SRINAGAR: The Department of English, University of Kashmir (KU), commenced a two-day international conference on “Climate Action, Sustainability and Literature: The Ecosophical Proximity in the Contemporary Anthropocentric Epoch” in collaboration with the Ecosophical Foundation for the Study of Literature and Environment at the Main Campus.
The conference aims to examine the intersections of literature, environmental thought and sustainability, while promoting interdisciplinary dialogue on climate change, ecological responsibility and the role of the humanities in addressing contemporary environmental challenges.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, highlighted the importance of academic engagement with pressing ecological concerns.
“Climate change is no longer a distant possibility but a lived reality. Universities have a responsibility to encourage critical reflection and generate knowledge that contributes to environmental awareness, sustainable practices and informed public discourse,” she said.
She added that literature and the humanities offer valuable perspectives for understanding the human dimensions of environmental crises and can play a meaningful role in shaping ecological consciousness.
Vice-Chancellor, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, in his address, highlighted the need for integrating scientific understanding with policy interventions and governance frameworks to address the challenges posed by climate change. He emphasized that sustainable development requires coordinated efforts involving academia, policymakers, communities and institutions working towards long-term environmental resilience.
Dean Academic Affairs KU, Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada, emphasized the significance of interdisciplinary research and academic collaborations in advancing discussions on sustainability and environmental stewardship. President, EFSLE, Dr. Rishikesh Kumar, spoke about the growing relevance of ecosophical approaches in literary and cultural studies.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Head, Department of English KU, Prof. Mufti Mudasir Farooqi, outlined the objectives of the conference and said the event seeks to create a platform for scholars, researchers and practitioners to deliberate on contemporary ecological issues through literary, cultural and interdisciplinary perspectives.
The two-day conference includes a keynote lecture by Prof. Diana J. Fox, Department of Anthropology, Bridgewater State University USA, plenary talks, technical sessions and paper presentations by scholars and researchers from India and abroad, focusing on climate action, sustainability, environmental humanities, ecocriticism and related themes. The proceedings of the inaugural session were conducted by Prof. Iffat Maqbool, faculty, Department of English KU.