Aligarh: A five-day Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN) course on “Indian Women Diaspora: Preserving Linguistic and Cultural Identities” was on Tuesday inaugurated at the Women’s College, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). Held at the MMTTC Auditorium, the course explores how Indian women in diaspora contribute to preserving language, tradition, and cultural identity.
Delivering the presidential address, Chief Guest Prof. Mohammed Gulrez, Former Vice Chancellor, AMU, noted that diasporic women are often portrayed merely as labourers, but in reality, they have long played a pivotal role in conserving and transmitting cultural values across generations. Citing figures such as Jhumpa Lahiri and Mira Nair, he emphasised how Indian women abroad serve as powerful representatives of their heritage.
Guest of Honour Prof. Purnima Mehta Bhatt, Professor Emerita at Hood College, USA, said the theme was close to her heart, as she herself belongs to the Indian diaspora. She described the workshop as a journey of knowledge and self-discovery, aiming to bring women’s voices and experiences to the forefront of academic dialogue.
Guest of Honour Prof. Nishi Pandey from the Department of English and Modern European Languages, University of Lucknow, appreciated AMU’s initiative and stressed that women have always been repositories of language and culture. She explained how migration often compels women to redefine their identities while simultaneously preserving their linguistic and cultural roots.
In her inaugural address, Prof. Samina Khan, Chairperson, Department of English, AMU, reflected on the resilience of Indian women in the diaspora and the critical role of language in expressing identity. She said the GIAN platform strengthens both academic understanding and social consciousness on such important themes.
Prof. Masud Anwar Alavi, Principal, Women’s College, highlighted that GIAN provides students with unique opportunities to engage with global scholarship. He encouraged them to participate actively and ask questions to make the most of the academic interactions.
Prof. T. N. Satheesan, Dean, Faculty of Arts, AMU, spoke of India’s rich tradition of honouring women scholars, poets, and philosophers, and urged students to draw inspiration from this legacy. He wished the programme success and acknowledged its relevance in contemporary academic discourse.
Earlier, Course Coordinator Dr. Sadaf Fareed delivered the welcome address and introduced the theme of the course, highlighting how diasporic women serve as cultural ambassadors, navigating dual roles in their host and home countries.
Prof. M.J. Warsi, Local Coordinator, underlined that GIAN connects Indian institutions with international academia and plays a crucial role in advancing research and collaboration across borders.
Ms. Aiman Fatima delivered a formal vote of thanks. Proceedings were conducted by Ms. Syed Aqsa and Ms. Aniza Akhtar.
