Unpacking Trauma & Healing: A National Seminar on Literature, War and Memory

The Department of English at Government Arts and Science College, Idappadi, Salem, is proud to announce a one-day National Seminar sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi. The seminar, titled

"Literature, War and Memory: Narratives of Trauma and Healing in 20th and 21st-Century English Literature," will delve into how literary texts have explored the profound impact of war and its aftermath.

Scheduled for

August 14, 2025, at the College Auditorium in GASC, Idappadi , this seminar offers a vital space to examine narratives that bear witness to violence and loss, and to reclaim voices often silenced by historical conflicts. It will also highlight the gendered dimensions of conflict and the experiences of marginalized communities.

Key Themes and Sessions

The seminar will feature insightful sessions led by distinguished resource persons:

• Session I: "The Psychological Impact of War: Understanding Trauma and Memory through Literature" by Mr. Subin Varghese, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Deva Matha College, Kuravilangad, Kerala.

• Session II: "Refugee Literature as a part of World Consciousness" by Dr. M. Jeeva, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Kristu Jayanti University, Bengaluru.

• Session III: "Postcolonial War Narratives: Reclaiming History and Identity through Literature" by Ms. M. Adeline Udhaya Theresa.

The thrust areas for discussion are extensive and include topics such as the representation of war in English literature, literary narratives of trauma and post-traumatic experiences, memory studies, postcolonial perspectives, refugee and exile literature, gendered experiences of war, testimonial literature, and the impact of war on children and civilians.

Call for Papers

Academicians, researchers, scholars, and postgraduate students are cordially invited to submit original and unpublished research papers for presentation. Selected papers will undergo a double-blind peer-review process and will be considered for publication in an ISBN Edited Book by Shanlax Publications, Madurai. A Certificate of Publication will be issued to each contributor.

Important Dates:

• Last Date for submission of Abstracts: July 20, 2025

• Last Date for submission of Full Paper: July 29, 2025

Abstracts should be 250-300 words with 4-5 keywords, and full papers should be 3000-4500 words (including abstract and references). Submissions must follow the MLA 9th Edition citation style and have a plagiarism limit below 10%. A maximum of two authors are allowed per article.

Submission and Registration:

Submit your articles via email to rajini.icssrseminar.english.2025@gmail.com.

NO REGISTRATION FEES are required for participation, presentation, or publication. Separate Google Forms are available for registration for participation, presentation, and publication.

For any queries, you can contact Dr. P. Rajini at 90929 01199 or Dr. K. Saranya at 9003979496.

This seminar is a valuable opportunity for scholars and students to contribute to the ongoing discourse on war, memory, trauma, and healing in English literature. Mark your calendars and prepare your research!