Srinagar: The Department of English University of Kashmir on Friday organised an extension lecture by Ms Vinita Bakshi, author and social activist.
Founder of the non-profit organisation AAMBRA Foundation, Ms Bakshi is involved with women’s empowerment and skill development.
She delivered a talk on “Is Fiction Dying?” which was attended by faculty , research scholars and students of the department.
The speaker deliberated on the adverse effects of technology on creative imagination and pointed out the need for “authentic expression” in a world “where apps and emojis are being used for interpersonal communication”.
Later, Ms Bakshi read from her novel “31 Miles, Can We Ever Win Against Ourselves?”. The novel is an indictment of urban middle class morality and explores how technology has permeated our most personal and intimate spaces. The reading was followed by a lively interaction with the audience.
Dr Rafeeq Masoodi, former Additional Director General, Doordarshan New Delhi also shared the dais. Dr Masoodi, a noted writer, spoke on the decline in the reading habits of the present generation and stressed on the need for creating an enabling environment for aspiring writers.
HOD English Prof Nusrat Bazaz was also present on the occasion, while the proceedings of the event were conducted by Dr Iffat Maqbool, Associate Professor in the department.
