Conference on The New Indian Voice: Interrogating Tradition, Embracing Contemporary Sensibility in Indian Writing in English

Indian Writing in English (IWE) stands today at a compelling intersection of visibility and vitality, experiencing a transformative moment on the global literary stage. Following in the footsteps of Salman Rushdie, Vikram Seth, Shashi Tharoor, Amitav Ghosh, Arundhati Roy, Kiran Desai and Aravind Adiga, the contemporary writers engage with India’s rich cultural heritage while navigating globalized identities, technological shifts, and evolving social norms. Their works reflect a literary landscape that is bold, experimental, and deeply engaged with the complexities of contemporary India. There has been a significant surge in writing from the marginalised perspectives, challenging traditional narratives and bringing experiences of caste and gender discrimination to the forefront. Indian writers are also increasingly experimenting with a variety of genres beyond literary fiction. There’s a growing body of work in speculative and dystopian fiction, as well as a burgeoning market for commercial and mass-market fiction, led by authors like Chetan Bhagat and Amish Tripathi, who have cultivated a massive domestic readership. Their works reflect a literary moment that is experimental, defiant, and deeply attuned to the complexities of contemporary India.

The vitality of IWE is evident in its sheer thematic and generic diversity. While earlier generations of writers were often concerned with the “great themes” of nationhood, independence, and the East-West encounter, contemporary authors are exploring a much wider and more personal range of subject. The New voices in IWE reflect a vibrant literary culture that is introspective and outward-looking, rooted and diasporic, traditional and experimental. They signify a shift from the postcolonial anxiety of representation to a more confident, multifaceted articulation of identities in a global context.

Our proposed conference theme aims to capitalize on this extraordinary momentum. It invites a critical exploration of how IWE navigates questions of identity, place, and language in an increasingly interconnected world. We seek to move beyond celebration to critical inquiry, asking the central question that defines this literary era: How is contemporary Indian Writing in English reshaping our very understanding of self, nation, and narrative in the 21st century?

We invite papers that engage with, but are not limited to, the following SUB THEMES:

• Reimagining myths, epics, and folklore in modern narratives.
• The impact of digital media and social platforms on literary expression.
• Urbanization, consumerism, and the changing Indian psyche.
• Exploring new forms and genres within IWE (e.g., graphic novels, speculative fiction).
• Representations of rural life, small towns, and tribal communities.
• The politics of language and identity in translating regional experiences into English.
• Exploring “glocal” narratives – how local stories achieve global resonance.
• The intersection of regional politics, history, and literature.

Payment Details

Bank Name: State Bank of India
Beneficiary Name: C.T.T.E. College
Branch: Perambur, Chennai
Account Number: 10313551041
IFSC Code: SBIN0002256
Address: 1/110, Madhavaram High Road, Perambur, Chennai-11

The registration fee can be paid through NEFT (or) G-pay using the bank transfer option.

Student Coordinators

• Ms. Grace Sarah J +91 8124563660
• Ms. Sensridevi S +91 8754435656