Writers International Edition

Education

Global Nexus Series of international Conferences Inaugural Session.png

A New Era of Scholarly Exchange: The Global Nexus Series Takes Flight

The inaugural session of the Global Nexus Series of International Conferences took place on 1st December 2024, marking the beginning of a landmark initiative aimed at fostering global discourse on literature, nature, and society. With the theme “Writing for the Earth: The Role of Nature in Contemporary Literature,” the event brought together distinguished scholars, writers, and intellectuals from around the world. This first session of the series, which extended for over four hours, set the stage for a multidisciplinary exploration of ideas with the potential to shape societal progress.

The evening commenced with a warm and eloquent welcome by Dr. Aparna Ajith, the host of the session, whose words captured the essence of the conference’s vision. This was followed by the welcome speech delivered by Irene Doura Kavadia, Secretary-General of Writers Capital International Foundation (WCIF). Irene’s address resonated with the foundation’s commitment to global unity and creativity, underscoring the significance of nurturing nature-centric literary practices to protect our planet.

Dr. Meenakshi Mohan, Chairperson of the Global Nexus Series of International Conferences, delivered the presidential address. Her speech emphasized the pivotal role literature plays in shaping societal consciousness and promoting environmental stewardship. Her reflections inspired the audience to envision the transformative power of interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration in addressing global challenges.

Padmabhushan Dr. Pratibha Ray, Jnanpith Laureate and one of India’s most celebrated literary figures, delivered the inaugural speech. Her profound insights on the interconnectedness of human lives and nature captivated the audience. Dr. Ray’s words were both a celebration of literature’s ability to mirror nature and a call to action for writers and scholars to use their craft to inspire environmental consciousness.

The session featured two major launches that marked milestones in the conference series. Prof. (Dr.) Nandini Sahu, a distinguished author and former director of IGNOU, unveiled the website of Nexus Review, an international peer-reviewed journal that will feature academic papers presented during the conferences. The announcement of a forthcoming print edition was met with enthusiasm, promising a platform for groundbreaking research and dialogue.

In addition, Quill Compendium 2024 was launched by renowned writer Ambika Ananth. This significant publication reflects the intellectual and creative achievements of participants and celebrates the power of literature to connect minds across borders.

The session was moderated by Dr. Bhumika Sharma, Head of the Department of English at the Central University of Rajasthan. Dr. Sharma not only guided the discussions with exceptional clarity but also enriched the audience’s understanding with her insightful observations. Her ability to interweave academic rigor with accessibility made the session both intellectually stimulating and engaging.

The inaugural session concluded on a high note with remarks from Dr. Milon Franz, a member of the steering committee. He highlighted the multidisciplinary nature of the series, envisioning it as a space for diverse dialogues that would foster positive societal change. The session left participants inspired, eager to engage further in upcoming events that promise to cover a broad spectrum of topics across various disciplines.

The first session of the Global Nexus Series of International Conferences was a resounding success, bringing together a confluence of ideas and perspectives. With its unique blend of literary focus and global discourse, the conference has laid the foundation for future sessions that will continue to explore the intersections of literature, culture, and societal progress. The launch of Nexus Review and Quill Compendium 2024 further signifies the commitment to academic and creative excellence, ensuring that the voices heard during these events resonate far beyond the conference halls.

dont force your children shshi tharoor

STOP FORCING YOUR DREAMS ON YOUR CHILDREN: Shashi Tharoor’s inspirational speech

“I keep telling parents in Kerala why do you force your children to study engineering because of this old-fashioned idea that man is a highly desirable degree.

Yesterday a young man came to see me who was denied a visa to study his dream subject of politics and international relations. He got admission to the London School of Economics but the British turned him down for a visa because he had a bachelor’s degree in engineering and they said why would an engineer want to study international politics. I asked him the same question and he said because my dream was always politics but my parents forced me to study engineering and I had the marks therefore I did what my parents told me to do and I regret it very much today.

I’m so fortunate even though I belong to a much older generation than all of you that I had enlightened parents who’d never forced me to study what I didn’t want to. I still remember when we had to stream in class 9 we had to stream after our school so I chose humanities and my teachers were so upset. They called my parents to the school and they said this is our best science student he has come first in science his entire years in the school how can you let him go to humanities.

My parents, like other good Malayali parents, had wanted me to be a doctor an engineer. So they looked at me in shock and said what’s the matter with you why won’t you take science. I said because I can’t stand the subject and they said well you come first every exam and I said that’s because I know how to take exams but two days after taking the exam I forget everything I’ve studied in science, whereas you asked me about history or literature I can tell you even today.

I’m grateful to my parents that they respected my wish and let me enrol for Humanities and I have led the life I have led as a humanities graduate I continue doing well at exams and I’m sure that helped but at least studying what I wanted to study what enjoy what I enjoyed studying so that to my mind. This is one great lesson that I keep trying to drill into every parent I can come across.

Let your children study what they want to study they’re the ones who have to wake up in the morning and look forward to going to work. Don’t ask them to fulfil your dreams you wanted to be an engineer or you are an engineer and you want your child to follow but they don’t want to be an engineer. Don’t force them!”

Shashi Tharoor