11th Young Scholars’ International Seminar Showcases Flourishing Korean Studies in India

New Delhi, India — Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) recently played host to the 11th Young Scholars’ International Seminar on Korean Studies on October 25-26, 2024. Themed “Korean Studies in India & South Asia: An Inter-Cultural Perspective,” the seminar brought together an array of scholars from across the globe, providing a collaborative platform for presenting innovative research in the field of Korean studies.

Held at the School of Language, Literature, and Culture Studies (SLL&CS), the event saw contributions from renowned institutions such as JNU, University of Delhi, Jamia Millia Islamia, Seoul National University, and Kookmin University. Researchers explored diverse topics encompassing literature, language education, international relations, socio-economic issues, and more, demonstrating the expansive scope of Korean studies in India and South Asia.

The seminar commenced with an inaugural address by Dr. Kaushal Kumar, Assistant Professor at CKS, who welcomed attendees and underscored the growing significance of Korean studies in India’s academic landscape. Prof. Shoba Sivasankaren, Dean of SLL&CS, delivered congratulatory remarks, commending the Centre for Korean Studies for fostering a platform that bridges diverse academic and cultural insights.

A special address was given by Prof. Divik Ramesh, an esteemed literary scholar and former Principal of Motilal Nehru College. He highlighted the profound connections between Indian and Korean literary traditions, drawing a parallel between Han Kang’s recent Nobel Prize in Literature and Rabindranath Tagore’s historic win in 1913, which elicited a shared sense of Asian pride.

Prof. Ramesh captivated the audience with a recital of a Korean poem translated into Hindi, showcasing the power of literature as a medium of cross-cultural understanding.

A major highlight of the seminar was the launch of a five-volume series on Korean studies, adding substantial academic resources to the field. Spearheaded by Prof. Ravikesh, Registrar of JNU and a respected figure in Korean studies, this series emerged as part of an Academy of Korean Studies project.

The books include Dimensions of India and Korea Relations, edited by Prof. Ravikesh, and Some Aspects of Korean and Indian Literature by Prof. Divik Ramesh, among others.

Prof. Ravikesh explained that the books encapsulate collaborative scholarship involving contributions from experts across South Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar. He encouraged young scholars to engage with these texts and contribute to the continuing discourse in Korean studies.

Over the two days, the seminar featured ten sessions, each highlighting specific themes such as language pedagogy, cultural narratives, and international policy. Noteworthy presentations included Shreya Mishra from Yonsei University discussing the 1965 Japan-South Korea Normalization Treaty and its far-reaching implications. Rahul Kumar, a PhD scholar from JNU, presented his analysis of the Hindi translation of Lee Moon-Yeol’s celebrated novel Our Twisted Hero, focusing on transliteration and adaptation challenges.

Equally compelling were sessions that examined comparative cultural studies. Ankita Sahu’s analysis of gendered rituals in Confucian and Hindu practices drew attention to how traditional frameworks have influenced women’s rights in both Korea and India.

Goldi Ravindra Gajbhiye presented her paper on evolving gender roles in modern Korea, exploring the shift from the traditional “Good Wife, Wise Mother” archetype to the “New Woman” identity.

Other fascinating topics included Azar Hannan’s exploration of female representations in Korean and Indian folklore and Aadrita Srivastava’s analysis of the symbolic use of tigers in the folklore of both nations. The breadth of subjects demonstrated the seminar’s commitment to encouraging multidimensional research in Korean studies.

The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Ravikesh and Dr. Kaushal Kumar, expressing appreciation for the active participation and contributions from scholars and institutions. A certificate ceremony followed, celebrating the dedication of attendees and volunteers who made the event a success. The valedictory dinner provided an informal space for participants to reflect on the sessions and strengthen academic networks.

This year’s 11th Young Scholars’ International Seminar underscored the expanding influence of Korean studies in India and highlighted JNU’s vital role in nurturing this academic discipline. By fostering dialogues and bridging research across borders, the event emphasized the importance of continued cross-cultural engagement in a rapidly globalizing world. As interest in Korean studies grows, the seminar has set a benchmark for future scholarly interactions, promising deeper collaborations and enhanced understanding between the two regions.