National Conference 2026: Rethinking the Public Life of Humanities – Call for Papers
Are you a faculty member, research scholar, postgraduate student, or researcher interested in English, literature, culture, philosophy, education, or interdisciplinary studies? The National Conference on “Rethinking the Public Life of Humanities” offers an opportunity to present your research, exchange ideas, and explore the continuing relevance of the Humanities in a rapidly changing world.
Organised by the Research Centre and Postgraduate Department of English, in collaboration with Prajñā Foundation, the conference will be conducted in hybrid mode on 3 and 4 December 2026.
Researchers and students working on the relationship between the Humanities, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, cultural identity, ethics, education, and social change are encouraged to explore this call for papers.
National Conference 2026: Important Details
Conference theme: Rethinking the Public Life of Humanities
Dates: 3–4 December 2026
Mode: Hybrid (online and offline)
Abstract submission deadline: 10 November 2026
Full-paper submission deadline: 25 November 2026
Abstract length: 300 words
Full-paper length: 2,000–3,300 words
Email for submissions: bmcenglishconference2026@gmail.com
Award: Best paper will be awarded.
About the Conference
The Humanities play a vital role in preserving cultural memory, nurturing human values, encouraging creative thinking, and helping societies understand identity, ethics, empathy, and the human condition.
At a time when artificial intelligence, globalisation, technological innovation, and social change are reshaping human experience, the Humanities offer essential perspectives on the relationship between people, cultures, knowledge, and technology.
This conference aims to bring together academics, educators, researchers, and students from diverse disciplines to examine how the Humanities contribute to education, cultural preservation, social justice, sustainable development, and interdisciplinary innovation.
It also seeks to encourage meaningful dialogue and collaboration that can help build more inclusive, humane, and thoughtful societies.
Suggested Sub-Themes for Paper Presentation
Researchers may develop papers around the following suggested themes:
Humanities in the Age of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation
Reimagining Education through Humanistic Approaches
Language, Literature, and Identity in a Globalised World
Cultural Heritage, Memory, and Preservation in Contemporary Times
Ethics, Values, and Human Dignity in a Changing Society
The Humanities and Social Justice: Voices of the Marginalised
Interdisciplinary Dialogues: Integrating Humanities with Science and Technology
Creative Expressions and the Human Experience
Environmental Humanities and Sustainability Perspectives
Media, Communication, and the Human Condition
Philosophy, Religion, and Contemporary Worldviews
Peace, Conflict, and Reconciliation through Humanistic Lenses
Archives, Museums, and the Public Humanities
Comparative and Global Humanities: Bridging Cultures
The Future of Work and the Human Imagination
These themes provide opportunities for research in English language teaching, literary studies, digital humanities, AI-assisted learning, cultural studies, philosophy, communication, and interdisciplinary research.
Research Ideas for English and Humanities Scholars
If you are planning to submit a paper, consider developing a focused research question within one of the suggested sub-themes.
Here are a few possible directions:
AI and English Language Learning: Examining how generative AI influences learners' critical thinking, writing skills, and academic independence.
Human Values in the Digital Age: Exploring empathy, ethical responsibility, and human dignity in technology-mediated communication.
Digital Humanities and Literature: Investigating how digital platforms are transforming literary interpretation, reading practices, and cultural participation.
Language, Identity, and Globalisation: Studying the relationship between English, multilingual identities, and cultural belonging.
Humanistic Approaches to Higher Education: Examining how critical thinking, creativity, and ethical reasoning can be integrated into technology-rich learning environments.
Environmental Humanities: Exploring how literary and cultural narratives shape environmental awareness and sustainability.
Media and the Human Condition: Analysing how digital communication, social media, and online identities influence interpersonal relationships.
A strong conference paper should have a clear research problem, a focused objective, an appropriate theoretical or conceptual framework, and a well-supported discussion.
Submission Guidelines
Participants planning to present a research paper should note the following requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Abstract | 300 words |
| Abstract deadline | 10 November 2026 |
| Full paper | 2,000–3,300 words |
| Full-paper deadline | 25 November 2026 |
| Submission email | bmcenglishconference2026@gmail.com |
Prepare your abstract in accordance with the conference theme or one of its suggested sub-themes. Include a clear title and explain the research focus, objectives, approach, and principal argument or anticipated contribution.
The conference notice does not specify a citation style, abstract formatting template, or detailed full-paper formatting requirements. Authors should confirm these details with the organisers before final submission.
Registration Fees
The conference notice provides the following registration categories and fees.
| Participation category | Offline paper presentation | Online paper presentation | Participation only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teachers | ₹1,500 | ₹500 | ₹1,200 |
| Research scholars and others | ₹1,000 | ₹500 | ₹800 |
| Students | ₹700 | ₹500 | ₹500 |
Please confirm the registration process and payment instructions with the organisers before making a payment.
Payment Details
The payment information provided in the conference notice is:
Account name: HOD of English & Director BMC
Bank: State Bank of India (SBI)
Branch: Vazhakkala, Seaport Airport Road
Verify the account details and payment procedure directly with the conference organisers before transferring money.
Contact Information
For further information about paper submission, registration, and participation, contact:
Dr. Rose Merin: 9650782369
Dr. Rajarajeshwari Ashok: 8179021828
Recommended Books for Humanities Researchers
Preparing for a conference is also an opportunity to strengthen your theoretical understanding, improve academic writing, and explore relevant research literature. The following book links may be useful for readers building a personal academic library.
1. Explore a book for academic reading and research
2. Discover another resource for your academic library
3. Find a relevant reference for your studies
4. Browse another recommended resource
5. Explore an additional academic reading resource
Note: The product titles and contents could not be verified from the supplied conference notice. Please replace these generic descriptions with the actual book titles, authors, and relevance to the conference after checking each link. Purchases through qualifying affiliate links may earn the publisher a commission at no additional cost to the buyer.
Why Should You Participate?
The conference offers a platform to present original research, receive academic feedback, interact with researchers from different disciplines, and explore the wider public relevance of the Humanities.
For early-career researchers and students, it can also be an opportunity to develop research communication skills, refine emerging ideas, and establish academic connections.
Those working at the intersection of English studies, education, AI, digital communication, ethics, and cultural studies may find the suggested themes particularly relevant.
Final Reminder: Mark Your Calendar
Keep these important dates in mind:
10 November 2026: Abstract submission deadline
25 November 2026: Full-paper submission deadline
3–4 December 2026: National Conference
If your research examines the changing relationship between the Humanities, technology, culture, education, or society, consider preparing an abstract and contacting the organisers for any additional submission instructions.
