- Jane Austen 250 seminar explores relevance and reimaginings
- Jane Austen 250 seminar features national online academic events
A national academic event marking Jane Austen 250 will be held at Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad, with scholars and students coming together to reflect on the author’s lasting relevance. The School of Languages, Linguistics and Indology at MANUU, in collaboration with the Centre for Distance and Online Education, the Department of English, and the Cultural Activity Centre, is organising a one day online national seminar titled “Jane Austen @ 250: Relevance, Readings and Reimaginings” on December 16, 2025.
The Jane Austen 250 seminar aims to commemorate 250 years of the celebrated novelist through academic reflections and creative engagement. The organisers said the event will examine Austen’s continuing influence on literature and culture. Therefore, the programme combines scholarly discussion with interactive sessions designed to reach a wide academic audience.
According to Prof Gulfishaan Habeeb, Dean of the School of Languages, Linguistics and Indology, Mr Gareth Wynn Owen, British Deputy High Commissioner for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, will attend as the Chief Guest. Meanwhile, Prof Syed Ainul Hasan, Vice Chancellor of MANUU, will preside over the seminar. Prof Ishtiaque Ahmed, Registrar of MANUU, will also address the gathering during the inaugural session.
The Jane Austen 250 seminar will include a range of academic and creative activities. After the inaugural session, a round table discussion will take place, followed by online research paper presentations. These sessions will focus on different readings and interpretations of Jane Austen’s works. Also, a dedicated reading session on Jane Austen’s novels has been planned as part of the programme. Later, participants will present a retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, highlighting the novel’s adaptability and enduring appeal.
In addition to academic discussions, the organisers have scheduled several student centred events. Competitions for MANUU students will be held in categories such as Quotable Quotes, Quiz, Poster Presentation, and Essay Writing. These activities aim to encourage students to engage creatively with Jane Austen’s writings and ideas. Therefore, the seminar seeks to blend academic study with creative expression.
The Jane Austen 250 seminar reflects MANUU’s focus on literary studies and interdisciplinary dialogue. By hosting the event online, the university will allow wider participation from scholars and students across the country. The organisers said the seminar will provide a platform to revisit Jane Austen’s works while also exploring new readings and reimaginings relevant to contemporary times.
With national participation and a diverse programme, the seminar is expected to offer meaningful academic exchange and celebrate Jane Austen’s legacy on her 250th anniversary.
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