Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), under the PM-USHA initiative, organized a two-day National Workshop titled “Contours of Languages and Literature: Research, Reflection and Renewal in Humanities” on 9–10 February 2026, under the aegis of the School of Languages and Literature.The workshop was inaugurated on February 9, 2026, with the arrival of dignitaries, followed by the traditional invocation and ceremonial lighting of the lamp, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge and intellectual inquiry. A significant highlight of the inaugural session was the release of the academic book Mapping Love and Longing authored by Dr. Amitabh Vikram Dwivedi, Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FoHSS). Introducing the theme and objectives of the workshop, Dr. Manpreet Sharma, Assistant Professor, School of Languages and Literature, emphasized the importance of renewed engagement with languages and literary studies in light of evolving contemporary research paradigms. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Amitabh Vikram Dwivedi elaborated on the conceptual framework of the released book and underscored the pivotal role of humanities in nurturing critical thinking, cultural awareness, and intellectual depth. Prof. Balbir Singh, Dean of Academic Affairs and Coordinator, PM-USHA, SMVDU, highlighted the contribution of the PM-USHA scheme in facilitating academic initiatives of national relevance. The Chief Guest, Prof. Pragati Kumar, Honourable Vice Chancellor, SMVDU, appreciated the efforts of the School of Languages and Literature in organizing the workshop and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to promoting research excellence, reflection, and renewal in humanities education. The inaugural session was further enriched by the presence of distinguished experts, including Prof. Rajneesh Arora, Director, EFLU Lucknow Regional Campus; Prof. Vandana Luniyal, Director, Regional Institute of English, Chandigarh; Dr. Ankur Kakkar, NCERT, New Delhi; and Dr. K. K. Pandey, Central Institute of Hindi, among others. The session concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Muskan Gupta, Research Scholar, School of Languages and Literature, followed by a group photograph and high tea. The two-day workshop features expert lectures, academic deliberations, and interactive sessions aimed at enriching research perspectives and strengthening scholarly engagement in the fields of languages and literature.
