A recently published book by Professor Sami Rafiq of the Department of English at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) was the subject of a literary discussion held at Wolfson College, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
The book, “Innocent Raptures: Stories on the Non-Human” (Hawakal, 2026), explores the intricate relationships between humans and the non-human world through a collection of thought-provoking stories.
Organised in a hybrid format, the event brought together students, researchers and faculty members from the University of Cambridge, while participants from different parts of the world joined virtually.
Speaking about the inspiration behind her work, Professor Rafiq reflected on how her childhood experiences and close interactions with animals and birds shaped her creative vision. She also stressed the importance of nurturing environmental consciousness among young people and encouraged them to develop a deeper sense of responsibility towards nature.
The discussion also featured remarks by Abdul Sabur Kidwai, a PhD scholar at King’s College London, and Dr Ayush Gaur of the Department of English, Aligarh Muslim University, who shared their perspectives on the book’s themes and literary significance.
The session was moderated by Madiha Noman, a PhD student at the University of Cambridge, who engaged the author in a wide-ranging conversation on issues, including environmental ethics, the portrayal of the non-human in literature, and the creative writing process.
The event concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, allowing participants to engage directly with the author, followed by a book-signing ceremony.
