviewer of Literary Voice, was invited to deliver a brief note on behalf of the journal.

The morning session featured two plenary talks. The first, delivered by Prof. Bharathi Harishankar, Vice Chancellor of Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, was titled “The Expanding Horizons of English Literary Studies.” She explored the evolution of literature through dynamic perspectives in contemporary times. The second plenary talk, presented by Dr. Poonam Nigam Sahay, Head, and Associate Professor of English at Ranchi University, was titled “Engaging the Indian Learner with Novel Instructional Strategies: Understanding and Concerns.” Dr. Sahay emphasized the necessity of dynamic, student-centred approaches and innovative instructional methods to foster inclusivity and equity in education. The first day concluded with parallel technical sessions featuring research paper presentations by postgraduate students and research scholars from various institutions across India.

The second day commenced with the traditional invocatory Vedam chanting by the students of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Nandigiri Campus, followed by a video presentation offering a behind-the-scenes look at the inception and organization of the conference. The plenary session featured an insightful lecture by Prof. Jibu Mathew George, Professor of English Literature at The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, on “The Ontology of Religious Narratives and Doctrines.” Prof. George introduced the audience to emerging research in religious studies, elaborating on his concept of ‘equi-reversible ontology,’ which examines the interplay between theist and atheist perspectives on religion through literature. The morning session concluded with three parallel technical sessions focusing on distinct themes.

The post-lunch session featured an intellectually stimulating quiz conducted by the department’s first-year postgraduate students. The quiz challenged participants’ knowledge of classical and contemporary literature. This was followed by a cultural session, which included a soulful musical rendition of slam poetry, creatively composed and performed by first-year BA English Honours students from the Nandigiri Campus. The poetry celebrated the magnificence of creation and the benevolence of the Creator.

The conference concluded with the Valedictory Session. Dr. Vivek Chauhan, Associate Professor of English, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, delivered the welcome address. Seven participants were awarded the Best Paper Presentation Award from each of the technical sessions. A student representative then presented a comprehensive report on the conference proceedings. Dr. Bhagyashree S. Varma delivered the Valedictory Address, offering insightful reflections on the significance of such academic engagements. Dr. Maitali Khanna, Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Languages and Literature, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, delivered the concluding remarks and Vote of Thanks. The conference formally concluded with the ceremonial Mangala Arati.

The Lit Treat Edition V, conducted by the Department of Languages and Literature – English, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, in collaboration with Literary Voice, successfully fostered intellectual exchange and provided a platform for scholars to explore emerging frontiers in English studies. Through plenary talks, research presentations, interactive discussions, and cultural performances, the conference enriched participants’ understanding of literature’s evolving role in contemporary academic discourse.

View Photos

Watch Recording:

Day 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGcgvVUYr58
Day 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeDxZo0eQC4&t
Day 2 Valedictory:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rJ6YRv0_Dc

The Department of Languages and Literature – English, Anantapur Campus conducted an online workshop titled “Research Writing” on February 8, 2025. The session was conducted by Dr. K.C. Bindu, Assistant Professor, Dr B.R. Ambedkar University, Delhi.

Dr. Bindu provided a comprehensive overview of the active research process and its progression for individual students and scholars. She emphasized essential questions that researchers should consider at the onset of their projects, specifically focusing on the what, why, and how of their research journey, which helps in gaining a better understanding of their work.

Additionally, Dr. Bindu shared her insights on enhancing literature review presentations by using connecting threads to make the content engaging and comprehensible for readers. She offered practical tips on effective reading and note-taking strategies, ensuring that key details are not overlooked. She demonstrated various note-taking systems, including the Cornell method, to aid in drafting summaries.

In her concluding remarks, Dr. Bindu debunked several myths surrounding the writing process that can make research feel overwhelming. She encouraged students and scholars to recognize the importance of their work while acknowledging its challenges, urging them to engage with the perspectives of critics in their field while maintaining their voices and opinions.

The session was highly informative and interactive, equipping attendees with practical strategies to enhance their research writing skills. The Department of Languages and Literature – English expressed its gratitude to Dr. Bindu for her insightful session and acknowledged Ms. Aarthi R.M. for successfully coordinating the event.

The Training and the Placement team of the Department of Languages and Literature – English at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Anantapur Campus organised a “One-day Workshop on Communication and Soft Skills Training for Employability” on December 21, 2024. The event was attended by all of the M.A. English language and literature students and the B.A. English (Majors and Honours) students.

The session was conducted by Mr. Prasanna Kannan, an accomplished academician, and entrepreneur, who is also a visiting faculty for Placement Training programs at SSSIHL. With extensive industry experience in senior positions at leading semiconductor corporations such as Texas Instruments and Intel Technologies, Mr. Kannan brings a wealth of knowledge in academic skills, soft skills, and business leadership.

The workshop focussed on four areas of employability – Goal setting and decision making, Effective communication, Revenue building, and Interviewing skills. Mr. Kannan outlined the three types of goals essential for a successful career and instilled confidence in students by emphasizing the mantra of successful individuals: never complain, condemn, or criticize oneself, but instead, take full responsibility for one’s life.

He emphasized the importance of ‘working to learn’ and ‘manifesting the future into existence through action’. The session consisted of hands-on activities guiding students through the resume-building process and the fundamentals of effective interviewing.

Dr. Sowmya Srinivasan, Assistant Professor and Department Placement Coordinator, DLL – English, coordinated the workshop, ensuring its smooth execution. The event was a resounding success, leaving students empowered and more confident in navigating their career paths.

The Department of Languages and Literature held LitOrient ’24, an orientation programme for first-year undergraduate and postgraduate students of Literature, Anantapur campus on July 3, 2024, and the BA (English) students at the Muddenahalli Campus on July 8, 2024.

The objective was to formally induct the freshers into the English Literature and Language Programme and provide an overview of the National Education Policy (NEP) and the BA (Hons) programme in English, providing the students with details of the courses offered, available electives, research prospects, and opportunities for undertaking projects and internships.

Summary of the Proceedings at Anantapur Campus

The event commenced with traditional Vedam chanting and the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Dr. Nelli Vani Sri, Assistant Professor of English, delivered the welcome address, followed by Prof. Rani P. L., Dean of Humanities & Social Sciences and Languages & Literature, who set the stage for the rest of the programme. Prof. Rani’s talk emphasized the role of humanities in academia and instilled confidence in the freshers for their choice of stream for their respective degrees.

Dr. (Ms.) Vijaya Lekshmi R., Assistant Professor of English, discussed the genesis of the Department and its journey to date. Dr. (Mrs.) Maitali Khanna, Associate Professor of English & Head of the Department, explained the degree requirements and goals for undergraduate freshers as prescribed by NEP 2020. Dr. Sowmya Srinivasan, Assistant Professor of English, then outlined the various career prospects in English Language and Literature available to students after their degree at SSSIHL.

Next, Miss Sai Archana M., Teaching Assistant, highlighted the department’s achievements over recent years, including events, academic excursions, presentations, and publications by students and faculty members. This was followed by an informative and engaging panel discussion by the research scholars, who discussed the research process in English Language and Literature, drawing examples from their respective research areas. An entertaining games session, led by senior students, served as the penultimate point of the event.

Additionally, three senior students from the sub-departments of humanities—Shambhavi (Philosophy), Aastha (Political Science), and Sharanya (Economics)—provided a brief introduction to their respective subjects while sharing personal experiences from their classrooms to give the freshers a glimpse of what they could expect in the coming years.

The event coordinated by Dr. Sowmya Srinivasan, Assistant Professor of English, concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Miss Sreenidhi S., a research scholar at the department, followed by Mangala Aarti.

Summary of the Proceedings at Muddenahalli Campus

The event commenced with traditional Vedam chanting and the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. The Director of the MDH campus, Sri B. Venkatramana, welcomed the freshers to the campus and key members of the faculty including Prof. P.L. Rani, Dean of Humanities, Social Sciences, Languages, and Literature; Dr. Maitali Khanna, Head of the Department of Languages and Literature, Dr. B. Venkataramana, Assistant Professor of English; Dr. M.G. Mahabala Rao, Assistant Professor of Sanskrit; and Sri Sai Govardhan J., Assistant Professor of English.

Prof. P.L. Rani delivered an insightful talk on the genesis and achievements of the English Department over the years, setting an inspiring tone for the programme. Dr. Maitali Khanna welcomed the students by pinning badges onto them and presented an overview of the BA English programme, providing a comprehensive perspective on the 4-year curriculum. Dr. B. Venkataramana then delved into the essence of literature, quoting various excerpts and enriching the student’s understanding of the field. An interactive session followed, where students engaged with faculty members on topics such as career paths, programme structure, and course specifics. Dr. Maitali Khanna also assured the students of regular engagement with faculty from other campuses.

In the afternoon session, Sri Sai Govardhan J. provided an in-depth discussion on the minor subjects in the programme, career paths, and the credit framework.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Pragyan Rai, a student at the department, followed by a prayer.

LitOrient ’24 was indeed an enlightening experience for the students, giving them valuable insights into the programme and highlighting the numerous career opportunities ahead. The event aimed to facilitate academic interaction among teachers, scholars, seniors, and juniors, fostering a collaborative and enriching academic environment.

Students from the Department of English Language and Literature at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Anantapur Campus, participated in the two-day international conference titled “Embracing the Forte of SDGs in English Language and Literature: A Cognitive Perspective (EFSELL CP).” The event took place on March 28th and 29th, 2024, at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai.

The conference featured plenary talks by distinguished speakers from India and abroad, student and scholar paper presentations, poetry readings, and live theatrical performances. Nineteen students from III BA, I MA, and II MA, accompanied by faculty members Dr. Maitali Khanna, Dr. Arun K Behera, and Dr. Sowmya S, represented the English Department of SSSIHL, Anantapur Campus.

Sixteen students presented research papers co-authored with their faculty mentors. Their research, active engagement in discussions, presentation skills, and subject knowledge received significant appreciation. Additionally, Dr. Maitali Khanna and Dr. Arun K Behera were honored as Session Chairs for the paper presentation sessions.

The conference concluded with awards for the best papers and presentations. Among the winners were two postgraduate students from SSSIHL:

Best Paper Award: Ms. Sathyapriya Dharshini S. (I MA English) for her paper “AI-Mediated Composition Writing in an ESL Classroom: A Case Study,” co-authored with Prof. Rani P. L.

Best Presenter Award: Ms. Meghana Srinivas Mandalappu (II MA English) for her paper “Navigating the Mental Spaces and Emotional Labyrinths in the Selected Songs from Taylor Swift’s Folklore,” co-authored with Dr. Maitali Khanna.

Overall, participating in the conference was a valuable educational experience for students and faculty members.

The inaugural event of the orientation program series, “Innovation and Entrepreneurship in English Studies,” was jointly organized by the Department of Languages and Literature – English, Anantapur Campus, SSSIHL, in collaboration with the Institution’s Innovation Council.

The event began with an invocatory vedam followed by the welcome address delivered by a student coordinator.  Prof. Rani P.L. set the context for the programme.

The event comprised two insightful sessions led by distinguished speakers. Mrs. Smita Vivek Jakkani (Dhantal), a Research Scholar from the Department of English and Cultural Studies at CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, spearheaded the first session. Drawing from her expertise and personal journey, she elucidated the intricacies of obtaining patents in the realm of English Studies, citing her own SPCAM model as a case study. Following her engaging talk, there was an interactive session allowing students to delve deeper into the subject matter.

Mrs. Amrutha Varshini S., an Entrepreneur and Research Scholar from Anna University, Chennai, facilitated the second session. Sharing insights from her entrepreneurial journey, she navigated the audience through the process of scaling up a business, emphasizing the pivotal role of English knowledge in various sectors, particularly education. She also shed light on leveraging social media for business growth, sharing her proven strategies for success. The session concluded with an enriching exchange between the students and Mrs. Amrutha Varshini.

Both speakers were honoured, and certificates of participation were distributed to all present amidst their presence. The event drew to a close with a vote of thanks delivered by a student coordinator, followed by the traditional Mangala Aarthi to Bhagawan.

The event was coordinated by Dr. Sowmya Srinivasan, Assistant Professor, Department of Languages and Literature, SSSIHL.

The Department of Languages and Literature – English (DLL-E) at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), Anantapur Campus, hosted an enlightening guest lecture on March 14, 2024, by Dr. Sharmila Sreekumar, an esteemed Associate Professor from the Department of Humanities & Social Sciences at IIT Mumbai on “Feminist Critical Theory,” drawing from Elaine Showalter’s seminal work, “Feminist Criticism in the Wilderness”. The event, organized as part of the student’s capacity development and skill enhancement program, aimed to deepen their understanding of critical literary perspectives.

A recipient of the UGC’s JRF and SRF, Dr. Sharmila Sreekumar obtained her Ph.D. in English from the University of Hyderabad in 2002. Her extensive research spans various fields, including Women’s Studies, Autobiography Studies, Print Cultures, the “Crisis” in English Studies, and Disciplinary Formations. In 2009, Dr. Sreekumar’s noteworthy publication, “Scripting Lives: Narratives of Dominant Women in Kerala,” was released by Orient BlackSwan, showcasing her expertise in the field. She has contributed significantly to scholarly discourse through research publications in prestigious journals published by Taylor & Francis, Sage, and EPW.

Dr. Sreekumar’s academic prowess has been further acknowledged through her receipt of a Fulbright Fellowship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Additionally, she has been a sought-after speaker at numerous academic institutions and research centers, including the esteemed New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas.

The lecture, held in hybrid mode at the Multi-Media Learning Centre (MMLC) of the Anantapur Campus, attracted a vibrant audience of students from various English language and literature UG & PG programs. Engaging in a lively Q&A session, participants delved into topics ranging from societal structures and inequalities to the role of feminism in challenging established norms.

Dr. Sharmila Sreekumar emphasized the significance of feminist discourse as a catalyst for societal change, urging participants to confront systemic injustices such as environmental degradation, capitalism, language chauvinism, casteism, and majoritarianism. She highlighted the importance of activism and ethical engagement, stressing that the pursuit of justice is inherently valuable, regardless of immediate outcomes. In response to inquiries about the daunting nature of patriarchal systems, she encouraged perseverance and unwavering commitment to progressive ideals.

In essence, the guest lecture provided invaluable insights into feminist critical theory, inspiring students to critically examine prevailing power dynamics and advocate for social transformation. Dr. Sharmila Sreekumar’s illuminating discourse left a lasting impression, reinforcing the importance of continued dialogue and action in the pursuit of gender equality and social justice.