Charitra HG, of Presidency University, Bengaluru, at a one-day state seminar at JT College KLE Society in Gadag on Saturday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Professor Charitra HG, assistant professor at Presidency University, Bengaluru, said stories of resistance, whether arising from political conflict, social injustice or personal trauma, enabled individuals and communities to reclaim their identity.
She delivered the keynote address on ‘Visual Storytelling as Resistance: Graphic Narratives and the Politics of Defiance’ at the inauguration of a one-day national seminar on ‘Beyond Words: Literary Narratives of Identity and Resistance organized by the Department of English, JT College of the KLE Society on Saturday in Gada.
Elaborating on how literary narratives not only mirror society but actively challenge oppressive structures, she stated that these narratives challenge established power hierarchies and challenge readers to critically engage with issues such as gender, caste, nationality and cultural belonging.
Reflecting on how literature in its various forms becomes a powerful site of identity formation and acts of resistance, she emphasized that narrative often transcends the boundaries of spoken or written language, especially when communities seek to articulate their experiences within dominant cultural frameworks. “Alternative forms of storytelling—such as graphic narratives, visual texts, and hybrid literary expressions—provide space for voices that are historically marginalized or silenced,” she said.
Anupama BN, Associate Professor, MAHE, Bengaluru, spoke on ‘Nation, Identity and the English Language: Tracing Indian Literature in English’, tracing the evolution of Indian writing in English and its role in shaping cultural identities.
Director of the college prof. PG Patil in his opening remarks emphasized the importance of such academic interactions. Convener prof. Giridhar KR who welcomed the dignitaries gave a brief outline of the seminar.
Prof. were present. IS Vadakannavar, Prof. BR Chinagundi and Prof. Sanjana SM and others. The one-day seminar was attended by teachers, researchers and students from various universities.
Published – 22 Nov 2025 19:06 IST
