The Department of English of BLDEA’s Smt. Bangaramma Sajjan Arts, Commerce and Science College for Women, Vijayapura, in collaboration with the Cape Comorin Trust and in association with Cape Comorin and Harvest journals, successfully organized a Two-Day International Conference titled “Voices Across Borders: Literature, Culture, Communication and AI in the Global Era” on the 25th and 26th of October 2025 in virtual mode. The conference witnessed remarkable participation from academicians, researchers, and students from various parts of the country and abroad, creating a vibrant platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and academic exchange.
The inaugural session set the tone for the two-day deliberations. The programme began with a prayer song, followed by a warm welcome address by Prof. Rashmi S. Patil, Convener of the conference and Head of the Department of English. *In his inaugural address, Dr. (Prof.) Y. M. Jayaraj*, Pro-Chancellor, BLDE University, Vijayapura, highlighted the need to explore the intersections between literature, culture, and artificial intelligence in the context of contemporary global education. He appreciated the Department’s efforts in encouraging undergraduate research and fostering a spirit of inquiry among young learners. The *keynote address was delivered by Dr. R. Rajesh*, President, English Language Studies,Madurai Kamaraj University,Tamilnadu, who emphasized the significance of linguistic sensitivity and pedagogical innovation in the digital age. His insightful observations connected traditional literary studies with modern technological transformations, inspiring both faculty and students to adopt interdisciplinary approaches in teaching and research.
The conference featured *Four distinguished plenary sessions* delivered by eminent scholars from India and abroad. On Day One, *Dr. Mona Taman, International Lecturer and Consultant in IT and AI Implementation from Kuwait*, delivered the first plenary on “AI in Education.” She discussed the integration of artificial intelligence into educational systems and the ethical implications of technology-assisted learning. The second plenary session was addressed by *Dr. Arun Guleria, Associate Professor, Himachal Pradesh University*, who spoke on “AI and Pedagogy: Challenges in Teaching Literature and Language.” He focused on how teachers can balance traditional teaching methods with digital tools while maintaining critical engagement in the classroom.
Day Two began with an insightful session by *Dr. Mageswari Ranjanthran from Sunway University Business School, Malaysia*, who spoke on “AI in the Global Era – Cultivating a Critical Thinking Culture.” She highlighted the importance of design thinking and innovation-driven learning in developing students’ analytical and creative potential. The final plenary was delivered by *Dr. Pravin K. Patel, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Banaras Hindu University*, on “Colonialism and Ecological Crisis in Indian Literature.” Dr. Patel presented an engaging analysis of postcolonial and ecological intersections in Indian literary discourse, enriching participants with new critical perspectives.
The two days witnessed enthusiastic participation in paper presentation sessions. On Day One, a total of 44 delegates and 25 undergraduate students from BLDEA’s Smt. Bangaramma Sajjan College presented their research papers. On Day Two, 48 delegates and 22 students presented papers on diverse literary, cultural, and interdisciplinary themes. In total *139 presentations were made in Parallel mode by 20 Technical sessions*. *The Department takes immense pride in the achievement of having a total of 47 undergraduate students presenting research papers at an international forum*—an exceptional accomplishment that reflects the Department’s commitment to nurturing research aptitude and confidence among young scholars.
The valedictory session brought the conference to a meaningful close, with reflections from Dr.R.M.Mirde, Principal,BLDEA’s S.B.Arts and KCP Science College, Vijayapura.
The conference succeeded not only in promoting scholarly discussions but also in inspiring young minds to engage in critical thought and research writing. *Selected scholars/student papers will be published in an ISBN volume*, providing them with an early exposure to the process of scholarly publication.
The Department of English expresses its deep gratitude to all the distinguished speakers for their invaluable contributions, to Dr. (Prof.) Y. M. Jayaraj for inaugurating the conference, to Dr. R. Rajesh for delivering the keynote address, and to Dr. Tammanna Y, Principal, for her constant encouragement and guidance. Special thanks are also due to the organizing team Smt.H.S.Desai, Prabhuling Gunjetti, Tousif Bagwan, and , student volunteers, and the technical support group for ensuring the smooth conduct of the sessions.
The two-day international conference “Voices Across Borders” stands as a testimony to the Department’s vision of academic excellence and collaborative learning. By successfully combining international expertise, local engagement, and extensive student participation, the Department of English has once again demonstrated its commitment to fostering research culture and global academic dialogue.
