Jane Austen @ 250 Seminar Highlights Enduring Relevance

• Jane Austen @ 250 seminar at MANUU opens in Hyderabad
• Jane Austen @ 250 draws scholars to discuss relevance and readings

Hyderabad: Jane Austen @ 250 took center stage at Maulana Azad National Urdu University as scholars and diplomats reflected on the novelist’s lasting impact. Speaking as chief guest at the inaugural session of the one day national seminar titled “Jane Austen @ 250: Relevance, Readings and Reimaginings”, Mr. Gareth Wynn Owen underlined Austen’s unique place in literary history. He described her as a writer who was ahead of her time, both as a novelist and as a woman author.

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“Jane Austen was far ahead of her time, not only as a novelist but also as a woman writer”, Mr. Gareth Wynn Owen said. He explained that Austen used wit and subtle social critique to question social roles and expectations. Therefore, her characters remain rich, diverse, and psychologically nuanced. He also said her works appeal to both young readers and mature audiences. As a result, her fiction remains accessible and enduring.

In his Presidential Remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Syed Ainul Hasan spoke about Austen’s enduring legacy. He said she left behind lasting values and memorable characters. Calling her works timeless, he referred to Pride and Prejudice as a high point of Romantic fiction. He said the novel blends emotion with sharp social criticism. He also observed that Austen began literary criticism much earlier than many formal English critics. Meanwhile, he noted that Indian literary, academic, and theatrical traditions, especially during the 1990s, drew strongly from British literary heritage.

Jane Austen @ 250 focuses on new readings and interpretations

Registrar Prof. Ishtiaque Ahmed said Jane Austen’s novels continue to inspire new readings across cultures and generations. Therefore, he said her work remains deeply relevant even today. Later, Prof. Gulfishaan Habeeb, Dean of the School of Languages, Linguistics and Indology, outlined the seminar’s objectives. She emphasized revisiting Austen’s works through contemporary critical lenses. Also, Prof. Mohd. Razaullah Khan, Director of the Centre for Distance and Online Education, highlighted the university’s focus on interdisciplinary dialogue and global literary engagement.

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Then, Prof. Kottacheruvu Nagendra, Head of the Department of English, proposed a vote of thanks. The seminar was organized by the School of Languages, Linguistics and Indology in collaboration with the Centre for Distance and Online Education, the Department of English, and the Cultural Activity Centre. Through Jane Austen @ 250, the university created space for fresh academic discussion on a writer whose influence continues to shape literary thought.

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